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Back in the early days of Sedona history, horseback (and muleback) was the only mode of transportation in the high Sonoran  desert. Today, horseback rides and cowboy dinners count among the favorites for visitors to the area. This is a great way to connect with Sedona's remarkable landscape and experience the vast desert landscapes from the perspective of the old cowboys. Visitors arrive from all across the world; beginners or experts, singles, couples or large groups, families with children – they all come for the same thing... a day on the trail.
Several ranches in the area offer guided rides on gentle and experienced trail horses, ranging from one to four hours in the saddle. If you haven´t been on a horse recently, we recommend no more than a two-hour ride, even if you´re wearing padded britches – you might just be walking home like an old, bow-legged cowboy if you overextend yourself. Horseback riding in Sedona takes place throughout the year; however, if you are in Sedona in the hotter summer months, we recommend either early morning or late afternoon sunset rides to avoid the scorching midday heat of the high Sonoran desert.
Please be aware that there are no commercial horse rides on the red rocks of Sedona, for fear of the overuse of a very fragile environment. The ranches and stables operate a few miles out of town but nonetheless have pristine desert scenery to offer. The local ranches and stables that offer horseback riding are operated by friendly, experienced cowgirls and cowboys. They are happy to assist you in mounting and dismounting your horse along with ample instruction and safety orientation.
There is no question that one of the best ways to experience Arizona's cowboy country is on horseback. Get in the saddle and feel like you´re in an old western, weaving through prickly pear cactus and mesquite trees, descending into hidden gulches and crossing gently flowing rivers, listening to the old cowboy stories your guide has to offer.
A horseback rides introduce you to tour one of the most unique environments in the world, where the desert meets the pine forest – junipers and succulents grow side by side here. Marvel at the beautiful stalks of the agave plants that are the natural resource of Tequila, learn about the soap root yucca and the pitch of the pinion pine that was once used to seal baskets. Look out for eagles, black hawks and vultures commanding the sky above the desert, and count the lizards basking on the rocks. A horseback ride bonds you with the land; it allows you time to take in the spirit of this region and learn about the unique ecosystem that makes Sedona so special. Mount your pony and experience Sedona the old-fashioned way!
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