Trail Rides
We offer trail riding programs that are less crowded, less dusty, and more personal. If you owned your own horse, this would be a ride that you would share with your friends or family. Our trails cross mountain steams, meander through Jeffrey pines, and the smell of sage is in the air. This is the Tahoe that you love.
DETAILS
Group Size
Some of our rides have minimum number of riders for bookings. Our typical ratio is one wrangler for up to four riders. Parties of two may be paired with another group unless a private ride upgrade is requested for the Deer Trail or Prosser Plateau. Some rides are only available as private rides and the information is listed in the description.
Age Requirements
Trail rides are available for ages 7 and up. Children under 18 must wear helmets.
Younger children are welcome to visit the barn animals while you ride, but one adult must stay with them.
Beginner Riders
We love introducing first-time riders to our horses. However, horseback riding is a physical activity and does carry risk. Guests who are extremely nervous or not physically prepared may be asked to take a lesson first. Wranglers reserve the right to refuse any guest if safety is a concern.
Ride Timing
Ride length may vary depending on how long guests need to get comfortable before heading out. If you arrive late, your ride time may be shortened if another ride is scheduled after yours.
Trotting & Loping
Due to insurance restrictions, trotting and loping are not permitted on the trails. Guests may trot or lope in the arena before or after their ride if time allows.
Weight Guidelines
Horseback riding is physically demanding. Riders should be able to mount and dismount using a mounting block with minimal assistance.
Please notify us if anyone in your group weighs over 220 pounds so we can prepare the appropriate horse. Staff may decline riders if safety is a concern.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours may not be refunded. If we cancel due to weather, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Waiver
All riders must sign a liability waiver. QR codes are available at check-in, but we recommend completing them ahead of time for large groups.
Questions? Check our Trail Ride FAQ page or email lisa@pipingrockhorses.com
“Took my granddaughter on the hour long trail ride (Beginner Scenic Ride) for her 9th birthday with Chris, beautiful scenery, well maintained, friendly staff, large facility. Chris was wonderful we both enjoyed it immensely! Also a personal ride just your group per guide, very nice will absolutely go again.”
Deer Trail Ride
Our Beginner Scenic Ride is a beautiful introduction to horseback riding in the Sierra Nevada. This one-hour experience is perfect for first-time riders as well as guests with some riding experience who want a relaxed ride through the surrounding wilderness.
All riders should be comfortable guiding their horse independently. Children must be at least 7 years old. If a rider is unable to mount or ride independently, they will begin with a short lesson in our sand arena until the wrangler feels they are ready to safely head out on the trail.
The cost is $100 per rider (approximately 50 minutes of riding time).
Groups of two may upgrade to a private ride for an additional $50.
prosser Plateau
Ready for a little more adventure? Our Novice Trail Ride travels farther from the barn and explores more varied terrain while still being accessible to confident beginners and adventurous first-time adult riders.
Riders should be comfortable guiding their horse independently.
Children must be at least 8 years old, and all riders should feel confident riding without assistance.
The cost is $125 per rider, with approximately 75 minutes of riding time.
Groups of two may upgrade to a private ride for an additional $50.
“Took a nicely paced evening ride (Sunset Super Scenic Ride) on Hollywood with wrangler Casey and her horse Bowen. The ride met all my expectations to allow me to get my horse fix as well as try the place out before I sign up for the longer Super Premium Scenic Trail Ride. Owners Lisa and Martin Fielding were very responsive to my email when I was inquiring about making a reservation. Their facilities, equipment, horses and land are kept very clean. Even though I’m very allergic to horses, I didn’t sneeze once on the property. Wrangler Casey is great! I recommend Piping Rock for trail rides if you’re in the Truckee area.”
Prosser Creek Ride
Our Premium Scenic Ride is for riders ready to truly hit the trail. This ride explores some of the most scenic terrain and historic areas in our trail network, including varied footing and a creek crossing that adds to the adventure.
This ride is not recommended for first-time or very cautious riders, and guests should be physically comfortable riding for longer periods.
Children must be at least 10 years old, and helmets are required for all riders, as horses may occasionally stumble in the creek.
The cost is $150 per rider, with approximately 90+ minutes of riding time.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
Depending on spring conditions, creek crossings are not always possible. During periods of high runoff, we will adjust the route to stay alongside Prosser Creek, offering the same beautiful scenery without crossing the water.
Prosser Reservoir ride
One of our most breathtaking experiences, this ride follows a beautiful trail from the ranch to Prosser Reservoir, offering stunning views and a true Sierra trail adventure.
Because the route includes more challenging terrain, riders must have intermediate riding ability and be comfortable riding independently for an extended period. The ride lasts approximately 2 hours.
The cost is $200 per rider with a two-person minimum.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
Advanced scenic ride
This ride truly lives up to its name. Our Advanced Scenic Ride explores some of the most spectacular terrain in the area. From the top of Boca Hill with sweeping views of Martis Valley, to the historic Ice Railroad, to multiple creek crossings, this ride offers a memorable Sierra trail adventure.
At roughly 2.5 hours, there are several route options depending on conditions and your group’s experience, allowing us to choose the best ride for the day.
The cost is $250 per rider with a two-person minimum.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
Picnic Ride
For those who want to spend a little more time in the saddle, our Picnic Trail Ride combines a beautiful Sierra trail ride with a relaxing lunch stop in a spectacular setting.
Guests will ride for approximately 2 hours, followed by about 30 minutes to enjoy lunch before returning to the ranch.
Riders must have intermediate riding ability and be comfortable riding independently.
Guests must bring their own lunch. Your wrangler will transport lunches for the group, so please do not bring backpacks while riding.
The cost is $225 per rider with a two-person minimum.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
SADDLE UP RIDE
Our most affordable option, the Saddle Up Ride is perfect for guests who have never ridden before or who haven’t been in the saddle for a while.
The experience begins in our arena, where you’ll get to know your horse, meet your wrangler (guide), and become comfortable with the basics before heading out on the trail. From the barns, the ride descends into a lush alpine meadow with views of the Sierra Crest, then continues through a Jeffrey pine forest often filled with deer and seasonal wildflowers.
$75 per rider
1 hour in length. 15 minutes in the arena and 45 minutes out on trail
This is a shared ride, and guests will be grouped with others who book the same time slot. Singles are welcome. Groups may range from 1 to up to 12 riders.
Our rider-to-wrangler ratio is 4:1. For example, if three guests book there will be one wrangler; if seven guests book there will be two wranglers, and so on.
Ranch kids ride
A fun afternoon adventure, the Ranch Kids Ride is perfect for children who want to spend time on the farm and experience horses up close.
Designed for kids ages 8–14, this 90-minute experience includes time meeting and interacting with animals in our petting zoo—baby goats, bunnies, chickens, ducks, donkeys, and even a pig—followed by an introduction to horse and trail riding and a 30-minute guided trail ride.
$125 per child
Two-child minimum for the activity to run.
Please note that late pickup may be subject to an additional fee.