Adventure brief
High Country Horseback Ride
Ride gentle horses through Arizona’s high desert with Clear Sky Resorts, tracing trails beneath the San Francisco Peaks and Red Butte Mountain. Perfect for families and all skill levels, this trip blends nature, culture, and accessible adventure.
Clear Sky Resorts: Grand Canyon Experiences invites adventurers of all ages to saddle up for their High Country Horseback Ride, a journey that threads through Arizona's iconic high desert landscape near the city of Williams. This outing offers a distinct blend of accessibility and scenery, where novice and experienced riders alike traverse gentle trails hewn into rugged terrain, framed by the towering San Francisco Peaks and the revered Red Butte Mountain. These geological landmarks not only define the horizon but also anchor the ride in a landscape rich with natural history.
The San Francisco Peaks are remnants of an ancient stratovolcano, their snow-capped summits standing in contrast to the arid desert floor below, while Red Butte holds sacred significance for Native American tribes in the region, adding a cultural depth to the experience. Riders will move at a calm pace, allowing ample time to appreciate the unique flora of the high desert—sagebrush, juniper, and piñon pine—and to watch for the local wildlife including mule deer and various birds of prey. The horses, known for their gentle disposition, make this tour particularly family-friendly and welcoming to beginners.
The options for one or two hour rides make it easy to fit this adventure into a wider itinerary around the Grand Canyon region. What sets Clear Sky Resorts apart is their focus on providing intimate groups with seasoned guides who share insights on the land’s ecology and cultural heritage. Positioned near one of America’s most renowned outdoor playgrounds, this horseback ride offers a more grounded, skin-to-the-earth way to appreciate northern Arizona’s dramatic terrain outside the usual tourist corridors.
It's a unique, tactile encounter with both landscape and legacy that invites riders to disconnect and connect simultaneously.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Weight and Height Requirementsessential
All riders must be at least 4 feet tall and weigh under 300 pounds to ensure safety and comfort on horseback.
- 02Stay Hydratedessential
Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months, as desert air can be deceptively dehydrating.
- 03Dress for Sun Protectioninfo
Wear long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to shield from intense desert sun.
- 04Ride Duration Optionsinfo
Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour ride to fit your schedule and stamina levels.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Closed-toe Hiking Boots
Protects feet and provides proper footing in stirrups during the ride.
EssentialWide-brimmed Hat
Shields your face and neck from the intense desert sun.
spring|summer|fallEssentialLight Layers
Allows you to adjust to temperature shifts common in high desert climates.
spring|fall|winterEssentialReusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the ride in dry conditions.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Cinder Hills Lava Flow - a fascinating basalt formation near the trail area, Little Colorado River Gorge - a quiet spot with dramatic canyon views away from the crowds
Local fauna
Mule deer, Red-tailed hawk
Historic heritage
Red Butte Mountain is sacred to local Indigenous communities, intertwining cultural reverence with the natural landscape.
Mindful exploration
Clear Sky Resorts emphasizes minimizing trail impact and educating riders on preserving this delicate high desert environment.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Overlooks of the San Francisco Peaks, High desert ridgelines near Red Butte Mountain, Alongside the horseback trails capturing horse and rider synergy
- Subjects
- Landscape vistas, Wild horses, Desert flora
- Best times
- Golden hour, Morning light, Overcast afternoons
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Are beginners welcome on the High Country Horseback Ride?
Yes, the horses are gentle and guides provide instructions suitable for all skill levels.
What should I wear for the horseback ride?
Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and sun protection like hats and sunscreen are recommended.
Can children participate in this ride?
Riders must be at least 6 years old and meet height and weight restrictions to ensure safety.
Is there an option for different ride durations?
Yes, you can choose between one or two-hour rides depending on your preference and schedule.
Are animals or wildlife visible along the trail?
Yes, participants often spot mule deer and various birds of prey in the area.
What is the maximum weight allowed for participants?
All riders must weigh 300 pounds or less to safely ride the horses.