Our website will undergo routine system maintenance on May 10, 2025. While no major disruptions are expected, some services may be temporarily unavailable between 6:00 AM and 3:00PM.
South Mountain Horseback Riding
Explore the scenic horseback riding trails of South Mountain! While all trails city-wide are open to horseback riding, there are certain trails that are not recommended for horses.
Recommended Equestrian Trails and Staging Areas at South Mountain Park South Mountain Park:
- Desert Classic Trail: Highly recommended. Accessed from Pima Canyon or Beverly Canyon trailhead.
- Beverly Canyon Trail: Highly recommended. Accessed from the Beverly Canyon trailhead.
- Javalina Trail: Accessed from the Beverly Canyon trailhead.
- Pima Wash Trail: Highly recommended. Accessed from Pima Canyon.
- Pima East and West Loops: Accessed from Pima Canyon or Beverly Canyon trailhead
- Ranger Trail: The lower section of this trail is highly recommended and can be accessed from the Equestrian Area inside South Mountain Park. (Many riders like to make a loop trail using Ranger, Bajada, Max Delta and Cross Cut Trails to get a short ride.)
- Bajada Trail: Accessed from the Equestrian Area by way of the Ranger Trail. It takes riders into the San Juan area of South Mountain Park.
Ponderosa Stables
Don't own a horse? A private company, Ponderosa Stables, is located directly outside the S. Central Ave entrance of South Mountain Park and Preserve and offers a variety of horseback riding options.
Other Recommended Equestrian Trails
- Trail 100 (Charles Christensen): Highly recommended. Key staging areas are: Mountain View Park, 7th St. Access Lot, Dreamy Draw Park and 40th St. Access Lot.
- Trail 1A (Perl Charles): Highly recommended. Staging out of Dreamy Draw Park.
- Trail 8A (Quartz Ridge): Staging out of 40th St trailhead, south of Shea Blvd.
- Trail 220 and 220A: Staging out of Dreamy Draw Park.