Guided Trail Rides &
Specialty Trail Rides
All riding is guided at a walk. Beginners and advanced riders alike, enjoy riding our horses.
All trail riding is guided. No one rides alone. This ensures that the horses are
treated humanely by the
riders and that no rider gets lost.
All riding is done at a walk; no trotting, no loping, no galloping, no running, no
jumping, no exceptions.
Faster speeds are not safe for the horse and in the forest, they are not safe for the
rider either.
In addition to offering hourly rides, we sponsor a variety of specialty rides both on the trails out
of the ranch and on trails out of local trailheads.
Reservations are required for all rides.
Guided Hourly Trail Rides
The riding time for the guided hourly trail rides is actual time spent in the saddle.
We will also make rest stops along the trail at the riders request. These stops are not
included in the timing of the ride and will extend the actual time spent out on the trail.
These stops are also good opportunities to take pictures or for riders to dismount and
stretch their legs.
Most beginners can easily tolerate ride lengths of one or two hours.
We suggest that riders wear
comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. Boots or closed toed
shoes, a long sleeved shirt, and full length pants will also help protect the
rider from trail brush and flying insects such as knats and mosquitos.
All trails out of the ranch are very safe for beginning riders.
For Very Timid Riders 1/2 hour ride - $40. (no discounts)
1 hour ride - $60. per rider
2 hour ride - $100. per rider
each additional hour - $40.
3 or more riders in your group = $5. per rider per hour discount
get more savings with Prepay Certificates
Riders are always welcome to bring a lunch or snacks on any and all rides. On rides over an
hour long, with advance notification, we will plan a stop for you to eat at no extra charge.
Click here to view photos of various Hourly Rides.
We will also trailer horses to most of the local trailheads. The many local trailheads offer
a wider variety of trail, terrain, and scenic beauty for our clients to marvel. Most have
excellent one or two hour rides, but they also have extensive trail systems so we can easily
add more hours for those riders who want an even longer ride.
Note that we charge a one time trailhead fee (if we haul to other trailheads). The trailhead
fee does not apply to rides out of the ranch trails or to ride specials. The fee does help with
our fuel and additional time expenses.
Trailhead Fee - 50¢ per mile / $25. minimum
actual mileage is measured from the ranch to the trailhead
Watch our Facebook page for specials that often waive trailhead fees.
Reservations are required for all rides.
For riders who want even more adventure, we offer a variety of specialty rides.
Specialty Treat Trail Rides
Treat Trail Rides are holiday themed rides sponsored by the ranch.
The trail is very easy and most treats can be collected from horseback while
riding along the trail. These rides are enjoyed by riders of all ages and are
excellent for first time riders.
There are two lengths of treat trail rides to choose from. The shorter starter trail takes
about 20 minutes to ride and includes a dozen or more treats of candy and/or toys.
The longer extended ride takes about 40 minutes to ride and includes a longer ride on
the trails, as well as, the shorter starter trail and treats.
Starter Treat Ride
Extended Treat Ride
$45. per rider
$60. per rider
$20. per person participation fee for persons who wish to walk
the trail or for persons who haul-in and ride their own horse
Sweetheart Rides are held daily the
entire month of February.
Egg Hunt Rides are held daily most
days in March and April.
Patriotic Rides are held daily most
days in June and July.
Trick n Treat Rides are held daily the
the entire month of October and the first week in November.
Candy Cane Rides are held daily the
entire month of December and the first two weeks of January.
Click here to view photos of the Treat Rides.
Reservations are required for all rides.
Specialty Experience Trail Rides
Experience Trail Rides combine a trail ride and another activity to create a
delightful experience. Some of these rides are all day events, some are held out of the
ranch trails, some are great for beginning riders, and most are addictive - once you have
experienced the ride, you will want to ride it again and again.
Experience rides are priced by the experience. See the descriptions below for additional
trail and rider suggestions.
