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EXPLORE THE TRAILS
Three riders on horseback in a scenic landscape with mountains in the background.

Guided Horse & Mule Trail Rides just north of Taos, New Mexico

Rio Grande Stables

Experience the beauty of Taos on horseback operating yearly from May to October 15th

Open for the Summer
Person riding a horse through a forested area with mountains in the background.
Who We Are

Trailblazers of Taos

At Rio Grande Stables, we have been crafting unforgettable horseback adventures for over 30 years during the summertime. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes around Taos, New Mexico, we offer guided trail rides that cater to riders of all levels. Our commitment is to provide a relaxed experience where you can connect with nature and create priceless memories. Whether you're exploring the majestic Rio Grande Gorge or the serene mountain trails, our knowledgeable guides provide an enjoyable ride!

Learn more about us

Two people on horseback in a snowy forested area, interacting with each other.
A person riding a horse on a rocky mountain trail with scenic views.
Two people on horseback in a forested area, smiling and enjoying a ride.
Two riders on horseback near a pond in a lush green landscape
Adventures

Book Your Summer Ride Today

Cebolla Mesa - 2HR Morning Ride
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Cebolla Mesa - 2HR Morning Ride

**Our most popular ride!** Join us for an blissful trail ride through the fragrant pine and sage on Cebolla Mesa. Our 2HR ride offers the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of New Mexico while enjoying a leisurely ride on horseback. Perfect for: -families -first timers/beginners -older folks -those looking for a very relaxing ride with stunning views

19 Reviews
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$90
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Cebolla Mesa - 3HR Morning Ride
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Cebolla Mesa - 3HR Morning Ride

Begin your adventure with a leisurely ride through the enchanting landscapes of northern New Mexico. Wander through stretches of fragrant sagebrush and towering pine trees as your well-trained horse carries you toward the edge of the stunning Rio Grande Gorge. Along the way, soak in the peaceful sounds of nature, expansive blue skies, and breathtaking views that make this journey unforgettable. It's the perfect way to experience the untouched beauty of the region and connect with the spirit of the land. Ride Schedules: 3-Hour rides are scheduled in the morning only

10 Reviews
from
$110
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Cebolla Mesa - Half Day with Lunch
Duration
4 to 4:30 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Cebolla Mesa - Half Day with Lunch

Discover the stunning landscapes of Cebolla Mesa with our Half-Day Trail Ride. This adventure takes you along scenic trails through sagebrush and pine, leading to breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Gorge and surrounding wilderness. Enjoy our scrumptious saddle bag lunch on the edge of the canyon while gazing down at the rio grande river far below. It's an unforgettable way to explore one of New Mexico's hidden gems. - all experiences welcome! First-timers, beginners, and families with kids

12 Reviews
from
$155
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Cebolla Mesa - 2HR Evening Ride
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Cebolla Mesa - 2HR Evening Ride

Late afternoon/evening rides have a enchanting feel to them. Make sure you bring a rain jacket! Mellow golden sunlight paints the sagebrush, the New Mexico golden hour dances across the sky. This leisurely two hour trail rides shows off the stunning landscapes of New Mexico in a very special way.

13 Reviews
from
$90
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Cebolla Mesa - 2HR Afternoon Ride
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Cebolla Mesa - 2HR Afternoon Ride

Join us for an blissful trail ride through the fragrant pine and sage on Cebolla Mesa. Our 2HR ride offers the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of New Mexico while enjoying a leisurely ride on horseback. Bring a rain jacket! Rain showers are most common to occur in the afternoons/evenings

16 Reviews
from
$90
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Taos Ski Valley - Half Day with Lunch
Duration
4 to 4:30 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Taos Ski Valley - Half Day with Lunch

Experience the beauty of Taos Ski Valley with our Half-Day Trail Ride. This adventure takes you high into the mountain meadows, offering stunning views and the chance to explore the famous Taos Ski Valley from a unique perspective. This ride is perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of New Mexico without committing to a full day. You'll have plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking views. Join us for a half-day of exploration and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by us. Our Half-Day Trail Ride is designed to create lasting memories for individuals, families, and groups.

