Our hiking group of eleven stayed here in late June 2024 and had a great time. The hiking in the…read morearea is the draw with many lakes and the PCT nearby too. The cabins are basic and just fine; the lodge is comfortable and the included breakfasts and dinners were WONDERFUL. Lunch snacks were there to take with us hiking each day. Rob and his staff were gracious and made us feel at home. Ask Rob about cycling in the area!

I highly recommend the Gold Lake Lodge! Rob the owner- runs it and is head chef…read more We had the shrimp in butter and lemon as well as the smoked salmon with lemon and capers. We guessed it was liquid smoke- and poached- melted in my mouth. Amazing flavors! Veges were great- and had Brewers LAIR IPA on tap! We will definitely go back with friends. Can only make a rese- so make it in advance. Very reasonable and the flavors were top shelf.

A family-owned business with beautiful, well-trained horses and gorgeous trails right in the fun…read morelittle town of Graeagle California! Could not be any better than this! Make sure to bring the whole family for this unforgettable experience!

I booked my trip to Greenhorn Ranch over six months ago. My daughter wanted to visit a dude ranch…read morefor her graduation trip. I started out a bit cynical about the high pricing per day per person of all the dude ranches I investigated and drove to Greenhorn probably in more of a negative skeptical headspace than I should have. If you read any of my reviews you will see that I'm also a tough customer and critical but fair reviewer. So when I say that if I could I would give this place TEN STARS, take that to heart. It's in an absolutely dreamlike location, a 60 acre ranch dropped in the middle of a 500,000 acre idyllic forest with over 60000 acres of accessible trails. The place is laid out like a small western town with saloon and chuck house to eat. The rooms were surprisingly stylish comfortable and well appointed. The shower had great pressure and hot water and our creekside cabins sat on the stream with a view. The food is basic, ribs and chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch but that what I like and I will say everything including the steaks were well flavored and cooked perfectly. Is the place overpriced. Yes but I would gladly and happily return so I guess it's worth it. I've been to many horse riding places including Arizona and Wyoming and I have never seen healthier or more beautiful well cared for horses anywhere. There were over 60 horses and literally every single one was magnificent and well trained. They also carefully review your preference and skill sheets and make sure to find you the perfect horse both to match your skill level and desire. I always wanted to ride a paint like Little Joe from Bonanza and when I got to the corral for my first ride there was a stunning paint with blonde mane and blue eyes waiting for me. The rides are indescribable with valleys and vistas and mountains and it's more like exploring the frontier than a typical nose to tail operation. THE STAFF: I don't know where to begin. The office staff including and especially Stella and the kitchen folks and every single person we met was welcoming warm kind friendly and charming . And genuine. They made us feel like family and we made fast friends some my daughter may have made for life . I have never been anywhere including luxury 5 star resorts with a better staff or better service . The wranglers including Kadence, Katie, Avery, Jim (Sebastian) and Adrian were actual genuine cowboys, incredible skilled riders and wranglers, consummate professionals who put safety first while making every ride more enjoyable and memorable than the last. Troy the bartender was fun and funny smart and entertaining and a hell of a mixologist. He made me custom creations better than any I've had in upscale clubs and restaurants in NYC. One day I was out by the pond and as I drained my water glass he appeared with a water pitcher and a towel over his arm like a sommelier pouring me wine . He said "more water sir?" The whole thing was a joke and we shared a laugh. My 22 old daughter was heartbroken when we left and we have been all over the world and I've never seen her feel that way about anywhere including Maui or Paris. We are planning on going back in October and probably the rest of our lives . Run don't walk to Greenhorn with your whole extended family. Ten Stars!

This was the best place for a family vacation! We stayed for a week and made the best memories!read more

I always wanted to do horseback riding in Tahoe! Finally, was able to today. I called ahead the day…read morebefore and was booked for the next day. There's plenty of parking available and in the office is where you'll sign some paperwork and pay. It was $60 for an hour ride. You're allowed to bring your phone and a Fanny pack. I was placed with a group, so we were a total of 5, including the guide. I know for next time to book for the two hour session. There's a bit of uphill and downhill on the trail. The trail is pretty worn in and I felt so comfortable on the horse I was on. I got placed with the horse named Blue. Genuinely loved the experience and found it so calming. I'd love to do it again whenever I'm in Tahoe again.

The whole experience was wonderful! Emily was our guide and she was so nice and engaged with us…read morethroughout the ride. We went with out two young kids who have never ridden before, but that was not an issue at all. They intentionally picked horses for each of us and we all felt very comfortable the whole ride with our horses. The trail was peaceful and such a beautiful ride. Definitely recommend this location for others.

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Piping Rock Horses! My sister and I both agreed it was…read morethe best horseback ride we've ever done. Our guide, Kiera, was fantastic -- knowledgeable, relaxed, encouraging, and clearly wonderful with both people and horses. The scenery was breathtaking, and the ride felt like a real adventure rather than just following a trail in a line. We crossed a beautiful river twice, rode through gorgeous mountain terrain, and truly got to experience the landscape. My horse, Buckwheat, was such a character and made the ride even more fun. We especially appreciated that the ride felt personal, peaceful, and authentic. You can tell the horses are well cared for and that the guides genuinely love what they do. Highly, highly recommend this experience if you're looking for a scenic and memorable ride in the Truckee/Tahoe area!

Amazing trail ride!! This is a beautiful facility! The staff are super friendly. The horses are…read morebeautiful and very well cared for. Our trail ride was amazing, stunning views all the way through!!!!

