White Stallion Ranch carefully blends the personal touch and hospitality with the amenities and service of a fine resort. The unspoiled desert, towering saguaros, and the iconic backdrop of the rugged Safford…
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!
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.
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!
-
Get Directions (520) 297-0252 -
Get Directions 520-310-2001 or 520-633-6366Tucson Mountain Stables is a family-owned and operated business that offers horseback rides for guests of all ages in the beautiful Tucson Mountains. Whether you want to enjoy a one-hour ride, a…
-
Get Directions (520) 488-1050Way Out West Ranch is a small, family-owned horseback riding operation stocked with well-trained rescue horses. The ranch is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, over 7 miles from the…
-
Get Directions (520) 405-5884The Cocoraque Ranch is a western venue with an authentic look and feel, because it is authentic -- not only is it a venue in the middle of the pristine Sonoran Desert…
-
Get Directions (520) 382-1950The Tortolita Preserve was established in 2009, to preserve fascinating, monumental Saguaros, Ironwood trees, and habitat that exemplifies the desert valley ecosystem. It is located on the Tortolita Fan, a flat area…
-
Get DirectionsThe Tortolita Mountain Trail System runs along the ridgelines and through the canyons of the Tortolita Mountains, with a total of 10 trails with a combined length of 29 miles. Along the…
-
Get DirectionsWe are lucky to have one of the nation’s most treasured parks, Saguaro National Park, right in our backyard. Saguaro National Park consists of two distinctly different parks, located within two different…
-
Get DirectionsTaking its name from one of the longest living trees in the Arizona desert, the Ironwood Forest National Monument is a true Sonoran Desert showcase. Keeping company with the ironwood trees are…
-
Tangerine CAP Trailhead
More Outdoor
Related Stories
Marana — A Shopper’s Paradise
Whether you're a luxury shopper or you're looking to score some sweet bargains, Marana has something for you!
Taste of Marana: What’s New & Delicious at Local Restaurants
Your Go-to Guide For Marana, AZ Restaurant Updates.
24 Desert Adventures in Marana and Saguaro National Park
Just how many things can we think of that start with the letter "S"? You'd be surprised how long our…
The Best Restaurants in Marana, AZ
Gastropubs, Sonoran, craft beer, and fine dining restaurants are all right here in Marana.
Discover Sonoran-Style Mexican Cuisine in Marana
What makes Sonoran-style Mexican food unique, and where are the best places to find it in Marana?
The Perfect Margarita is Waiting for you in Marana, AZ
Chill out with some of the best places to grab margaritas in Marana!