🗓️ Last Updated: Spring 2026

Horseback Riding in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale sits at the edge of some of the country’s most dramatic desert riding: the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Tonto National Forest, and 1,280 acres of private Sonoran Desert trail that have been hosting riders since the 1950s.

If you’re searching for horseback riding near me in Scottsdale, the city’s best operations run north of Old Town along the Scottsdale Road corridor and into the North Scottsdale preserve lands. MacDonald’s Ranch has been guiding families through the Sonoran Desert since 1956, with group trail rides, sunset rides, moonlight rides by the full moon, and cowboy cookout dinners. Cave Creek Outfitters in North Scottsdale combines access to both the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest on small-group rides capped at 12, with Cowhand and Trail Boss adventure packages that add cowboy games and a full cookout lunch after the ride. And Wild West Horse Adventures offers all-private guided rides through the Sonoran Desert Preserve for riders who want a personally guided desert experience rather than a group format.

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Category	MacDonald’s Ranch	Cave Creek Outfitters	Wild West Horse Adventures
Best For	Families, first-timers, moonlight rides, cowboy cookout dinners	Groups, preserve access, cowboy adventure packages with lunch	Couples, solo riders, private guided desert experience
Location	26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255	31313 N 144th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (North Scottsdale)	Scottsdale area, Sonoran Desert Preserve
Setting	1,280 acres private Sonoran Desert; saguaro, desert wildlife	McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest	Sonoran Desert Preserve; private trail access
Rides	1-hr, 1.5-hr; sunset, moonlight (select full-moon nights); cowboy cookout	1-hr Cowhand, 1.5-hr Trail Boss + cowboy games + cookout; max 12 riders	All-private guided rides; multiple lengths; 2-hr Buckaroo and others
Booking	Direct: macdonaldsranch.com / (480) 585-0239	Direct: cavecreekoutfitters.com / (480) 471-4635	Direct: wildwesthorseadventures.com
Age / Weight	Ages 6+; 230 lb limit; petting zoo for under-6	All ages; confirm when booking	All experience levels; confirm when booking

All three operate year-round in Scottsdale. Browse more horseback riding listings near Scottsdale.

Why Go Horseback Riding in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is one of the few major American resort cities where genuine Sonoran Desert horseback riding is available within 20 to 30 minutes of the hotel strip. The city’s northern edge pushes up against McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and private desert ranch land that has hosted riders for generations. The saguaro density in this part of the Sonoran Desert is among the highest anywhere in Arizona, with mature columnar cactus at full height creating a landscape that’s immediately recognizable as the American Southwest and genuinely striking to ride through rather than just look at from a car window.

What separates Scottsdale’s riding scene from comparable desert cities is the combination of access and longevity. MacDonald’s Ranch has been operating on the same property since 1956, when North Scottsdale was open desert rather than resort corridor. That longevity means the horses know the terrain, the wranglers have multigenerational knowledge of the land, and the operation has refined the specific formats, moonlight ride scheduling, and cookout logistics that take years to get right. Cave Creek Outfitters, operating for 25 years in North Scottsdale’s preserve corridor, holds a specific advantage: it’s the only Scottsdale operation with access to both the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Tonto National Forest on a single ride, putting riders into federal protected land that most Scottsdale visitors see only from a trailhead parking lot.

The moonlight ride at MacDonald’s Ranch deserves specific mention because it’s genuinely rare. Only a handful of Arizona operations offer full-moon guided rides, and the Sonoran Desert at night on horseback is a fundamentally different sensory experience from a daytime ride. The temperature drops, coyotes are more active and audible, the saguaro silhouettes against the moon are the specific visual that defines this desert for most people, and the group is small enough that the quiet is real rather than approximate. Spots sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead of each full moon. Book the moment you identify your travel dates.

