Underneath the very civilized and sophisticated veneer that Scottsdale offers to the world lies the heart of an old Western town, and the best way to experience the untamed thrills of those forgotten days is with a ride through the desert atop a magnificent steed. Yes, we are talking about horseback riding, and when you want to give your 12-year-old daughter and your cowboy crazy son the thrill of a lifetime, these guided Scottsdale horseback riding tours will change the way they look at you forever! And for parents who are less than thrilled about the activity, coming home after a dusty trail ride to the urban comforts found in our I Love Scottsdale escapes will help set their world back to rights!
Cave Creek Outfitters, 31313 N 144th Street
Offering a variety of rides through the stunning beauty of the Arizona desert, the guides at Cave Creek Outfitters ensure that riders are well prepared for the adventures that lie ahead, providing canvas bags that hang from the saddle that offer a convenient place to hold your wallet, keys, water, and camera. The last item is the most important, of course, even in the desert, as the trail rides will take guests to some of the most scenic locations in the Scottsdale region. The rides they provide range from a simple hour-long trek to a three-hour adventure that includes cowboy games and a delicious cowboy lunch.
Wild West Horse Adventures, 31402 N 136th Street
Even roughing it can be a luxurious adventure, and Wild West Horse Adventures is proud to be all the proof you need. Taking guests along many of the same trails they may have hiked earlier in their Scottsdale visit, they also know the way to some of the most beautiful spots in the desert. Their sunset rides are a romantic experience that blends the breathtaking beauty of an Arizona sunset with the most important question in your life, should wedding bells be a consideration!
MacDonald’s Ranch, 26540 N Scottsdale Road
For a true Western experience, MacDonald’s horseback riding in Scottsdale, AZ is hard to beat. This ranch has been a local tradition since the 1950s, when they first started offering pony rides for $2 a pop. Today, the ranch is proud to offer a variety of trail rides, cowboy dinners, and even a much-loved pumpkin patch that opens its “gates” on October 1st—bringing back the pony rides for this special event! Their moonlight rides start at sunset and last an hour or an hour and a half and will bring a peaceful joy to your time on the trail.
Clean Off the Dust in Comfort
There’s no getting around it: desert rides are dusty, and horses offer up a certain aroma that can be easily washed away in our spacious and spa-like baths. Reserve your favorite I Love Scottsdale vacation home sanctuary today!