Vaquera ranch was so delightful. There were so many horses, goats, and sheep that lined the fields…read moreand the rooms were just so charming and thoughtfully put together with a delightful horse theme. The kids had a great time feeding and petting the animals and riding the horses. It was such a peaceful getaway and Pam the host was so charming and helpful. The nearby towns of Penn Valley and Nevada city were higher end then a lot of the other western towns I had been to around California and had some great dining options. We were able to visit the mining museum and stop over in Tahoe to see some snow for the kids. The estate also had a great hot tub and we were able to bbq steaks at night and there was plenty of outdoor space for dining. We had a great restful time and it was a great weekend getaway. Pam even made us home made breakfast and dinner which was also delightful! Highly recommend!

(VRBO is a pain the &$%#, book through her site or direct contact)…read more I booked a weekend at Vaquera Ranch, I'll never forget it. I searched and searched for the perfect place and this was it. I was traveling with family and friends, including two energetic 7 year old girls who are nuts for animals (with the attention span of a gnat). Pam's place is majestic, a quick hour to skiing, hiking, etc. At first we felt we were MILES into the sticks but once we got our bearings it was a very quick 10-minute drive out to the store. We didn't cook much but if we had to there were pots and pans, a nice-sized cuisinart hot plate (everything there is top of the line!!), a Kuerig coffee pot with biodegradable pods (which we appreciated). The wine fridge was enough to keep some groceries if you wanted. And by groceries, I stored beer in there. The kids loved movie night on the big screen TV, doing crafts around the beautiful kitchen table, and of course going down to see the horses. The large tub, we couldnt get them out of it...which was absolutely perfect, they were filthy at the end of each day! We enjoyed the massive show the sky gave us come night time! Stars galore! Pam was over the top generous with her time. Memories of the ranch and the space Pam has created for her furry, four-legged family will live warmly in our hearts until we return.

We had a fantastic ride with Skip on the ranch! The horses are well maintained along with the tack…read more Super friendly and fun adventure all around! I highly recommend! We will both come back.

I worked with Skip in Sedona when he started Red Moon Ranch. He sent me a former jumper for a tune…read moreup and said he would split the proceeds on the sale of the horse. I have trained all my life and said I would be happy to help. The horse was recovering from laminitis. I did all the basic ground work and liberty work with the gelding. The horse seemed shut down but performed well for me. I then did four trail rides on the horse and he was quiet and docile. On the fifth ride, while I had the gelding in a soft jog, he threw me harder than any horse I have ever ridden. ( I've only been thrown twice) There was no warning. I broke my neck and had numerous other injuries. Many weeks later a friend of Skips asked me why I took in such a problem horse that had violently thrown 7 other people. I was aghast, as Skip had never told me this was a dangerous horse that waited to get its rider. He never said the horse had even bucked. Not too long before I took the gelding in for training (WHY DIDNT SKIP DO IT?) Skip asked me to do liberty work with a woman and her horse. I agreed. The session went superbly well and I was pleased with the result as I had never met the horse. He later told me I made him look bad. I should have taken that as a warning on any future business dealings with him. I am lucky as I am not paralyzed. I had to quit training for a living though. This man is a con artist and a former Hells Angel. Go to someone who has wonderful credentials and a record of safety.

The Dixie fire in 2021 tore through the town of Greenville decimating it…read more The camp is currently in a rebuilding phase and I don't know when it will reopen. I can tell you that my experience there as a camp aid back in 1986 was amazing and unforgettable. It is an international camp. So I got to meet and work with many campers from all over the world. I did things that I never thought I'd ever get to do, waterskiing for one. I learned to ride a horsey and camp out at some amazing locations with scenery that would reset your soul for enlightenment.

Coppercreek Camp is an excellent place to send your younglings. 3rd generation family owned and…read moreoperated. Fun, exploration of what counts in life, excellently trained staff for all kinds of amazing activities. The horse program is stellar from learning how to ride to advanced and care for horses and mini horses. I love to going to this camp. Check it out for your younglings

We love Feather River Camp! We just finished our 11th straight year there. Always go during Garage…read moreBand Week (now called Family Music Week). First year we went our daughter was 5 and our son was 13 months and took his first steps at camp. My husband had been hesitant to do what he didn't consider "real camping", but after experiencing Feather River Camp with our two young children and not having to cook or clean for an entire week, we were sold! There are even supervised activities for kids starting at age 2 every morning after breakfast, so moms and dads can go on a more challenging hike, do arts and crafts, or just go chill with a good book. And its' all included in one very reasonable price!!! The swimming hole is safe, with plenty of shallows, with a little damn keeping kids from going downstream. There is also plenty of deep enough area to actually swim and many other super-cool swimming holes nearby, with waterfalls, rocks to jump off at heights from tame to terrifying and everything else you'd expect from a Sierra river trip. Our daughter is now 15 and we've managed to convince her friend's family to come the past two years, which is nice for the teenagers. Our son is 11 which I think is probably the ultimate age to be a boy at camp running around like a wild-man with other kids.Most of our close family meet us there each year, now, too, and we have made new friends every year, who we always look forward to seeing again at camp. This camp seems to attract the nicest, friendliest people. I know we've convinced a lot of first-timers to make it a new tradition. Come and make it yours, too-- we'll see you at camp!

Our second year and we can't wait to come back every summer! This is a basic but massively…read moreenjoyable family camp. Swimming holes, mess halls, camping tents... kids can be free range in a safe environment and parents can relax and play. And no screen time (or screen time arguments). A wonderful way for families and friends to connect.

Dani is absolutely wonderful to work with! Very friendly, personable, and accommodating. I would…read moreabsolutely recommend her for anyone looking to get into horseback riding, shows, or working with your horse. Conveniently located for those of us in the Valleys as well!