Trailhead Ranch - Cave Creek

(228 reviews)

2.7 mi

Why did I wait 13 years to return here for a trail ride!!?? The hour and a half ride with our…read moreguide Cara was both enjoyable and exceptional. There were two of us so we able to explore more trails and hear from Cara about the local area and the abandoned gold mine. The staff at check-in was Friday friendly and helpful. If you want, you can go Western and wear boots and cowboy hats! Of course I had to give my horse Lincoln a treat at the end of a fun ride!

Bought my bf a sunset ride because he had never been horse back riding. We ability loved it. Lance…read morewas our guide and he was so friendly and helpful. The girls giving instructions were really nice as well. I borrowed some boots for my ride which was really nice. We rode Rocket and Monida. Would totally recommend!

Sunset ride

Trail

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Crave Creek Trail Ride

Western Destinations

(101 reviews)

10.4 mi

We had an incredible experience! Kendace was an amazing guide and instructor. She was friendly,…read moreprofessional, incredibly knowledgeable, and communicated everything clearly, making us feel comfortable from start to finish. The ranch is absolutely beautiful, and the horses are well cared for and wonderful to ride. One of our favorite parts was the tour through the little Western town--it was such a unique experience and really brought the area's history to life. You can tell this land is full of rich history and has been cared for with pride. This experience exceeded our expectations, and we absolutely got our money's worth. If you're looking for an authentic Arizona adventure with great people, beautiful horses, and fascinating history, I highly recommend visiting. We can't wait to come back!

Great experience! Our guide Bob was so informative and fun…read more You can't ask for better scenery!

Fresh flowers on all the tables outside in the western town area

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Wrangler Bill taking care of the youngest grandchild

MacDonald's Ranch

4.5

(300 reviews)

6.1 mi

We love MacDonalds Ranch! This is our happy place! We adore the animals in the petting zoo. I…read morerecommend Macdonalds Ranch to all my friends and family because it is such a rare gem in Arizona. The petting zoo is free, but they do accept donations. We enjoy petting the goats, sheep and little ponies. We were especially excited to see 3 baby goats today- they were the cutest. We love supporting this local business- go check them out! You can also hold company events or parties here too! We also love coming here in the fall for their pumpkin patch!

We had a great field trip but it was just SO SMELLY I wish they picked up after the animals more…read more I've been to plenty ranches and they never smelled this bad :(

Riding was so easy and fun!

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Canyon Creek Ranch

(99 reviews)

22.0 mi

Amazing location ! So much more than just a horseback ride. The town was a blast and Cowboy Bob our…read moreguide was a good time and wealth of information. Highly recommend

Here are some great photos to go along with the review I already posted! This is definitely an…read moreadventure to bring the whole family on!

ATV ride from the trail ride area to the old western town

Fun day in the desert.

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Wrangler Rusty teaching our boys a Horse Shoe variation game

MTM Ranch Horseback Adventures

4.3

(38 reviews)

5.0 mi

Such a fabulous ride on well behaved horses. Patty is amazing and busting at the seams with…read moreknowledge. I saw all learned so much on our ride. As a seasoned horse rider I wasn't sure about taking a "trail" ride, I am so happy we did it was a lot of fun and an amazing experience I will forever hang on to. Thank you Patty

I've been to several horseback trail riding outfits in the valley and his is by far the best. We…read morehad 3 adults in our party and got a private 2 hr ride with a wrangler and wrangler in training. The wrangler was knowledgeable about some of the flora and fauna in the area. We saw some wildlife too! A rattlesnake and deer. The trail was just challenging enough to make us feel like we hadn't done this before. The horses were incredibly clean!! I can't state this enough. After our ride we noticed that our pants were actually clean enough to go about our day without changing. Loved it. Highly recommend!!

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MTM Ranch Adventure

Rockaway Hills Ranch

(2 reviews)

3.0 mi

What a great day! The scenery is so beautiful, you feel like you have escaped reality. Rockaway…read moreHills Ranch, trail rides, lessons, boarding - they have it all. Amy is awesome - lives on property always available, loves the horses and great with her clients and friends. All ages will love spending time with Amy! I can not wait until my next ride and lesson. Give her a call today --- Rockaway Hills Ranch 480-998-2388 or 480-488-3999

What an Awesome Place!!! My family has had no experience with horses outside of a few laps around…read morethe barn at festivals or other local ranches. My daughter had been begging for riding lessons, and it was very difficult for us to find a reputable ranch to instruct her at such a young age. She started her lessons at Rockaway Hills Ranch at five years old and I couldn't be more pleased, Amy has exceeded my expectations for her as an instructor, she is patient, knowledgeable, and very friendly. I love that her lessons include learning to saddle the horse and riding techniques for young children, as my daughter was accustomed to just being thrown on a horse and lead around by a rope in the past. During her first lesson she rode (Daisy) all on her own in a small round pin (under Amy's guidance) with no lead rope. Since we've started our lessons my daughter has become more confident around horses and is even able to do some trotting, her passion for horses has grown exponentially since she began going to Rockakway Hills Ranch. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in lessons!

