The Ultimate Horse Travel Guide to the Southwest

The Southwest is a paradise for equestrians, offering vast desert landscapes, rugged canyons, towering red rock formations, and breathtaking mountain trails. Whether you’re planning a multi-day pack trip, a scenic day ride, or a ranch getaway, this guide covers the best horseback riding destinations and horse-friendly lodging across the region.

Top Horseback Riding Destinations in the Southwest

1. Monument Valley – Arizona & Utah

📍 Location: Navajo Nation, AZ & UT
🌟 Why It’s Unforgettable:

• Ride among iconic red sandstone buttes and mesas that have been featured in countless Western films.
• Experience guided horseback tours led by Navajo guides who share cultural insights.
• The terrain is gentle yet awe-inspiring, making it ideal for riders of all levels.

🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Goulding’s Lodge & Campground – Offers stalls for horses and stunning valley views.
🎯 Must-Try Experience: Ride at sunset for a golden-hued landscape that’s absolutely breathtaking.

2. Saguaro National Park – Arizona

📍 Location: Tucson, AZ
🌟 Why It’s Unforgettable:

• Ride through forests of towering saguaro cacti and rolling desert hills.
• Offers over 62 miles of equestrian trails through diverse Sonoran Desert terrain.
• See incredible desert wildlife, including roadrunners, coyotes, and javelinas.

🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Tanque Verde Ranch – A luxury guest ranch with guided trail rides and horse boarding options.
🎯 Must-Try Experience: Take the Douglas Spring Trail to see hidden desert waterfalls.

3. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

📍 Location: South Rim, AZ
🌟 Why It’s Unforgettable:

• One of the most iconic horseback riding experiences in the world.
• Offers guided mule rides down the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails.
• Stunning canyon views, winding switchbacks, and an unforgettable journey into the depths of the canyon.

🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Apache Stables & Lodge – Offers boarding and private trail rides near the park.
🎯 Must-Try Experience: Take the overnight Phantom Ranch mule ride for a true backcountry adventure.

4. White Sands National Park – New Mexico

📍 Location: Alamogordo, NM
🌟 Why It’s Unforgettable:

• Ride across dazzling white gypsum dunes, creating an otherworldly experience.
• Open riding areas allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Sunrises and sunsets turn the sand into a breathtaking palette of colors.

🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Cloudcroft Equestrian Retreat – A cool mountain getaway just outside the dunes.
🎯 Must-Try Experience: Ride at sunrise to witness golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

5. Cibola National Forest – New Mexico

📍 Location: Albuquerque, NM
🌟 Why It’s Unforgettable:

• Explore lush forests, canyons, and high-altitude meadows.
• Offers hundreds of miles of trails, perfect for long-distance and endurance riders.
• Great for escaping the heat of the desert during summer months.

🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Cedar Crest Stables – A full-service equestrian lodge with direct trail access.
🎯 Must-Try Experience: Ride the Sandia Crest Trail for breathtaking views of the Albuquerque valley.

6. Big Bend National Park – Texas

📍 Location: Southwest Texas
🌟 Why It’s Unforgettable:

• One of the most remote and rugged horseback riding destinations in the U.S.
• Ride through stunning desert landscapes, Rio Grande river crossings, and dramatic canyons.
• Offers horse camping options for overnight backcountry trips.

🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Lajitas Equestrian Center – A premier horse resort with trails, stabling, and luxury accommodations.
🎯 Must-Try Experience: Ride along the Rio Grande and experience the stunning Santa Elena Canyon.

Tips for Horse Travel in the Southwest

✔ Hydration is Key – Always bring extra water for both you and your horse, as desert climates can be harsh.
✔ Watch the Weather – Summers can be extremely hot; plan rides for early mornings or evenings.
✔ Prepare for Remote Areas – Many Southwest riding destinations are far from civilization, so carry maps, emergency kits, and GPS devices.
✔ Check Park Regulations – Some areas require permits for horse access, so research ahead of time.
✔ Condition Your Horse – Many trails involve steep climbs and rocky terrain, so ensure your horse is fit for the journey.

Saddle Up for an Unforgettable Southwest Adventure

From desert dunes to red rock canyons, the Southwest offers some of the most breathtaking equestrian adventures in the country. Whether you’re looking for rugged backcountry riding, scenic day trips, or luxurious ranch stays, these destinations offer something for every rider.

🐴 Which Southwest trail is on your bucket list? Let us know!