GUIDED HORSEBACK
RIDING IN TUCSON

Horseback riding at Elkhorn Ranch Arizona takes you high into the Baboquivari Mountains, a Sonoran Desert Sky Island, and into the grasslands of the Altar Valley. The ranch’s ten thousand acres include remote and intimate canyons, high peaks with glorious views, and open country suitable for faster riding. Rides are organized individually each day. Horses and saddles are carefully chosen for each guest for the duration of the stay.

BOOK & PLAN

RIDING CHOICES

Your riding choices will revolve around the pace of the ride, length, and steepness. The Millers encourage week or longer stays so that you may build your confidence in your skills and your horse and become comfortable with the steep and rocky terrain.

Mountain riding is always at a walking pace and you can access steep country. Desert riding is suitable for faster riding, which the Millers call “loping rides”. Other choices relate to steepness or the length of the ride. Half-day rides range from 1.5 to 3 hours. All-day rides range from 6 – 7 hours, with lunch out on the trail.

With six guides, small riding groups are arranged so that you may have the length and pace of ride you desire. The individual attention that helps beginning riders, of all ages, build skills and confidence enables experienced riders to enjoy challenge and stimulation.

The Millers take pride in carefully matching guests with the right horse and saddle, and they are yours throughout your visit. Kids bond quickly and enjoy riding and playing together without their adults! Couples, family groups or friends traveling together may ride together, or separate to follow their own interests. Solo travelers find camaraderie on the trail.

Mountain rides

Loping rides

PLEASE NOTE: The horseback riding offered at Elkhorn is only for guests staying at the ranch ~ horseback riding for one day only is not offered.

HORSES

Horses are raised and trained on the ranch. You’ll use a western style saddle and your horse is trained to neck rein. The Elkhorn Ranch herd of over one hundred saddle horses, breeding stock and colts graze in the large pastures surrounding the Ranch headquarters.

HANDS-ON-WORK

Hands-on work can take place after your ride, when you can unsaddle, brush and turn your horse loose back into the corral. Guides are always present to lend a hand with a heavy saddle and help out as needed. Most people really enjoy this chance to get more involved, learn more, and relate to your horse in a different way.

RIDING EQUIPMENT & SAFETY

Elkhorn Ranch takes equipment and safety practices very seriously. Instruction is provided as needed and upon request, primarily on the trail. Horse safety and etiquette tips are provided in cabin notebooks and we strongly encourage guests to ask questions along the trail.

Ranch guides brush and saddle horses prior to the rides and check equipment safety again when riders mount.
All riders use a mounting block with a guide alongside for safety as you settle into the saddle.
All rides are led by a guide who carries a radio and has first aid / CPR training.

BOOTS & HATS

All Elkhorn riders wear smooth sole boots with a heel and no lace (available to borrow); and all hats must have a safety string (also available to borrow). Spurs are not permitted.

HATS AND SUN EXPOSURE

All hats must have a hat string (provided in the ranch office). Excessive sun exposure is a concern in the desert ~ use sunscreen, hats, lightweight long sleeves, and stay hydrated.

HELMETS

Elkhorn Ranch does not provide helmets, but encourages you to use one if makes you feel better about safety. If you choose to use a riding helmet, purchase it from a knowledgeable dealer that works with you to assure proper sizing and adjustment. Monitor use of the helmet to assure that it has not been damaged in a fall. Choose a model with ventilation and as much sun protection as possible.

Long underwear, tights or pantyhose and long socks are helpful in warding off saddle soreness.
A water bottle, camera and a few personal items may be carried in small bags that hang over the saddlehorn.
A jacket or raincoat may be tied on the back of the saddle ~ backpacks are not appropriate, nor is a rain pancho appropriate

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Children must be 6 or older to ride
Out of respect to your horses, we have a 250 pound weight limit on all riders
All riders must wear a riding boot with a smooth sole, heel and no laces (exceptions granted only for medical purposes and with advance notice)
Hats must have a safety string
Pregnant women are advised to check with their physician about riding pior to your Elkhorn visit. Elkhorn Ranch discourages riding during late-term pregnancy and does not allow loping at any time during pregnancy.
Your safety while riding is very important to us. Please help Elkhorn Ranch guides keep you safe by reading the riding tips in your cabin notebook, ask questions as you go and pay attention to your guide, your horse and the other people and situation around you.

EQUESTRIANS DREAM EXPERIENCE

“I have recently returned from a three week vacation at Elkhorn Ranch. This is an equestrian’s dream experience. The ability to choose the type of ride, easy to loping, and the terrain of interest, desert or mountain, was honored each day in the company of expert wranglers. The horses are very well trained and provide sheer enjoyment for the rider. The delicious food was varied, plentiful, and prepped by an experienced chef. Traveling solo, I made so many new friends and look forward to returning for a repeat visit. I give Charley, Mary, and the entire Elkhorn Ranch staff 5 stars for my vacation! Sincerly,”

~ Debra Footman, Maine

October 20, 2026
MEET THE HORSES OF ELKHORN RANCH: A DAY IN THEIR LIFE
MEET THE HORSES OF ELKHORN RANCH: A DAY IN THEIR LIFE

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GUIDED HORSEBACK RIDING IN TUCSON