Best Places to Go Horseback Riding in Scottsdale

MacDonald’s Ranch on North Scottsdale Road is the most historically rooted operation in the area and the one most Scottsdale visitors end up at when they ask the concierge for a recommendation. The 1,280-acre property gives the trail rides room to feel genuinely remote even though the suburban edge of North Scottsdale is visible in the far distance. I’ve found that private acreage at this scale is one of the clearest differentiators between a trail ride that feels like a real desert experience and one that feels like a guided loop near a parking lot. Guides match horses to riders by size and experience, take photos during the ride, and share information about the desert plants and wildlife along the trail. The cowboy cookout dinner format, which combines a trail ride with live music and a full ranch meal, is the signature offering and the version of the Scottsdale western experience that most resort visitors are looking for without knowing exactly what to search for.

Cave Creek Outfitters in North Scottsdale fills a different role. It’s positioned as the preserve access operation, the place to go when you want to ride through land that the city hasn’t built on and can’t build on, because it’s federally protected. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve covers over 30,000 acres of protected Sonoran Desert adjacent to McDowell Mountain Regional Park; the Tonto National Forest covers nearly 3 million acres of Arizona’s central highlands. Cave Creek Outfitters sits at the edge of both, and the rides move through that landscape in small groups capped at 12, which keeps the trail quiet and the guide’s attention distributed appropriately.

Choosing Based on What You Want After the Ride

I’ve found that the question of what riders want after they dismount is the clearest separator between these operations. If the ride is the whole point and you want to get back to Scottsdale afterward for dinner, MacDonald’s Ranch or Wild West Horse Adventures cover that. If the cookout dinner and western activities are part of what you’re booking, Cave Creek Outfitters’ Cowhand and Trail Boss packages include lunch with the ride rather than tacking it on separately. And if you’re specifically after the moonlight or sunset format as a standalone romantic experience, MacDonald’s Ranch runs both and has refined them over decades of practice.

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Featured Horseback Riding Providers in Scottsdale

Not sure which Scottsdale ride is right for you? Here’s the short version:

Families, first-timers, moonlight rides, cowboy cookout dinner: MacDonald’s Ranch. Operating since 1956 on 1,280 private acres. 1-hr and 1.5-hr rides, sunset, moonlight (select full-moon nights), cowboy cookout. Ages 6+, 230 lb limit. Direct: macdonaldsranch.com.
Groups, preserve and national forest access, adventure packages with cowboy games and lunch: Cave Creek Outfitters. McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest access, small groups max 12. Cowhand (1-hr) and Trail Boss (1.5-hr) packages include games and cookout. Direct: cavecreekoutfitters.com.
Couples and solo riders wanting a private guided desert experience: Wild West Horse Adventures. All-private rides in the Sonoran Desert Preserve, owner-guided, multiple lengths. Direct: wildwesthorseadventures.com.

Family Primary
Since 1956
Moonlight Rides
Cowboy Cookout
1,280 Acres

MacDonald’s Ranch

Operator: MacDonald’s Ranch | 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (North Scottsdale, on Scottsdale Road near Jomax)

Best for: Families, first-timers, and anyone who wants the complete Scottsdale western experience: trail rides through 1,280 acres of private Sonoran Desert, sunset and moonlight ride formats, and a cowboy cookout dinner option with live music that turns the outing into a full evening event.

MacDonald’s Ranch has operated on the same North Scottsdale property since 1956, making it one of the longest-running equestrian operations in the Phoenix metro. The Richardson family started with a working horse and cattle ranch on 36,000 acres of open desert; what remains today is 1,280 private acres of Sonoran Desert trail accessed exclusively by ranch visitors. The scale and private access distinguish the experience from preserve and public-land rides: no mountain bikers, no hikers, no ATVs sharing the trail. The terrain covers saguaro stands, desert scrub, and open views across the McDowell Mountain landscape to the east.

