The Bullet Points:

• Beginner Horseback Trail Ride
• $85/pp
• 60-minute horseback ride
• beginner-friendly

Participant Requirements:

• Ages 6+
• Helmets required for under 18
• No double riding
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled advanced trail ride time
• Call (970) 657-5463, or for questions and special accommodations

You should bring:

• A bottle of water
• Sunscreen
• Closed-toe shoes
• Full length pants/jeans
• Appropriate layers (sun protection)

Reminders about your trail ride:

• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled beginner trail ride time! Rides leave promptly at the scheduled time.
• Approximately 60 minutes exploring the mountain on horseback!
• A photo opportunity for you and your steed!

This Tucson horseback ride is great for beginner riders ages 6+. Using the Linda Vista Trail, it provides beautiful and peaceful views, and gets you up-close with many of Tucson’s natural plants. Saguaro cactus and Palo Verde trees cover the landscape, immersing our guests in the beauty of the desert.

The Tucson horseback ride leaves from Tattered Saddle’s “The Corral at El Conquistador,” – approximately 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Tucson – on the property of the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

During this Tucson horseback ride, guests will be partnered with a calm horse. An experienced wrangler will show you the basics of riding your horse and adjust the saddle and stirrups to fit you. Then, you will join a small group of adventurers out onto the Linda Vista trail – a part of the Coronado National Forest.

This 60-minute Linda Vista horseback ride is available in Tucson, Arizona and uses the Linda Vista trailhead to explore part of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area. This advanced horseback trail ride is not for beginners or the faint of heart!

Tattered Saddle does not support double-riding (which means two people sharing one saddle!) so each person, young and old, must steer their own horse. But don’t worry – we’ll show you how!

How should I prepare for my first trail ride?

After checking in at the office, you and your fellow adventurers will gather around as a wrangler teaches you about horses and how to ride them! One by one, you each will be helped up onto your horses and the wranglers will teach you the basics of communicating with your horse (stop, go, left and right). Then – led by your guide – you will set out as a group to enjoy horseback riding in the mountains and cacti outside Tucson, Arizona.

Out here, you will enjoy learning about the various Tucson flora and fauna (such as javelina, and saguaro cacti) while horseback riding. The sight of the occasional hawk overhead or jackrabbit on the trail will remind you of Tucson’s wild west roots.

Helmets are not mandatory for adults. However, riders under the age of 18 are required to wear an appropriate, equestrian helmet while horseback riding. At the Corral at El Conquistador by Tattered Saddle, helmets are provided for no additional fee.

Joining our 60-minute Linda Vista horseback trail ride in Tucson, Arizona is based on your ability to get on the horse with our instruction, and your willingness to follow direction on the trail. If you think you can do those things, we’ll take care of the rest!

Other horseback experiences

The advanced horseback ride is a lot of fun, but if you are looking for something a little tamer, you should know that the Corral at El Conquistador by Tattered Saddle does offer several other horseback riding adventures throughout the day. 

• A more unique experience, while still being beginner-friendly, is the “Sunset Ride.” If you’ve never seen a Tucson desert sunset from the back of a horse, here’s your opportunity! There are few things more memorable than the black mountains standing against a sun-soaked sky. Come alone or bring your friends and enjoy the company of our horses for an evening of peace and beauty.
• For those who get a lot of enjoyment out of bonding with and pampering their horse, the “Scratch and Ride” is a great experience. Available only in the mornings, this beginner-friendly Tucson horseback ride has an extra half-hour built in to allow you to groom and saddle your mount before we even get out of the stable! Don’t know how to do any of these things? No problem! We’ll teach you everything.
• If you’re seeking something to challenge your ability, our “Pusch Ridge Advanced Horseback Ride” will test your skill. This hour and a half horseback ride climbs a steep mountain trail and unveils remarkable views of the Tucson Valley and the surrounding mountains.