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
“We had the best time on our trail ride with Izzy! She took us out for over an hour, and made us feel safe and welcome. She imparted her vast knowledge of horses, so the experience was so educational. The horses were sweet. The scenery is stunning. Would recommend a trail ride here any day!!”
Deer Trail Ride | ~50 min | $100 per person
Our Beginner Scenic Ride is a relaxed one-hour introduction to horseback riding in the Sierra Nevada. It’s ideal for first-time riders and those with some experience. Riders must be able to guide their horse on their own. Children must be at least 7. If a rider can’t mount or ride independently, they’ll take a short lesson in the arena before joining the trail. Groups of two can upgrade to a private ride for $50.
prosser Plateau |~ 75 Min | $125 per Person
Ready for more adventure? Our Novice Trail Ride goes farther and covers varied terrain while remaining suitable for confident beginners and adventurous first-time adult riders. Riders must guide their horse independently. Children 8+; all riders should ride without assistance. Groups of two can upgrade to a private ride for $50.
Prosser Creek Ride |~90+ minutes | $150 per Person
Our Premium Scenic Ride is for experienced riders ready for a true trail adventure. It covers some of our most scenic and historic terrain, with varied footing and a creek crossing.
Not for first-time or very cautious riders. Riders should be comfortable riding for longer periods. Children must be at least 10. Helmets are required for everyone because horses can stumble in the creek.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
In high spring runoff we may not cross the creek; instead we’ll ride alongside Prosser Creek for the same views.
“We took a 2-hour tour with Keira and it was perfect. Our group isn’t very experienced but the horses took great care of us. The scenery was breathtaking, and the ride was the perfect length. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to take a horse ride in Tahoe!”
Prosser Reservoir ride |~ 2 Hours | $200 per Person | 2 Person Minimum
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.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
Advanced scenic ride | ~2.5hours | $250 per Person | 2 person minimum
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.
There are several route options depending on conditions and your group’s experience, allowing us to choose the best ride for the day.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
Picnic Ride | ~2.5hours | $225 per Person |2 person minimum
Our Picnic Trail Ride is a scenic Sierra trail ride with a 30-minute lunch stop. Ride time is about 2 hours, then 30 minutes for lunch before returning. Riders should be intermediate and comfortable riding alone. Bring your own lunch; wranglers will carry lunches, so do not bring backpacks while riding.
This ride is offered as a private experience.
“This is becoming a habit, a good one: whenever we’re in the Reno/Tahoe area, we set up a trail ride at Piping Rock. They’ve all been outstanding, and our most recent, in June, was no exception. We did the Prosser Reservoir ride with Steph and highly recommend it. It’s not for complete beginners, but we’re probably no better than intermediate riders and got through it just fine. Our guide was Steph and she’s a local, a Truckee native. We spent a couple of very pleasant hours with her. She’s very knowledgeable about so many aspects of the Truckee/Tahoe area: flora and fauna; geology, history and much more. As for the ride itself, we crossed Prosser Creek, saw deer, a beaver pond and rode up to the reservoir. ”
Saddle Up Ride | ~1 hour | $75 per Person | SINGLES WELCOME
Our most affordable ride, Saddle Up is ideal for first-timers or riders returning after a break. You’ll start 15 minutes in the arena to meet your horse and wrangler and learn basic skills, then ride 45 minutes on trail. The route drops into an alpine meadow with Sierra Crest views and goes through a Jeffrey pine forest with deer and seasonal wildflowers. Group size 1–12. Rider-to-wrangler ratio is 4:1 (e.g., 3 riders = 1 wrangler, 7 riders = 2 wranglers).
The Wrangler Ride | Tuesdays, 3:30–6:00 PM | $150 per person | Singles welcome
Ever wondered what it feels like to truly step into the boots of a wrangler? This is your chance. Spend the afternoon alongside our horse-loving crew as you venture onto less-traveled trails that wind through forest and open mountain terrain. This ride goes beyond the saddle, you’ll return to the barn to take part in untacking and evening feeding, getting a behind-the-scenes look at ranch life. It’s hands-on, a little rugged, and a lot of fun! Best suited for intermediate riders and above.
Early Bird Ladies Ride | Wednesdays, 8:00–10:30 AM | $200 per person | Singles welcome
There’s nothing quite like a quiet mountain morning. This midweek escape begins with a bit of groundwork to help you connect with your horse before heading out on a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the forest. It’s equal parts grounding and invigorating, a chance to reset, recharge, and enjoy the company of other women who appreciate a good ride and a beautiful view.
Trail Ride Safety Video
“What a great day! My husband set up a trail ride for us. He spoke with Lisa a couple of times and everything was perfect and ready when we got there. Our trail wrangler guide was Jared. What a great guy! He was funny, pointed things out, taught us things we didn’t know, made sure we were safe and comfortable, told us some great stories! The time flew by. I rode bubba. Jared told me, Bubba has never made a mistake, he was just a perfect horse and that indeed was true! He took us on the Prosser Creek Trail we crossed the creek a couple of times, he stopped and took some photos for a keepsake. My husband rode Bjorn. Jared told us a really great story about Bjorn. I won’t tell you in hopes you get to hear at some point! We chatted with Ed who was also a great guy. The saying, do what you love and you’ll never work a day, is so true where Jared is concerned! I hope to take another ride with our grandson when he is an old enough to ride, and will absolutely ask for Jared as our guide! Thank you Piping Rock Horses for a truly enjoyable and memorable day!!”