Guided group trail rides run 1 hour and 1.5 hours, with guides matching horses to riders by size and experience before departure. Wranglers carry riders’ phones during the ride to photograph the group against the saguaro and mountain backdrops along the trail. The trail saddles include a canvas pouch for personal items, which solves the practical problem of where to keep a phone or water bottle during a desert ride.

The moonlight ride is the ranch’s most distinctive offering. Offered on select full-moon nights throughout the year, the 1-hour and 1.5-hour rides begin at sunset and continue as the moon rises. The Sonoran Desert at night is genuinely different from the daytime experience: cooler air, active coyotes, and the particular quality of full-moon light on saguaro that makes this desert landscape look the way it does in photographs. Moonlight slots sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead of each full-moon date. The cowboy cookout format adds a ranch dinner with live music to either the standard or sunset trail ride, making it a complete evening outing for families and groups. Children under 6 who can’t yet ride can enjoy the free walk-in petting zoo while older family members are on the trail.

Ride lengths: 1-hr and 1.5-hr group rides; private rides available Nov–Apr
Special formats: Sunset ride; moonlight ride (select full-moon nights, 1-hr and 1.5-hr); stagecoach rides
Cowboy cookout: Ranch dinner with live music; can be combined with trail or sunset ride
Setting: 1,280 private acres of Sonoran Desert trail; saguaro, McDowell Mountain views
Age minimum: Ages 6 and up for trail rides; free petting zoo for under-6
Weight limit: 230 lbs
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm (closed Tuesdays); horseback ride times vary, contact directly
Location: 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Moonlight rides sell out 2–3 weeks ahead of each full moon. Book at macdonaldsranch.com or call (480) 585-0239. Note: construction on Scottsdale Road near Jomax may affect GPS routing; check the ranch website for current entrance directions.

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Groups / Active
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Tonto National Forest
Cowboy Games + Lunch
Max 12 Riders

Cave Creek Outfitters

Operator: Cave Creek Outfitters | 31313 N 144th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (North Scottsdale, near the Rio Verde corridor)

Best for: Groups and families who want both McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest access on a small-group guided ride, with the option to combine the trail ride with cowboy games and a full cookout lunch in the Cowhand or Trail Boss adventure packages.

Cave Creek Outfitters has operated in North Scottsdale for over 25 years, positioned near the Rio Verde river corridor between the McDowell Mountain and Mazatzal Mountain ranges. The location gives the operation something specific: it sits at the edge of both the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Tonto National Forest, making it the only Scottsdale-area ranch whose trail rides move through both protected land systems in the same outing. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve covers over 30,000 acres of protected desert adjacent to the McDowell Mountains; the Tonto National Forest adds nearly 3 million acres of central Arizona highland terrain. Rides through this land have a different character from private-ranch loops: the protected status means the desert hasn’t been selectively cleared or managed for aesthetics, and the wildlife density reflects that.

All group trail rides are capped at 12 riders maximum, which the operation maintains as a quality commitment rather than a capacity constraint. Wranglers cover the desert cactus, plant life, and local history during the ride, and saddle-mounted canvas horn bags accommodate cameras and personal items. The Cowhand Adventure Package combines a 1-hour trail ride with a set of authentic cowboy games including horseshoe ring toss, tomahawk throwing, bow and arrow archery, and stationary steer roping, followed by a full cookout lunch with mesquite-grilled protein, cowboy beans, corn, potato salad, and dessert. The Trail Boss Adventure Package extends the ride to 1.5 hours with the same activity and lunch combination. Both packages can begin or end with the lunch, depending on ride timing.

The operation runs year-round, seven days a week from 7am to 9pm, which gives it the broadest scheduling flexibility of the three featured Scottsdale operations. Corporate events, private parties, and group outings can be accommodated with advance notice.