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Windwalker Expeditions

4.5

(18 reviews)

3.8 mi

This review is long overdue - back in May, my fiance and I went horseback riding with Joseph at…read moreWindwalker Expeditions. We had such a phenomenal time, the experience couldn't have been any better. Joseph knew everything there is to know about the desert, the plants, and the wildlife. He was able to answer any question we had, while also providing additional information. He was very kind, patient, and supportive while we were learning how to horseback ride (we each had gone when we were kids, but hadn't been on a horse in more than a decade). He also helped us take photos and videos, so now it's very special to look back on our experience and see those photos and videos. The horses were absolutely beautiful and it really seems like Joseph takes wonderful care of them. We had the absolute best time and are so grateful for Joseph. Also, special thanks to Shelly for all the hard work she put in to getting us scheduled and letting us know how to prepare. Thank you so much Joseph and Shelly!

Joseph was absolutely amazing! He was so knowledgeable about everything and made our experience…read morejust perfect! We will definitely be doing this again!

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On the trai

Knot Quite A Ranch

(3 reviews)

5.3 mi

I don't think the ranch exists anymore, maybe I'm just being sentimental writing here but this is…read moreone of my favorite memories to think back on! I went regularly for lessons at about 9 years old, I miss it a ton!

Best horse back lessons out there. The owner Sarah is awesome working with kids & adults.read more

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Cool Your Jets

Arizona Horseback Adventures

4.0

(117 reviews)

5.8 mi

I never even heard of this place and I was very fortunate to have been asked to go to a fundraiser…read moreat the establishment. Honestly, there's so many wonderful places like this that take in animals, especially horses that are going to the kill shelter or that have been abused. The same way how they help people connect to the horses. Horses are so healing and wonderful. It's hard to phantom how anyone could abuse any animals. As I walked around, I was able to enjoy the property and to learn more about the program. I really can't wait to go back, I think I missed a few animals. I want to ride a horse and to see more, but to really talk to the owners. They, are extremely passionate. This area is beautiful and I can't wait to discover it on horseback. Thanks again for such a fun night, Great chuck wagon food, and music.. I WOULD RECOMMEND

My daughters and I have done a few horseback riding tours in the Phoenix area and its always a…read moregreat way to get out in nature and take in the scenery a little differently. The staff is very friendly and accommodated a last minute schedule change with incredible courtesy. My reason for 4 stars is we booked a 1.5 hour tour and our tour was about 1 hour and 10 or 15 minutes, so a little short. The area for the ride was easy to find with Apple maps and the surroundings were gorgeous.

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Bartlett Lake

4.4

(40 reviews)

19.6 mi

When I am looking for a place to run my motorcycle to, Bartlett lake is always front of the list in…read moremy mind. With nicely maintained roads running out of Cave Creek to the lake it's always a pleasant ride. There is a cafe there if you want to have lunch, which overlooks the lake as well. Every time I am there it makes me want to get a houseboat and ditch city life. One of these days maybe.

We decided to drive over to check out the nearby Horseshoe Dam in hopes to catch the spillway…read morerelease and the waterfall it creates into the Verde River and then head over to Bartlett Lake to see the start of the wildflower blooms. Totally worth seeing both when in the area. The drive was beautiful. Water levels are a bit low, but still amazing. The flowers are already in bloom, but will be even better by end of February into March if you'd love to see them. I love poppies but there are so many more flowers also in bloom, to see the best area I'd recommend the area just before Rattlesnake Cove . There is a small trail with roadside parking if lucky. Or can park in the cove parking and small hike back up to area. You do need to pay for a rec pass if parking and spending the day. You can purchase at stores nearby or roadside spots you'll see along the way. Traffic wasn't too bad today but as it warms up and flowers more in bloom be prepared. There is also a restaurant near the boat dock as well.

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Tammy C.

0

28

1

7 years ago

I can't say enough good things about Trailhead Ranch. This is the second time Ive been there in the last 2 weeks and can't wait to go again. Today was a 4 hour ride up into the mountains. The views, the blooming desert, the trails and the people made it absolutely spectacular. I was lucky enough to have the owner/Russ and his beautiful ranch hand Ava as my guides. So much fun to have such friendly knowledgeable people to ride with. This is not like any other equestrian center Ive been to in the past. No large groups or tired worn out horses. Russ has a real love for his horses and guest having a fabulous experience. This is the real deal!!! read more

Bridget G.