Dinner Rides are a trail ride
that includes a detour and stop at the City Hall Saloon and Eatery. This ride can be
for dinner or lunch and is available daily all year round. It is an easy ride along
trails and gravel roads. And it is a great experience ride for adults who are first
time riders, but kids are welcome too.
$100. per rider
riders are responsible for their own meal and refreshment costs
join a group of other riders on this ride, as multiple rider discounts apply
For riders under 21, we order the meal "to
go" and eat near the horses at the hitching rail.
The trail guide and horses will wait (up to two hours) while riders eat. Total time
in the saddle is just under two hours.
Click here to view photos of the Dinner Experience Rides.
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Prize Rides are rides that include an opportunity
to win prizes. These rides are sponsored by organizations (usually a horse club) that
determine the ride date, trail route & length, etc. These experience rides are great
for both the adventurous and the lucky.
All Prize Rides
$130. per rider
riders are responsible for their own entry fees and lunch;
These rides are generally easy riding along a flagged trail that loops out and
back to the start. Every prize ride is managed differently; some are ticket raffles,
some are poker hands, some are treasure hunts, some are a numbered chip drawing, etc.
Some rides include lunch with the entry fee, others have lunch available for additional
cost, and yet others have a potluck or require you to pack your own. See our ride
calendar for descriptions and approximate dates of scheduled prize ride events.
Click here to jump to the Ride Calendar.
These experience rides are all day events. Because we trailer the horses to the trailhead,
we leave early in the morning (6-7am). Riders are welcome to come to the ranch and ride
with us, be picked up along the driving route, or meet us at the trailhead. We stay at
the trailhead for lunch and prize awards (usually 3-5pm). Total time in the saddle is
usually three or more hours.
Click here to view photos of the Prize Ride Experience Rides.
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Orienteering Rides are rides that include a
ten station orienteering course. These experience rides are extremely fun, but they
are also very grueling and recommended only for the advanced rider.
Orienteering Rides
$150. per rider
riders should bring a lunch
These rides are sponsored by the National Association of Competitive Mounted Orienteering.
NACMO determines the ride date, trail route & length, etc.; see our ride calendar for
the dates of scheduled orienteering rides.
Click here to jump to the Ride Calendar.
These rides do not travel specific trails. Riders are given a vague map and make their
own decisions on whether to stick to trails, ride on old roads, or attempt cross-country
on the ride. The trail guide is well trained in both map and compass reading; and will
assist the riders in their efforts to find the orienteering stations.
These experience rides are all day events. we start early in the morning (6-7am). Riders
are welcome to come to the ranch and ride with us, be picked up along the driving route,
or meet us at the trailhead. Often the mapped trail route is fifteen to twenty miles
long, which can take up to six or more hours to complete. Of course, the rider always
has the choice to stop earlier.
Click here to view photos of the Orienteering Experience Rides.
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Wild Edible Mushroom Rides are rides that
include a stop along the trail guaranteed to have wild edible mushrooms ready to be
harvested. This ride is available daily during both the spring and the fall mushroom
seasons. It is an easy ride along trails and gravel roads. And it is a tasteful
experience ride for beginning riders and for riders who already love the flavor of
mushrooms.
$200. per rider
$100. per non-rider or haul-in
we recommend bringing a lunch; please add $200. per person
to above prices for the TRUFFLE hunt
These rides are generally easy riding along a flagged trail that loops out and
back to the start. Every prize ride is managed differently; some are ticket raffles,
some are poker hands, some are treasure hunts, some
In the Spring (~Apr-Jun), wild edible mushrooms are Morel, Bolete, Shaggy Mane, Oyster,
and Chicken of the Woods. In the Fall (~Jul-Nov), wild edible mushrooms are Chanterelle,
Bolete, Russula, Matsutaki, Hedge Hog, Chicken of the Woods, Gypsy, Oyster, and Hericium.
In the Winter (~Dec-Feb), wild edible mushrooms are the Winter Chanterelle and Truffle
(additional $200. per person).
The trail guide is very experienced in identifying the above mushrooms.