Cowhand Adventure Package: ~1-hr trail ride + cowboy games (tomahawk, bow, roping) + cookout lunch
Trail Boss Adventure Package: ~1.5-hr trail ride + cowboy games + cookout lunch
Setting: McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest access; Rio Verde corridor
Group size: Maximum 12 riders per group
Hours: Daily 7am–9pm, year-round
Events: Corporate, private party, and group packages available
Location: 31313 N 144th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (North Scottsdale)

Book at cavecreekoutfitters.com or call (480) 471-4635. Open seven days a week, year-round.

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Couples / Romantic
All-Private Rides
Sonoran Desert Preserve
Owner-Guided
All Experience Levels

Wild West Horse Adventures

Operator: Wild West Horse Adventures | Scottsdale, AZ (Sonoran Desert Preserve; contact for exact meeting location)

Best for: Couples, solo riders, and groups who want a private guided ride through the Sonoran Desert Preserve rather than a group trail format, with an owner who matches horses carefully to each rider’s personality and experience, and guides who share real knowledge of the desert and its ecology.

Wild West Horse Adventures runs exclusively private rides through the Sonoran Desert Preserve, meaning every booking is a private party: no shared trail with strangers, no nose-to-tail group format, and a guide-to-rider ratio that allows real conversation and personal attention throughout the outing. The operation holds a special arrangement with the Sonoran Desert Conservancy for trail access, which puts riders into preserved desert terrain that isn’t accessible through standard public trailheads. The horses are described consistently in reviews as healthy, well-trained, and responsive in ways that go beyond the standard trail horse, which reflects in how relaxed even first-time riders report feeling after the first few minutes.

The owner guides most rides personally and brings the kind of specific knowledge about Sonoran Desert plants, animals, and ecology that comes from years of working in this landscape rather than reading about it. Riders are matched to horses based on personality and experience rather than just size, an approach that reviewers describe as making their first time on a horse feel genuinely comfortable rather than just managed. Multiple riders with significant prior experience describe Wild West Horse Adventures as the best trail ride they’ve done. In my experience, that kind of review from someone who rides regularly is a more reliable quality signal than five stars from a first-timer, because experienced riders have a calibrated baseline for comparison.

Ride lengths include a 2-hour Buckaroo format and other options. The all-private model means the ride pace, route, and content can be adjusted to the group rather than the group adjusting to a fixed itinerary. Contact directly to discuss format and availability.

Format: All-private rides only; no shared group rides
Ride lengths: Multiple formats including 2-hr Buckaroo; contact for current options
Setting: Sonoran Desert Preserve; private trail access via conservancy arrangement
Horse matching: Personality and experience-based, not size-only
Experience levels: All levels welcome; specific praise for first-timer comfort
Guide: Owner-led on most rides; deep desert ecology knowledge

Book at wildwesthorseadventures.com. Contact for current availability, ride lengths, and pricing. Private format means scheduling is flexible.

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Who Should Go Horseback Riding in Scottsdale

Families with Kids

MacDonald’s Ranch is the right first stop for families. The ranch has been managing mixed-experience groups since 1956 and the systems show it: horses are matched before departure, guides ride with each group rather than just leading from the front, and the free petting zoo means children under 6 who don’t yet meet the trail ride age minimum have something real to do while older siblings and parents ride. The cowboy cookout dinner format works well for families as a complete evening: everyone eats together at the ranch with live music, and the kids who couldn’t ride still get the ranch atmosphere. Cave Creek Outfitters is a strong second for families specifically interested in the cowboy games and lunch packages.

First-Time Riders

All three operations welcome first-timers and structure their rides accordingly. In my experience, the key marker of a good first-rider operation is how specific the horse-to-rider matching is before departure, and Wild West Horse Adventures is the most thorough in this regard, using personality as the primary matching criterion. For first-timers specifically, the private format at Wild West Horse Adventures removes the social pressure of being in a group when you’re still learning what it feels like to be in a saddle. MacDonald’s Ranch and Cave Creek Outfitters are both well-suited for first-timers in a group setting, with guides who check in frequently and horses that know the trail well enough to require minimal rider input.

