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Marana is Horse Country

Marana is Horse Country

The Guide to Dude Ranching, Guided Rides, Horse Camps, Camping with Horses, Riding Lessons, and Gear.

There are incredible horse experiences to be had in Marana. You can find a dude ranch or stable with a horse for every level of riding or interest. For those who have never been near a horse, get up close with an experienced horse handler. Are you a novice rider? You can ride a few trails with a group of confident horses and horse people. An experienced rider can lope along beautiful Sonoran desert trails where classic Hollywood cowboy movies have been filmed. Horse owners can trailer in their own beloved horse to camp and ride gorgeous scenic trails. Get acquainted with the Old West and take part in a cattle drive out in the open desert range.

Marana is home to three stables offering lessons in Western and English riding.

Is there anything better than a Sonoran sunrise on horseback? Be part of the desert as it greets the dawn.

And after a great day in the saddle you may need some classic cowboy chow. Check out Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse, famous for perfectly grilled mesquite-grilled steak dinners or locals' favorite, The Feedlot Cafe (formerly Cattleman's Cafe), for a well-earned hearty breakfast or lunch.

Horse and Rider Connections:

White Stallion Ranch Stay at Arizona’s Top-Rated Dude Ranch. A traditional, historic, upscale family owned and operated dude ranch that boasts a large herd of riding horses for every level of rider.

Tucson Mountain Stables Offers hourly rides, long rides, cookouts, and corporate rides. Call for information about summer horse camps for kids.

Marana Guided Rides (all ages) and Horse Camps (for kids) Offered through Marana Parks & Recreation. Limited spaces, pre-registration required.

Cocoraque Ranch A real slice of the Old West! Cattle drives, horseback rides, rodeos, corporate events, weddings, and more on an historic cattle ranch.

Tortolita Mountain Trail Wild Burro Trail offers up beautiful desert vegetation and the ruins of a stone house. Towards the end of the trail is a nice shaded area with a huge cottonwood tree in the middle of it. A great place for lunch.

Catalina State Park has an equestrian staging and camping area with 16 pens. Water, hitching posts, mounting and dismount steps are available. Easy to technical trails.

If you are looking for lessons – for all ages and levels- there are several venues that teach different disciplines: Dressage, English, Jumper, and Western.