We provide the saddlebags to carry your containers of picked mushrooms. The trail guide and
horses will wait (up to four hours) while riders pick mushrooms. Total time in the saddle
can be two or more hours.
Many mushroom hunting areas are easily accessible by vehicle, so we do offer
this experience to non-riders. In addition to sharing our mushroom hunting area,
we will help you learn various identifying specifics for many edible mushroom
species and double check your collections before you leave. We reserve the right
to refuse service, commercial hunters are not welcome.
Click here to view photos of the Mushroom Experience Rides.
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Overnight Camping Rides are rides that
include intentionally spending at least one night at either a trailhead or out on the
trail. This ride is available all year round and is a great experience ride for riders
at all levels who enjoy camping in the outdoors.
two days/one night start at $250. per rider
contact the ranch for more details
The romance of the old west, riding horses during the day and telling stories around
a campfire at night. We don’t need the comforts of home, we can overnight at a
trailhead campsite or rough it out on the trail. We provide only the guide and the
horses; riders are responsible for their own meals, tent, sleeping bags, etc.
This is a very flexible experience ride. It can be one long ride to explore streams,
lakes, meadows, etc. or a couple of shorter rides with a relaxing break in between.
Total time in the saddle is determined by the rider and camping location, up to six
hours per day.
Click here to view photos of the Camping Experience Rides.
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Additional Experience Rides are our
basic guided rides with a seasonal plus or extra thrown in. These rides are available
daily all year round weather or season permitting. They are all easy rides along
trails and gravel roads; many can be done on ranch trails, but some may require that
we trailer to another trailhead. These are all fantastic experience rides for families
and beginning riders.
Click here to jump to prices for Hourly Guided Trail Rides.
Campfire Rides -
we can build a campfire at the ranch any time. But three great trailheads for
this ride are Buck Creek, Mud Mtn, or O Gradys were riders can explore the
river beach and play in the water.
We can bring hotdogs, marshmellows, etc. for additional small fee.
Night Rides -
are available daily, but are best on nights that are cloudless or with a
brighter moon. The horses actually see better in the dark than riders.
One hour rides can be accomodated at the ranch; we recommend Buck Creek or Mud Mtn for longer
rides.
No flashlights or headlamps, as they create moving shadows that spook the horses.
Fog Rides -
are available daily, weather permitting. One hour rides can be accomodated
at the ranch; we recommend Danville-Georgetown or Taylor Mtn for longer
rides as the closeness of the trees add a eerie landscape to the fog.
Lap robes are available to help keep out the cold and dampness.
Click here to jump to the Trailheads.
Snow Rides -
obviously depending on the season, short rides are offered at the ranch. For
longer rides, consider one of many nearby trailheads, safe driving conditions
permitting, such as Buck Creek, Danville-Georgetown, or Taylor Mtn.
Cold weather lap robes are available without additional fees.
Berry Rides -
obviously depending on the season, berries can be found along most trails all summer.
Rides out of the ranch have Salmon, Huckle, Thimble, and Early Mtn Black Berries.
Sahara Horse Camp has an over abundance of Black Caps (or black raspberries) and
certain trails at Danville-Georgetown and Taylor Mtn provide lots of Evergreen
Blackberries.
Saddle bags are available to hold and carry berry picking containers.
Picnic Rides -
are available daily. Shorter rides can be accomodated at the ranch;
but we highly recommend a longer ride like Danville-Georgetown, Taylor Mtn,
Tiger Mtn, or Buck Creek.
Riders must bring their own lunch to pack in the saddlebags;
we can provide lunches for an additional fee.
Click here to jump to the Trailheads.
Holiday Rides -
New Years Day and Saturday following Thanksgiving. Much like a Prize Ride
without the prizes; trailer to a ride location, enjoy a 3-4 hour ride, followed
by a potluck and rider comradery. Contact us for actual trail location as these
rides change each year.
Riders must bring their own potluck item.