Couples and Romantic Trips

The moonlight ride at MacDonald’s Ranch is the clearest answer for couples visiting Scottsdale on a romantic trip, provided the full-moon timing aligns with their visit. It’s the most specifically romantic format available in the Scottsdale area and one of only a handful of full-moon desert rides offered anywhere in Arizona. Outside of moonlight scheduling, Wild West Horse Adventures’ private format creates the most intimate trail experience: just the two of you and the guide through the Sonoran Preserve, at a pace and with a conversation that a group ride can’t replicate. The sunset ride at MacDonald’s Ranch falls between these two options and is the most accessible romantic format for couples who can’t align their visit with a full moon.

Groups and Corporate Events

Cave Creek Outfitters is purpose-built for group and corporate outings. The Cowhand and Trail Boss packages give groups a structured sequence of activities rather than just a trail ride, and the cookout lunch provides a natural gathering point for groups where the ride itself is the icebreaker rather than the main event. The operation handles corporate events and private parties with advance coordination, and the 7am–9pm daily availability gives event planners unusual scheduling flexibility. MacDonald’s Ranch also handles groups well, with the cowboy cookout dinner and live music making it one of the more memorable group dinner formats available in Scottsdale.

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What to Know Before You Book Scottsdale Horseback Riding

Book Moonlight Rides Well Ahead

MacDonald’s Ranch moonlight rides sell out 2 to 3 weeks before each full-moon night. These rides happen only a few nights per month and the slot count is limited. If a moonlight ride is the specific Scottsdale experience you’re after, identify the full-moon dates during your visit before you book anything else, then lock in the ranch reservation immediately. Check macdonaldsranch.com for scheduled moonlight ride dates, or call (480) 585-0239 to confirm upcoming availability.

Summer Riding: Plan for Early Morning

Scottsdale summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F in the afternoon. Responsible operations run rides only in the early morning during June through September, typically departing before 9am. If visiting in summer, contact your chosen operator before booking to confirm what times they’re running and whether limited summer scheduling affects the format you want. Early morning Sonoran Desert rides in summer are genuinely good: cooler temperatures, active wildlife, and the specific quality of desert light before the sun is fully overhead.

Scottsdale Road Construction at MacDonald’s Ranch

As of early 2026, ongoing construction on Scottsdale Road near the Jomax Road intersection may affect GPS navigation to MacDonald’s Ranch. GPS apps may direct visitors to access points that are temporarily closed. Check the ranch’s website for current entrance directions before arrival, and allow extra time for navigation. The main entrance is south of Jomax Road on Scottsdale Road.

What to Wear

Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required at all three operations. Boots work best in the stirrups but aren’t mandatory. Light-colored, breathable fabrics make a significant difference during warm-season rides, even in the morning. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for any Scottsdale desert ride. Bring water regardless of what the operation provides; the Sonoran Desert dehydrates riders faster than most environments, particularly on morning rides when the air feels manageable before the heat builds.

Private vs. Group Rides

The format decision matters more in Scottsdale than in most areas because the available options are genuinely different. MacDonald’s Ranch and Cave Creek Outfitters run group rides where multiple parties may share the trail. Wild West Horse Adventures runs exclusively private rides. Group rides are typically less expensive and work well for first-timers who benefit from the group social dynamic. Private rides allow the guide to adjust pace, route, and content to the specific riders, which produces a different experience. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on what the rider wants from the outing.

Scottsdale Horseback Riding: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best horseback riding in Scottsdale, AZ?

Three operations cover Scottsdale well for different reasons. MacDonald’s Ranch on North Scottsdale Road has operated since 1956 and offers the most complete western experience including moonlight rides and cowboy cookout dinners. Cave Creek Outfitters in North Scottsdale provides access to both the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest in small groups capped at 12, with cowboy adventure packages that include activities and lunch. Wild West Horse Adventures offers all-private guided rides through the Sonoran Desert Preserve for riders who want a personally guided desert experience rather than a group format.

