Horseback Riding in Sedona: River Crossing at Dead Horse Ranch

Cross the river on horseback and ride the high country above Sedona

Horseback riding near Sedona at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, where you saddle up for a guided ride through hills and valleys, cross a river, and see Tuzigoot National Monument and the Verde Valley. The wranglers are licensed and certified. Children from age 6 are welcome. You choose between a 1-hour Cowboy Trail ride or a 1.5-hour Outlaw Trail that climbs to higher country where Sedona's red rocks show in the distance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride at Dead Horse Ranch

• Arrive at Dead Horse Ranch
• Meet experienced wranglers
• Saddle up for horseback ride
• Ride through hills and valleys
• Cross the river
• View Tuzigoot National Monument
• See Sedona Red Rocks and Canyons
• Enjoy panoramic Verde Valley views

The experience

The ride starts at Dead Horse Ranch, a short drive from Sedona, where the wranglers fit you with a saddle, tack and helmet. The 1-hour Cowboy Trail takes you through the ranch's hills and valleys. The 1.5-hour Outlaw Trail climbs higher and brings the red rocks and canyons into view. Both routes cross the river: one of the few horseback rides in the area that includes this. The wranglers share the history of the land as you go, and they keep an eye on first-timers to make sure the day stays comfortable.

On the longer ride, you'll see Tuzigoot National Monument, a pueblo ruin that sits on a ridge overlooking the Verde Valley. The panoramic views of the valley floor stretch out as you climb. The whole experience is built around what you do in the saddle, not what you watch from a vehicle, so the pace is set by the horses and the terrain, not a schedule.

What’s included

• Saddle, tack and helmet.
• licensed guide who shares the history of the land.
• river crossing on both routes.
• views of Tuzigoot National Monument on the 1.5-hour ride.

Options for this experience

2 options

1-hour Outlaw Trail RideGuide in English · 08:00, 12:00 and 13:30Length: 1 hour

1.5-hour Cowboy Trail RideGuide in English · 10:00 and 15:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 5 start times, from US$ 115.50 per person, with a live guide in English and as a private tour.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:30Last departure this season: 4 Mar 2027

GroupPrivate1 group tour ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Trail Horse Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the 1-hour Cowboy Trail if you want a shorter introduction to the ranch and its terrain. The 1.5-hour Outlaw Trail suits riders who want to climb higher and see Tuzigoot Monument and the Sedona red rocks from a distance. The extra half hour is what makes that view possible.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the 1-hour and 1.5-hour horseback rides in Sedona?

The Cowboy Trail ride lasts 1 hour and covers the hills and valleys of Dead Horse Ranch. The Outlaw Trail ride lasts 1.5 hours, climbs to higher country, and includes views of Tuzigoot National Monument and the red rocks of Sedona in the distance.

Do I need riding experience to book this horseback ride near Sedona?

No. The wranglers are experienced with riders of all levels, including nervous first-timers. Children from age 6 are welcome. The guides keep everyone safe and comfortable throughout the ride.

Is the river crossing difficult or dangerous?

The river crossing is part of the standard route on both rides. The wranglers lead you through it and manage the pace. It's included as part of what makes this one of the only horseback rides in the area with this feature.

What's included with the horseback ride?

The saddle, tack, helmet and in-person guide are included. The guide is licensed and certified and shares the history of Dead Horse Ranch and the surrounding land as you ride.

How far is Dead Horse Ranch from Sedona?

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is in Cottonwood, a short drive from Sedona. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer not to drive yourself.