More Trail Rides Photos

Horseback Trail Rides Your trip to the Valley will be a memory that you enjoy very much and not soon forget. You will leave the city and enjoy the peaceful and scenic Sonoran Desert on one of our horses. MacDonald's Ranch is proud of our gentle and friendly horses. We are devoted to our horses and ensure that each horse is in its top condition. Be sure to tell our wranglers how much riding experience you have and they will choose a horse you will enjoy. Even if you have never ridden a horse before, we have the right mount for you. After you are mounted, one of our wranglers will lead you down scenic trails with endless views of saguaros and desert wildlife. To the east you will see the McDowell Mountains and Camelback Mountain to the south.

Why ride with us?
If you are a beginner, small child, or have never ridden before and are a little worried we have the perfect desert terrain for you. You do not need to be nervous since our trails do not go over mountains or down steep hills. Our terrain is very easy to ride on and there are a lot of beautiful desert plants and scenery to gaze at, as you relax on horseback. We always take the time before you depart on your ride to teach you how to stop, turn, and make your horse move forward. And while you are out on your ride we will educate you on our desert plants, wildlife, and history if you would like.

Intermediate riders have the opportunity to learn about our Sonoran Desert, Wildlife, Plants, and history of the West. If you would like, our wranglers will take the time to show you how to enhance your riding skills, while taking the opportunity to see what our stunning desert has to offer.

For our experienced riders out there, our trails do not go over mountains or down steep hills. That will allow you to trot and lope since the Valley’s mountains are usually very rocky. If you do not mind riding at a regular pace you are welcomed to book a standard trail ride. If you wish for something with a little more speed we have PRIVATE rides available upon request. Please note we can only go as fast as your abilities allow.

Private Rides
Beginners:
Private rides are not merely for experienced riders. We offer these rides for a variety of individuals at many different riding levels. Whether it is just your close family and friends with a wrangler to enjoy the scenery; or if you would like to take the time to get more comfortable on a horse without the company of other riders, then we recommend a private ride.

Intermediate:
If you are interested in some instruction on the trail to improve your riding abilities, the private rides are just right for you. You are still able to enjoy the scenery and relax while your wrangler shows you a few more skills, like your balance, pose, and just getting a little more advanced on your horse.

Experienced:
For our experienced riders out there, our trails do not go over mountains or down steep hills. That will allow you to trot and lope since the Valley’s mountains are usually very rocky. With the help of your guide we can fulfill your riding expectations. Please note we can only go as fast as your abilities allow.

Restrictions:
Our minimum riding age is 5 years old, if you have a child that is younger than 5 please look below. Our weight limit is 260lbs.

Additional Fun for Families
We offer FREE pony rides for the little ones (please tip the person that leads your pony), a new huge walk in petting zoo filled with fun critters to pet, Horseshoe games, Steer heads to rope and a Gem. Mine to look for some silver and golden rocks.

If you rather have your family stay all together, we could also do a Stagecoach ride for you, which doesn’t have any weight or age restrictions. Please look at our Stagecoach ride site for more info.
 

What should I wear?
We recommend you wear close toe shoes or boots and jeans for horseback rides and hayrides. Layering tops and shirts may help prepare for unpredictable warm or cold weather. Expensive jewelry or valuable items that may easily get lost are better left behind. 

Horseback Trail Riding Times & Prices: 

Summer: (May 16^th to September 15^th )

·         Closed: Mondays

·         Open from 7:00am to 11:00am

·         CLOSED  during the middle of the day

·         Open AGAIN from 5:00pm to 8:00pm 

Fall & Winter: (September 16^th to February 15^th )

·         Open 7 days a week

·         Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm 

Spring: (February 16^th to May 15^th )

·         Open 7 days a week

·         Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm                                                        

LAST RIDE LEAVES 1 HOUR PRIOR TO CLOSING TIME

Exception: Moonlight rides are going out after sunset.

ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR THAT PARTICULAR DAY.

             Standard Rides

• Our 1 Hour ride costs:
  $40 per child (plus tax)
  $45 per adult (plus tax)

• Our 1 ½ Hour ride costs:
  $55 per child (plus tax)
  $60 per adult (plus tax)

• Our 2 Hour ride costs:
  $65 per child (plus tax)
  $70 per adult (plus tax)

Private Rides:

• 1 Hour Ride costs:
  $70 per child (plus tax)
  $75 per adult (plus tax)

• 1 ½ Hour Ride costs:
  $85 per child (plus tax)
  $90 per adult (plus tax)

• 2 Hour Ride costs:
  $95 per child (plus tax)
  $100 per adult (plus tax)
   

PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT SPECIAL PRICING 

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO CONFIRM ACCURATE TRAIL RIDING TIMES AND/OR BOOK RESERVATION.

Moon Light Trail Rides

These are special rides given four days prior to the full moon.

Mount up as the sun sets and the moon rises. We will take you through the moon lit desert on horseback. See the land in a different way. Watch the owls as they hunt for dinner, listen to the coyotes sing and see the stars as never before.

• The cost of the 1 hour moonlight ride is:
  $70 per child (plus tax)
  $75 per adult (plus tax)

• And the 1 ½ hour moonlight ride is:
  $85 per child (plus tax)
  $90 per adult (plus tax)
   

Moon Riding Nights:

• June 2011 11^th, 12^th, 14^th
• July 2011 12^th, 13^th, 14^th
• August 2011 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th
• September 2011 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th  
• October 2011 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th
• November 2011 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th 
• December 2011 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th  
• January 2012 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th
• February 2012 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th
• March 2012 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th
• April 2012 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th
• May 2012 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO CONFIRM ACCURATE TRAIL RIDING TIMES AND/OR BOOK RESERVATION.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  

Terms are subject to change without notice.