Does MacDonald’s Ranch offer moonlight rides?

Yes. MacDonald’s Ranch offers moonlight rides on select full-moon nights throughout the year. The rides run 1 hour and 1.5 hours, beginning at sunset and continuing as the full moon rises over the Sonoran Desert. These rides sell out 2 to 3 weeks before each scheduled date. Check macdonaldsranch.com for upcoming moonlight ride dates, or call (480) 585-0239 to confirm. If your travel dates include a full moon, book the moonlight ride before planning anything else in your Scottsdale itinerary.

What is the cowboy cookout at MacDonald’s Ranch?

The cowboy cookout is a ranch dinner with live music that can be combined with a standard or sunset trail ride. The format pairs an outdoor western-style meal with ranch atmosphere, making it a complete evening event rather than just a trail ride add-on. It’s particularly well-suited for families and groups who want an extended Scottsdale western experience beyond the ride itself. Contact the ranch directly for current pricing and availability, as the cookout schedule varies by season.

What is the difference between the Cowhand and Trail Boss packages at Cave Creek Outfitters?

Both packages include a trail ride through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest terrain, a set of cowboy games (horseshoe ring toss, tomahawk throwing, bow and arrow archery, and stationary steer roping), and a full cookout lunch. The Cowhand Adventure Package includes approximately a 1-hour trail ride. The Trail Boss Adventure Package extends the ride to approximately 1.5 hours. Both packages can be arranged with the meal before or after the ride depending on departure timing. Call (480) 471-4635 or visit cavecreekoutfitters.com for current pricing.

Can I go horseback riding in Scottsdale in the summer?

Yes, but all three operations limit summer rides to early morning departures due to heat. Scottsdale summer afternoons regularly exceed 110°F, which is unsafe for horses and riders. Early morning rides before 9am are the responsible summer format, and the desert is genuinely beautiful at that hour. Contact your chosen operator directly to confirm what summer times they’re running before booking. Some operations reduce availability or limit formats during the hottest summer weeks.

What are the age and weight limits for horseback riding in Scottsdale?

MacDonald’s Ranch requires riders to be at least 6 years old, with a 230-pound weight limit. Children under 6 can enjoy the free walk-in petting zoo while family members ride. Cave Creek Outfitters accommodates all ages; confirm requirements directly when booking. Wild West Horse Adventures accepts all experience levels; contact for specific requirements. If weight is a concern at any operation, call ahead before booking to discuss options.

Are there private horseback rides available in Scottsdale?

Yes. Wild West Horse Adventures runs exclusively private rides, so every booking is a private party with your group and guide only. MacDonald’s Ranch offers private rides during the November through April season for riders with prior experience. Cave Creek Outfitters’ group rides cap at 12 riders, which keeps the groups small relative to operations that run unlimited group sizes, but these are still mixed-party group rides rather than private bookings. If a fully private experience is the priority, Wild West Horse Adventures is the direct answer.

How far in advance should I book horseback riding in Scottsdale?

Moonlight rides at MacDonald’s Ranch should be booked 2 to 3 weeks ahead of the full-moon date. Sunset rides and weekend slots during the October through April peak season fill 1 to 2 weeks ahead across all operations. For weekday rides in the shoulder season, same-week booking is often possible. Wild West Horse Adventures’ private format gives more scheduling flexibility than group operations, but peak-season dates still fill. Book as soon as your Scottsdale trip is confirmed to have full format options available.

Ready to Book Horseback Riding in Scottsdale?

Three operations, three experiences: MacDonald’s Ranch for the complete western evening including moonlight and sunset rides, Cave Creek Outfitters for preserve and national forest access with cowboy adventure packages, and Wild West Horse Adventures for private guided desert rides.

Book moonlight rides at MacDonald’s Ranch 2 to 3 weeks ahead. All three book direct.

MacDonald’s Ranch
Cave Creek Outfitters
Wild West Horse Adventures

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