Customer Appreciation Rides -
advertised only on our Facebook page. Follow us on Facebook for notification
of these special rides. These rides could be held at one of our favorite
locations or a new trailhead; always at a discounted price.
Like Echo River Ranch On Facebook - get faster updates,
follow ranch activities, receive notifications of bonfire dates, see recent ride photos, get
Facebook only ride specials, and more...
Click here to open a new window and "LIKE" us on our
Facebook page.
Reservations are required for all rides.
Specialty Scavenger Trail Rides
Scavenger Trail Rides are a hunting activity ride sponsored by the ranch.
These rides are available daily. The trail is very easy and the ride is
entertaining for families and first time riders; secret- adults and long
time riders are enjoying them too.
$80. per rider
$10 discount each additional rider and qualifies for $10 weekday
discount (Mon-Thurs)
$25. per person participation fee for persons who wish
to walk the trail or for persons who haul-in
and ride their own horse; additional $10 fee applies if
you are not riding with a rental group
Riders choose a scavenger theme in advance of the ride (so we have time to place the
appropriate items along the trail). Themes can be the same or different for each ride
participant. Themes can be most anything that appeals to the rider, see below for
suggestions. Everyone wins as they find, collect, and keep items related to their
choosen theme. Total time in the saddle is about one hour.
Suggested scavenger themes Berries ’N Blooms, Bugs ’n Flies, Cats,
Cowboys, Dogs, Fantasy Dragons, Fantasy Princess, Movies, Pets, Pirates, Safari,
Super Heros, and just about any other topic that a rider might be interested in.
If you need a competition or challenge, we can do an All Natural (items that are
naturally found along a wooded trail), with winners receiving a prize.
For adults, we can do adult themes such as Beers, NASCAR, Sports Teams or Players, etc.
Click here to view photos of the Scavenger Rides.
Reservations are required for all rides.
Specialty Romance Trail Rides
Romance Trail Rides are guided hourly trail rides where touches of appreciation or romance
have been placed along the trail for the intended rider to find, collect, and enjoy. These
rides are available daily, but only on the trails out of the ranch.
In addition to hourly ride rates above, there is only a $10.
fee to set up the item(s).
If we are purchasing and supplying the item(s), additional
fees will apply.
Click here to see Guided Hourly Ride Fees.
You provide us with the item or items and prior to your ride, we will put them out on the trail
for your intended rider or riders to find. We suggest things like a dozen flowers, little hand
written notes or cards, small gifts, a picnic lunch, or even a bottle of champagne.
Suggested items - a dozen roses or carnations, greeting card with a special hand written note,
little hand written notes, small gifts, a picnic lunch with foods that may have a special
meaning or memories, a bottle of champagne, and more...
Or create a special theme of your own.
Click here to view photos of the Romance Rides.
Reservations are required for all rides.
Specialty Charming Trail Rides
Charming Trail Rides are another hunting activity ride sponsored by the ranch.
These rides are available daily. The trail is very easy and the ride is
entertaining for families and first time riders; secret- small birthday groups
are enjoying this ride.
$80. per rider
$10 discount each additional rider and qualifies for $10 weekday
discount (Mon-Thurs)
$25. per person participation fee for persons who wish
to walk the trail or for persons who haul-in
and ride their own horse; additional $10 fee applies if
you are not riding with a rental group
Riders choose a charming theme in advance of the ride (so we have time to place the
appropriate items along the trail). Themes can be the same or different for each ride
participant. Themes can be most anything that appeals to the rider, see below for
suggestions. Everyone wins as they find, collect, and keep a chain bracelet and at
least ten charms related to their choosen theme. Total time in the saddle is about
one hour.
Suggested charm themes - Horses, Princess, Cowboy, Pirate, Butterflies, Flowers,
Cats, Dogs, Hearts, Stars, Safari Animals, Sports, Halloween, Christmas, Easter,
Farm Animals, Purses, Shoes, and many many more.
Or create your own theme by choosing ten different charm items that mean something
special to the rider.
Click here to view photos of the Charming Rides.