Embark on a horseback riding adventure in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where rugged trails and breathtaking vistas await riders of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced equestrian, here’s your guide to exploring Santa Fe on horseback.
Best Time of Year:
The optimal times for horseback riding in Santa Fe are spring and fall. During these seasons, temperatures are moderate, and the landscapes come alive with vibrant colors. Summer can be warm, but mornings and evenings offer cooler conditions for riding.
What to Expect:
Riding in Santa Fe promises a blend of scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure:
Scenic Trails: Traverse through diverse landscapes ranging from high desert plains to pine-clad mountains, offering stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain ranges.
Cultural Insights: Experience the rich heritage of the Southwest as you ride past historic adobe villages, ancient petroglyph sites, and remnants of Spanish colonial settlements.
Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the region’s pristine wilderness.
Top Places for Horseback Riding:
Vision Quest Western Horseback Riding and Lessons: at this Native American owned and operated ranch, you’ll find a family of docile and beautiful horses for horseback riding near Santa Fe. Tours are available year-round for lessons and rides for 1 to 3 hour excursions or you can book private trips by desired destination.
Santa Fe Western Adventures: Just 8 miles South of Santa Fe, this private family ranch offers horseback rides at Lone Butte on the Turquoise Trail. If you’re a movie buff, rides cut through areas where famous Westerns were filmed, which your friendly guides will point out.
Broken Saddle Riding Company: Weave through the scenic trails of the Cerrillos Hills State Park with this horseback riding company. The Madrid Overlook, Devil’s Canyon, Crooked Hat Canyon and Miner’s Trail are just a few of the local landmarks you might experience on your outing.
Cloud9 Trails: Most rides are in the Pecos Wilderness, in the Santa Fe National Forest. On the full day and half day rides, we will stop for a mid-way break for lunch, snacks, photos, or any on-foot exploring you might like to do. All of our rides are by reservation only, so it really is your ride. If you want to explore a particular part of the trail, or take a longer break to do some in depth photographing (or napping!), just let us know. Because we have set aside the day for your ride, we have a lot of flexibility once we hit the trail.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride through scenic valleys or a thrilling adventure in rugged terrain, horseback riding in Santa Fe promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Southwest’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Plan your ride, saddle up, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and majesty of Santa Fe’s wilderness on horseback.