Walking-Only Trail Rides Through Poway’s Open Trails

POWAY HORSE FIELD GUIDE

Walking-Only Trail Rides Through Poway’s Open Trails

Guided, walking-only horseback rides ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours with weekend pricing differences and a Saturday BBQ—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Walking-Only Trail Rides Through Poway’s Open Trails.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Poway
Operator
San Diego Trail Company
Category
Horse
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

San Diego Trail Company leads guided horseback rides around Poway that emphasize safety and accessibility: all rides are walking-only, open to riders ages seven and up, and tailored to a variety of experience levels while exploring the area’s scenic trails.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Walking-only rides for safety and comfort
THE PACE

Walking-only rides for safety and comfort

Rides are conducted at a walk only—no trotting or loping—so guests of different skill levels can enjoy a steady, supervised pace while on the trail.

Post-ride BBQ on Saturdays
THE FOOD

Post-ride BBQ on Saturdays

Every Saturday the operator offers a catered lunch from Tuga & JP's BBQ after the ride, turning a morning on horseback into a full-day outing.

Small groups and tailored horse pairing
THE SETUP

Small groups and tailored horse pairing

Rides are limited to a maximum of four participants for a personalized experience; staff pair riders with horses based on skill, size, and temperament.

What the day feels like

What the ride feels like

You meet at the operator’s Poway facility, are paired with a Western-saddled mount, receive guidance from wranglers, and then set out on a guided, walking-only loop across scenic trails; multiple groups may be on a single ride and the pace is deliberately steady to prioritize safety and the horses’ comfort.

Walking-only rides for safety and comfort

THE PACE

Walking-only rides for safety and comfort

Rides are conducted at a walk only—no trotting or loping—so guests of different skill levels can enjoy a steady, supervised pace while on the trail.

Post-ride BBQ on Saturdays

THE FOOD

Post-ride BBQ on Saturdays

Every Saturday the operator offers a catered lunch from Tuga & JP's BBQ after the ride, turning a morning on horseback into a full-day outing.

Small groups and tailored horse pairing

THE SETUP

Small groups and tailored horse pairing

Rides are limited to a maximum of four participants for a personalized experience; staff pair riders with horses based on skill, size, and temperament.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this ride suits—and who should check first.

1
Families with childrenGood fit: rides accept children ages 7 and up and the walking-only pace is family-friendly; contact the operator for group arrangements.
2
Beginner ridersIdeal: rides are designed for all skill levels and staff pair riders with appropriate horses for a supervised, low-intensity experience.
3
Heavier or taller ridersConditional fit: weight limits apply (240 lbs max for riders 5'8" and taller; 180 lbs max for riders under 5'8") and the operator verifies weight and saddle fit at booking and on-site.
4
People with recent injuries or certain medical conditionsNot always suitable: certain medical conditions, recent surgeries, disabilities, or impairments may make riding unsafe—disclose concerns in advance so the operator can determine accommodation or deny a ride if necessary.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Pricing

Rides run from 30 minutes up to 2 hours with weekday and weekend pricing tiers (30 min, 1 hr, 1.5 hr, 2 hr); weekend rates are higher—check operator price list and book by reservation.

What to Bring

Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate layers; note the operator uses Western saddles exclusively and does not provide English saddles.

Where to Meet & Booking

Meet at 14875 Mina De Oro, Poway, CA 92064; rides operate by reservation only—same-day bookings may be possible by phone but call ahead to confirm availability.

Weather & Cancellation

The operator monitors local conditions and will notify guests by 8 AM on the day of the ride if heat, wind, rain, or unsafe footing requires cancellation or rescheduling.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages can ride?

Riders ages 7 and up are accepted.

Can I trot or lope on the trail?

No; rides are walking-only—trotting and loping are not offered.

Are destination rides available?

No; destination rides are not available.

What are the weight limits?

Riders 5'8" and taller: maximum 240 lbs. Riders under 5'8": maximum 180 lbs. The operator will verify weights at booking and may check on-site.

Is lunch provided?

Yes—on Saturdays there is a catered lunch from Tuga & JP's BBQ after the ride.

What is the cancellation policy for bad weather?

The operator monitors conditions and will notify guests by 8 AM on the day of the ride if excessive heat, wind, rain, or unsafe footing forces cancellation or rescheduling.

How many people are on a ride?

Rides are limited to a maximum of four participants to ensure a personalized experience; larger groups may be accommodated by contacting the operator.