0

45

15

10 years ago

Best horseback experience ever! My husband, mother in law, and myself went on this awesome desert trail (with owner as well) and had a great time! Our guide took time to point out some cool landmarks, cracked some jokes, and all around made it a very fun experience. It was also very relaxing and not that hot out. Our ride lasted 1.5 hours and we paid a VERY good price. Other places were asking the same price for 30mins less! It was also nice because we got to pick our time, and it was only my family on the trail. Which was also pretty great! We will be back to do a different path way if we ever find ourselves here in AZ again. read more

Gilbert B.

0

1

0

10 years ago

Happened to be in Scottsale on X-Mas week and our daughters spontaneously asked to go on a horse-trail ride. Called up Trailhead and got to ride with Russ, best horseback experience ever. There were openings since it was slow for Xmas week and the weather was perfect. Our daughters were 9 and 13 and loved every minute of it. Russ was great - the horses were great. There was even an intern from the ranch on the ride who was there on her winter break from a college. All in all worth every penny!!! I can't say enough about the value, expertise and quality. read more

Lisa E.

0

1

0

9 years ago

Everything we read about Russ was true - just a great guy, with a great sense of humor, who made the ride so much fun. He really wants his guests to have a great experience and makes sure they do. My husband had never been on a horse before and we rode for 2 1/2 hours. We live on the East coast, but I will definitely try to make a trip to his ranch anytime we are in AZ. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. read more

Marla E.

0

4

0

7 years ago

I had an amazing trail ride on my birthday last month. Stormy and Russ (the owner)both took me out. They were fun to talk to and shared information of the surrounding area while riding. We crossed a couple of creeks (which was so fun) did a bit of trotting and loping. The scenery was beautiful and it was a great ride. I highly recommend trailhead ranch. Can't wait to return again. read more

Dawna R.

0

1

0

13 years ago

Riding the desert trails with Russ (and a sweet horse named Tank) was a favorite part of my VERY NICE vacation at the Boulders. We were each paired with a horse appropriate to our experience. Touring the desert park lands was fun, interesting and terrific for the soul. The Trailhead Ranch is conveniently close to the Scottsdale area. I hope to return! read more

Jennifer M.

0

2

0

11 years ago

Russ was an exceptional guide! We had the best day and the trail was outstanding with old stagecoach road and old gold mine site. The trail had ancient markings on rocks as you traveled through the terrain. The horses are wonderful and very accommodating for all levels of riders. read more

Sarah N.

57

25

0

14 years ago

Russ is awesome. We had a great time! Our 4 year old did great on the horse thanks to Russ. We showed up unannounced and he still took great care of us. Definitely recommend! read more

Sarah D.

0

14

4

9 years ago

We had an excellent experience with Russ. Two adults and two 11 year old-s, all novice riders. Russ was patient and encouraging and really made it a fun day. read more

Arthur S.

91

6

0

11 years ago

Russ is an awesome guy, great trail rides on well looked after, and fed horses.... The best place to trail from in the area... read more

Nicole K.

0

3

0

10 years ago

loved this place. great trail.

Trailhead Ranch - Cave Creek - horsebackriding - Updated August 2026

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Cave Creek Trail Rides

(228 reviews)

Why did I wait 13 years to return here for a trail ride!!?? The hour and a half ride with our…read moreguide Cara was both enjoyable and exceptional. There were two of us so we able to explore more trails and hear from Cara about the local area and the abandoned gold mine. The staff at check-in was Friday friendly and helpful. If you want, you can go Western and wear boots and cowboy hats! Of course I had to give my horse Lincoln a treat at the end of a fun ride!

Bought my bf a sunset ride because he had never been horse back riding. We ability loved it. Lance…read morewas our guide and he was so friendly and helpful. The girls giving instructions were really nice as well. I borrowed some boots for my ride which was really nice. We rode Rocket and Monida. Would totally recommend!

Cave Creek Outfitters

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(114 reviews)

We came for a bachelorette and we had so much fun! It was my first time horse back riding and I was…read moreso scared but the guys are there to guide you and the horses to make sure we stay on path. It was such an amazing time!

Super fun trip and amazing employees!…read more My group of 3 booked the 1.5 hour horseback ride and we were joined by another group of 4. Rick led our group on the ride and Lex followed. They were kind, funny, and very helpful. They took us on a great relaxing ride and by the end of it I felt like an experienced rider! The horses were beautiful and very easy to ride. They fit us for our size compared to their horses before and gave us instructions and information on how to ride and deal with the horses. They gave us a water bottle for our trip too. The trail was beautiful and scenic and it was nice to pet and love on the horse too. Plenty of photo ops and Rick stopped and took photos for us on the horses! I would absolutely recommend Cave Creek Outfitters for a beautiful ride in the Tonto Forest. Thank you guys!!

