Marana Is Horse Country

There Is No Better Way To Experience Marana!

Looking for a unique way to experience the desert southwest? How about horseback riding?

We have the trails and the experts for you to make your ride memorable!

CreditDeirdre Rosenberg
Ranches & Stables
Hit The Trails

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 cowboy movies have been filmed. Horse owners can bring in their own beloved horse to camp and ride gorgeous scenic trails, with many places to park a trailer. Get acquainted with the Old West and take part in a cattle drive out in the open desert range.

Ranches & Stables

  • If you’re looking for an all-in-one, stay-and-play experience look no further than White Stallion Ranch, Arizona’s top-rated dude ranch. A traditional, historic, upscale family-owned and operated dude ranch that boasts one of the largest herds of riding horses for every level of rider.
  • Only need to arrange a riding session? Check out Tucson Mountain Stables, offering hourly and longer rides, cookouts, and corporate rides. You can also book a special sunset ride and watch our area's famous Tangerine Skies make an appearance as the sun dips behind the mountains. The stables have friendly and experienced horses and staff that will make your ride memorable.
  • For a real slice of the Old West, head over to Cocoraque Ranch for a cattle drive or rodeo. This is an actual working ranch with that authentic experience you may be looking for! They also offer leisurely western activities such hay rides, relaxing horseback rides, jeep tours, western-style games, and more
  • At Way Out West Ranch you can explore the Tucson Mountains and see wildlife like deer, javelina, coyotes, and bobcats. The ranch has horses for all levels of riders, from beginners to experts. You can also enjoy a cowboy cookout or a sunset ride with your loved ones.
CreditDeirdre Rosenberg

Hear from the experts

Just take it from one of Tucson Mountain Stables owners and guides, Missy, who sees horseback riding as a step into another world.

“Horseback riding in Marana is an adventure that leads you back to the old west. It means a lot to me to be able to share the western lifestyle with people visiting and local families in Marana, people who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise without stables like ours.” -Missy

Hit the Trails

Marana's Parks and Recreation team holds affordable horseback riding events during the cooler months. This is a unique opportunity to experience the Tortolita Preserve. The Preserve features an 8.8-mile trail that meanders in and out of washes and is perfect for even the beginner rider. You can gaze at the natural beauty and learn about the history and ecology of the area from your guide. The rides are offered by Tucson Mountain Stables in partnership with the Town of Marana's Parks and Recreation Department. Check the Discover Marana event calendar for the latest dates and times!

Interested in going even deeper into the desert? Many of the recreation areas surrounding Marana also feature equestrian-friendly trails. The Tortolita Mountain Trail System, Saguaro National Park West, and Ironwood Forest National Monument all have multi-use trails that can be used for horseback riding in addition to hiking, and parking for horse trailers.

Horses are also welcome along the CAP Trail which runs along the Central Arizona Project canals. There's plenty of parking at the Tangerine Road Trailhead for your trailer!

Marana is the perfect place for those looking to learn how to ride, or to explore the Sonoran desert on horseback. Discover everything else Marana has to offer!

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