Cowpoke Ride: Adventurous horseback tour just 9 MILES from Sedona

A horseback ride just 9 miles from Sedona offers travelers a chance to explore Arizona’s scenic wilderness in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Priced at $139 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, the Cowpoke Ride by Horsin’ Around Adventures stands out as a highly-rated experience, boasting a 5.0/5 score from 170 reviews. This tour emphasizes ease, safety, and stunning vistas, making it ideal for beginners, families, and those seeking a peaceful ride through wildlife habitats and canyon terrain.

As the closest horseback riding facility to Sedona, Horsin’ Around Adventures ensures comfort and accessibility, welcoming guests with no riding experience required and a minimum age of 7 years old. The tour’s popularity is evident, with bookings typically made 15 days in advance, reflecting its reputation for quality and value. Despite the shorter duration, travelers find this adventure fulfilling and beautifully scenic, with many reviewers praising the friendly guides, gentle horses, and breathtaking views.

Key Points

• Close proximity to Sedona: Only 9 miles away, making it a convenient option for visitors staying in the area.
• Suitable for all experience levels: No prior riding experience needed, with horses that are calm and easy to handle.
• Family-friendly: Minimum age is 7, and the tour is praised as perfect for kids and beginners alike.
• Stunning canyon and wildlife views: The trail features canyon terrain, rolling hills, and overlooks of vineyards and Verde Valley.
• Professional guides: Guides like Newt, Pete, Matt, and Anna are consistently highlighted for their friendliness, safety consciousness, and helpfulness.
• Great value for the price: At $139, the tour offers a memorable outdoor experience with included helmets and guided instruction.

Horsin’ Around Adventures: Sedona’s Premier Horseback Provider

Horsin’ Around Adventures proudly claims the title of Sedona’s closest horseback riding facility. With their bespoke approach, they craft personalized, memorable experiences that suit a variety of guest interests. The company specializes in family-friendly rides and ensures that each guest, regardless of experience, feels comfortable and safe. The talented guides and hand-selected gentle horses are key to creating a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, perfect for first-time riders or those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

The tour starts at 2650 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ, providing easy access just outside Sedona. The mobile ticket feature allows for a smooth check-in process, with departure times varying seasonally—at 10:00 AM from October to April and 9:00 AM from May to September—subject to weather and availability.

Exploring the Canyon Terrain and Wildlife Habitats

The Canyon Terrain route takes riders through rolling hills and scenic wildlife habitats. During the ride, guests enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mesas, Verde Valley, and even nearby vineyards. The terrain is described as gentle, making it suitable for all riders, including children and beginners. The trail includes rocky sections, but the horses are experienced and well-trained to navigate these comfortably.

Expect to see a variety of natural features, with the landscape offering a mix of open vistas and shaded areas. The trail is designed to be accommodating, with the guides ensuring everyone maintains their balance and feels secure throughout the ride. Helmets are required for all participants, emphasizing safety at every step.

Meeting and Safety Protocols on the Trail

The meeting point at 2650 Dancing Apache Rd serves as the starting and ending location for the ride. Since all participants are mounted and dismounted using a mounting dock, the process is safe and straightforward. Due to the nature of the terrain and the safety focus, all rides are led by professional wranglers like Anna, Matt, and David, who are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness.

The tour is capped at 10 travelers to maintain a personal experience and ensure safety. The ride is suitable for most people, with no strict weight restrictions—riders just need to be able to keep their balance on the horse. The guides are known for their informative and caring approach, making even nervous riders feel at ease.

The Horses: Calm, Friendly, and Well-Cared-For

The horses used for the Cowpoke Ride are described as gentle and easy to ride. Many reviews highlight their calm demeanor and willingness to follow commands, making the ride accessible for beginners and kids. Names like Navajo, Magic, Grandma, and Bart are mentioned as familiar and patient steeds.

Guests are encouraged to bring apples to feed the horses and even pet the donkeys and goats present at the ranch. The attentive care for the animals is evident, and the horses’ temperament is a key reason why the tour garners such high praise.

Guides and Personal Touches

The guides, including Newt, Pete, Houston, Anna, Matt, and David, are consistently described as friendly, informative, and safety-conscious. Many reviews mention how guides help first-timers feel comfortable, often matching riders with horses that suit their personality and experience level.

Guests particularly appreciate guides who talk to them during the ride, sharing insights about the terrain, local flora, fauna, and even the vineyards visible from the trail. The guides’ personable approach enhances the overall experience, making it more than just a horseback ride but a memorable outdoor adventure.

Flexibility and Booking Details

The tour’s popularity means most bookings are made 15 days in advance, though last-minute availability can sometimes be checked by calling the ranch directly. For groups larger than 6 people or those interested in private tours, direct contact with the ranch is recommended.

The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, but weather-related cancellations are handled through rescheduling or full refunds.

Is This Ride Right for You?

This horseback tour appeals most to families with children age 7 and up, beginners, and those seeking a relaxing outdoor activity near Sedona. The easy terrain and gentle horses make it suitable for most guests, regardless of riding experience. The scenic views and friendly guides also attract nature lovers looking for a calm, scenic adventure.

Those with a sense of adventure but limited riding experience find this tour particularly appealing, as it offers a safe and friendly environment to enjoy Arizona’s natural beauty without rigorous physical demands.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing and Scenic Horseback Ride Near Sedona

The Cowpoke Ride from Horsin’ Around Adventures offers a high-quality, family-friendly horseback experience just outside Sedona. With gentle horses, friendly guides, and stunning canyon views, it delivers excellent value at $139 for 1.5 hours of scenic riding. The safety-focused approach and personalized attention make it a top choice for novice riders and families alike.

While the ride doesn’t include advanced trail features or lengthy distances, it compensates with its beautiful terrain, calm horses, and accessible setting. This tour is a fantastic way to enjoy Arizona’s outdoor scenery in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a peaceful outdoor activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior horseback riding experience necessary?
No, all experience levels are welcomed, and the trail is designed to accommodate beginners.

What is the minimum age to ride?
The tour is suitable for children aged 7 years and older.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included in the tour for all participants.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity is recommended, especially closed-toe shoes suitable for riding.

Can I bring my own feed for the horses?
Guests are encouraged to bring apples for the horses, which many enjoy during the ride.

How long in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 15 days ahead, but last-minute availability can sometimes be checked by calling the ranch.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for families and is praised for its gentle horses and friendly guides.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather cancellations are handled with options for rescheduling or full refunds. The tour requires good weather to proceed.

Are private tours available?
Yes, private tours are available for groups larger than six or upon request—call the ranch directly for details.

How scenic is the ride?
The ride offers beautiful canyon terrain, overlooks of vineyards, and views of Verde Valley, making it a highly scenic experience.