Bein Performance Horses

3.8

(4 reviews)

Amazing riding instructors and top notch care for the horses! Whether you are just starting out…read moreriding, or are an experienced horsemen, BPH is the place for you!

I wish I could leave a good review for this facility as my girls were super excited to get to ride…read morehere! We recently relocated to Arizona from another state and were very excited at the opportunity the new ESA program offers for homeschooling families (and others) in the state. Both of my girls love horses and riding so much and horseback riding lessons are not something our family could afford to do without the assistance of ESA funds. We did one lesson at Bein Performance Horses with Miss Kelly, and both of my daughters had such a good time. Miss Kelly was a wonderful and kind instructor and we were very pleased with the facility overall. When I requested to receive a copy of the facility's credentials in order to have our payment through ESA approved, the owner refused to provide it saying that she was not willing to provide credentials for the purpose of ESA funds (I spoke with the accounting manager on the phone and she was relaying the owner's response to me). It was not expounded upon as to why so I can't give more specifics to her reasons other than what I was told, which wasn't much. So while our girls may have had an opportunity to foster their love for equestrian disciplines, they instead are being excluded from the opportunity on the basis of the owner's opinions. Certainly she has the right to run her business how she chooses, but it is heartbreaking to me that my children are discriminated against in this way. The ironic thing is, we moved to Arizona partly because we thought that we'd be less discriminated against in our homeschool endeavors in this state than where we came from. I'm sure many families who can outright afford to send their children here will be blessed by the instructors' great care and knowledge, but for any families who were hoping to have their children attend here with the assistance of ESA funding, be warned that you and your children will likely not be welcomed by this facility. I want to add that before officially submitting this review, after speaking with the accounting person on the phone about this matter, I did attempt to email Bein Performance at the email listed on their website and it bounced back saying it was undeliverable. I also reached out via the contact form on their website and it said, "failed to submit". In one last effort to reach out, I messaged on their instagram account as well but no one ever looked at the message or responded. I wanted to give one last opportunity for the business to clarify their position before I wrote this, but all my attempts at communication were unsuccessful.

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(10 reviews)

Lady who runs it didnt remember what time she booked me so I had to wait 30 minutes, luckily I had…read moresome free time that day. In the meantime I got to pet and give treats to horseS n because I got the class so cheap on groupon i didnt mind. The classes themselves were ok I learned the basics, but she gives constant directions which isnt very relaxing. I think she is good for kids or beginners learning to ride. Bring ur own helmet, as she doesnt provide them.

Learned a fair amount from Kris. Sadly when it was time to lease a horse and I had paid for the…read morelease to show, she sold the horse I was leasing within two weeks of starting the lease.... And didn't refund the remaining lease, and I didn't have a horse I could show. Unfortunate was to end a professional relationship.

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This is absolutely the best place if you want your horses to be cared for by true horse men and…read morewomen. Also a great place for children to learn basics up to the Grand Prix. They also have a great kids camp I cannot say enough good things about the people and the facility. Hard to find honest hard-working trainers and horse people these days. I have known the family for 30 years and will start my girls riding there next year when they turn five. I may start them in the summer camp this summer because I think it's so great when they meet friends through Horses. We have horses at home but it's nice to have the barn atmosphere and the friendships that goes with it. This is the place for your horse or your child if you truly want quality and kindness.

Twin Acres School of Riding

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I've been riding with Janice for about a year now after a 20+ year hiatus from riding and can't…read morerecommend Twin Acres enough. She is incredibly knowledgeable about all things equestrian and she's unbelievably patient with riders. Her horses are well cared for (you might even say spoiled) and even tempered so they are great for beginners and those who already know their stuff. If you are in the Phoenix metro area and have any interest in riding, this is the place to go.

My 10 year old granddaughter is a student here and as a grandfather that has had no exposure to…read morelarge farm animals, this place is like a fantasy for me when I attend her lessons and festivities here I can only remember one of the owners name I believe is Janice, who is like an angel with these horses and children. She is patient caring and exceptionally good with children. My three grandkids adore her. My youngest is only seven and the time Janice spends with her on the few times I've witnessed are exceptionally sweet and caring. The seven year old isn't even a member. She loves to watch and help whenever able. This is a wonderful place for children and adults, so yes I do recommend this place and this is coming from a scaredy-cat of all large animals lol thank you Janice and everyone that works here. YouYou are well loved.gosh I hope I got her name right!

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Samantha Walker Performance Horses