Horseback Riding in Scottsdale: Desert Trail Rides

Where to ride

•MacDonald’s Ranch: a long-standing stable at 26540 North Scottsdale Road in North Scottsdale.
•Cave Creek Outfitters: guided small-group rides into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
•Spur Cross Stables: rides in Cave Creek on the site of an 1870s gold mine.
•Cave Creek Trail Rides: rides in Cave Creek Regional Park, a Maricopa County park.
•Fort McDowell Adventures: trail rides by the Verde River on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, east of Scottsdale.

Tips for a group

•Book ahead: groups usually split across a couple of rides, so reserve early.
•Ask about limits: stables set their own age, weight and experience rules, so check before you book.
•Ride early: in the warm months, take the first ride of the day.
•Dress for it: long pants, closed-toe shoes, a hat and water.

Make a day of it with Cave Creek and Carefree or a sunset at Pinnacle Peak.

Where to stay

Paradise Reserve has six bedrooms for up to 16 guests, five of them king suites with their own bathroom, plus a pool and spa, a golf simulator, a putting green and a pickleball court. Events and parties are not permitted at the house, and quiet hours apply.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you go horseback riding in Scottsdale?

MacDonald’s Ranch in North Scottsdale, Cave Creek Outfitters in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, stables in Cave Creek, and Fort McDowell Adventures east of the city.

Is horseback riding in Scottsdale good for beginners?

Yes. Guided trail rides go at a walking pace, and most stables cater to first-timers. Ask each stable about its age and weight limits.

When is the best time to ride?

October to April is the most comfortable. In summer, book the earliest ride of the day.

Stable details from Visit Arizona, the Town of Cave Creek and published guides, checked October 2026. Confirm rides, rates and rules with each stable.

Horseback riding in the Scottsdale desert.