Beach and mountain trail rides

Scenic trail rides are some of the most popular horseback rides in the country, and many of the people who take them have never ridden before. A guided ride lets you see a beach, a canyon or a high mountain meadow at a horse's pace, with someone who knows the trail out front. Because these rides are popular and depend on the weather, they take more planning than a ride at your local stable. This guide covers what to know before you book.

Kinds of scenic rides

• Beach rides along the sand, sometimes through dunes, sometimes at the water's edge. See beach horseback riding.
• Mountain rides on forest, canyon and high-country trails, often with views, creek crossings and steady climbs. See mountain trail rides.
• Desert rides through open country, often early in the day to beat the heat.
• Sunset rides, timed for the evening light. See sunset horseback riding.
• Overnight and pack trips, where horses or mules carry gear to a camp. These usually suit riders with some experience. Ask about them at ranches and outfitters in mountain areas.

Read the stable's own description closely. It should tell you the terrain, whether the ride stays at a walk or includes faster sections for experienced riders, and whether private rides are available. Our full list of stables with guided trail rides shows the review or website line behind each listing.

Book ahead

Popular rides in tourist areas fill up, especially in peak season, on holidays and at sunset. If a ride is a must on your trip, book it when you book your lodging rather than waiting until you arrive. Before you pay, ask:

• What are the rider requirements? Stables set their own age minimums, weight limits and experience levels. Check these first if you're traveling with kids or a mixed group, so nobody is turned away at the barn.
• What does "beginner" mean here? On some rides, beginner means walk only. On others, it means you can already control a horse at a trot.
• What's the weather and cancellation policy? Find out what happens if a storm, high winds or extreme heat cancels the ride.
• When should we arrive? Plan for check-in, release forms and helmet fitting. Some stables send the forms ahead so you can sign online.
• Can we bring water and a phone? Ask where they can go on the ride.

Weather, tides and altitude

Scenic rides run outdoors on terrain that changes with the weather, so stables keep a close eye on conditions.

• Storms and wind. Lightning, high winds and heavy rain can cancel or shorten rides. Guides make that call for the horses and riders, so take it in good spirit.
• Heat. In hot places, rides often run early in the morning or toward evening. Drink plenty of water before you go.
• Tides. Beach rides are often scheduled around the tide, since the sand near the water is easier going at some tides than others. Local rules also decide which beaches allow horses and at what times, so a stable can't always ride where you saw a photo.
• Altitude. If you're coming from near sea level to the mountains, you may feel the thin air. Take it easy on your first day, drink water, and remember that sunburn comes faster at altitude.
• Mountain weather. It can change quickly, with a warm morning turning into a cold, wet afternoon. Bring a layer even if the day starts warm.

What to wear and bring

• A riding helmet. Many stables lend them. Ask when you book.
• Closed-toe boots or shoes with a small heel. No sandals or flip-flops, even for a beach ride.
• Long pants. Shorts chafe against the saddle.
• Layers you can put on before you ride, and a fitted rain jacket for the mountains.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, ideally with a strap.
• A zipped pocket for your phone. Use a wrist strap if you'll take photos.
• Water, if the stable allows it on the ride.

Leave big backpacks, loose hats and anything you'd need to hold in the car. Our guide to what to wear horseback riding explains the reasons.

On the ride

Scenic rides usually move in single file at a walk, with a guide at the front. The terrain is what makes them different from a ride around a field.

• Uphill, lean slightly forward and give the horse a little rein so it can use its head and neck.
• Downhill, sit up straight and stay balanced over the middle of the horse. Let it pick its way, and don't rush it.
• Water crossings. Let the horse look and choose its footing. Keep it moving forward, since some horses like to paw at water or even try to lie down in it.
• Sand and surf. Some horses get keen on open sand. Keep a steady feel on the reins and the spacing the guide asks for. Only go faster if the guide offers it and you're ready.
• Wildlife and hikers. Follow the guide's lead when you meet other trail users, bikes or animals.
• Photos. Wait for a stop, keep a grip on your phone, and keep the reins in your other hand.

Never ride off the trail or away from the group on a guided ride. If you need anything, ask the guide. New to riding? Read your first time horseback riding for the basics: getting on, the cues for go, stop and turn, and getting off.

Questions

Can beginners go on a beach or mountain ride?

Many scenic rides are walk-only and open to beginners. Others need more experience. Ask what the ride involves and what "beginner" means at that stable.

Do the horses gallop on the beach?

Most guided beach rides stay at a walk. A few stables offer faster rides for experienced riders. Don't expect the scene from the movies unless the stable says it offers that ride.

What happens if the weather cancels my ride?

Each stable has its own policy. Many offer another time or a refund, but ask before you pay.

Can kids come on a scenic ride?

It depends on the stable's rider requirements, which differ from place to place. Some stables offer pony rides or shorter rides for younger children.

How long are scenic rides, and what do they cost?

Both vary by stable, trail and season, so we don't list them. The stable's own booking page has current options.

Find a scenic ride

• Beach horseback riding.
• Mountain trail rides.
• Sunset horseback riding.
• All guided trail rides, by state.

Find a trail ride Rides for beginners