3 Reviews
from
$170
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Taos Ski Valley - All Day Ride
Duration
6 to 7 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Taos Ski Valley - All Day Ride

Saddle up for a full day of exploration with our All-Day Trail Ride. We climb up through the aspen and pine forests to the vast meadows stretching above timberline at 12,000 feet. Our experienced guides will lead you through the diverse landscapes of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Our All-Day Trail Ride includes a delicious lunch, ensuring you have the energy to enjoy every moment of this unforgettable adventure. This ride caters to those with previous riding experience

3 Reviews
from
$230
Available After July 4thLEARN MORE about Taos Ski Valley - All Day Ride

Why choose us?

Discover the untouched beauty of Taos on horseback with our expert guides and gentle, well-trained horses. Ride through serene trails, breathtaking forests, and stunning mountain vistas while learning about the area's rich history and natural wonders. Our operation is open in the summertime, Mid May-late September, making it the perfect seasonal adventure. Perfect for riders of all levels, it's your gateway to the wild spirit of Taos.

Scenic Riding Locations

Ride through the stunning landscape of Taos, whether through the sagebrush on Cebolla Mesa or through the pine in the Taos Ski Valley

Over 30 Years of Experience

With 30 years of experience, Rio Grande Stables offers unforgettable horseback riding adventures in New Mexico. Their expert guides and well-trained horses ensure a safe, enjoyable ride for all levels.

Adventure Your Way

From quick two-hour rides to full-day excursions, they’ve got options to fit your vibe. Beginner-friendly rides are available too, for ages young as 6!

Location

Taos Area

Nestled in the heart of the Southwest, Taos, New Mexico offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Known for its stunning landscapes, Taos is home to the majestic Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This picturesque location provides the perfect backdrop for our trail rides, where you can explore diverse terrains and witness breathtaking views. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, Taos offers an unforgettable experience that connects you with the spirit of the Wild West.

Group of riders on horseback in a scenic landscape with clouds and mountains

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Here are some ways to go to Rio Grande Stables, NM. From Santa Fe, NM: Follow US-84 W/US Hwy 285 N and NM-68 N to NM-240 E in Ranchos de Taos follow Thru Taos to El Prado continue north on US 64 / HWY 522 for approximately 15 miles. Stables located on the left. From Taos, NM: Travel north from Taos on US 64/NM 522. Remain driving north for approximately 15 miles: you will pass a Carson National Forest sign, and a few minutes after that there is a sign for Cebolla Mesa and a blue metal bus stop on the right-hand side of the road, and a big Rio Grande Stables sign on the left. Turn there, ignore the “not suitable for passenger cars” sign. You’ll see our pull-in within seconds. From Colorado Springs, CO: Follow I-25 S and US-160 W to CO-159 S in Costilla County. Continue on CO-159 S. Drive to 74 NM-522 S just south of Questa, NM. Stables will be on the right across from a blue bus stop.
We have a strict 7-Day cancellation policy. A deposit in the amount of 50% of your total trip cost is required to hold your reservation. We do NOT keep any card information on file.
Long pants & closed-toe shoes are a requirement to ride. The weather has the ability to change fast so be prepared and don’t be shy get your inner cowboy on! Jeans & boots are most highly recommended. Leggings do not hold grip in the saddle, and we also ride through rugged terrain so you want pants that offer you more protection! Tennis shoes are ok, but please no soft-soled or rubber shoes (crocs, water shoes, sandals). For sunny or warmer weather, we highly recommend lightweight long sleeves & bandanas. Cowboys don’t cover themselves up to look cool, they do it for sun protection. Save your tanning for the river.
Water! Water, water, water. You need one liter of water per hour of riding in handheld bottles: you must be able to hold and drink your water while holding the reins while riding. No gallon jugs, CamelPaks, or backpacks. This is non-negotiable! Sunglasses & a hat: if you are 18+ & opting out of a riding helmet, wear a wide-brimmed hat! We recommend having a lightweight rainjacket on hand in case the afternoon blows in some rain! You can bring a treat for your horse too, they like things like apples and carrots.If you like your ride, kiss your horse and tip your guide! Our guides work hard to prepare a great ride for you, so gratuity is appreciated. You can bring cash or leave a tip on your credit card, or some of our wranglers have Venmo/Zelle.
We ride rain or shine, but we do not ride in unsafe weather conditions (i.e. lightning) or on unsafe trail conditions. We encourage you to bring a rain jacket, but we do offer ponchos if needed.
Yes, in fact anyone under the age of 16 is required to wear an equestrian style helmet. If you currently have an equestrian helmet, feel free to bring it if it makes you feel more comfortable. Personal equestrian helmets must be inspected and given the “OK” by one of our wranglers. Bike helmets are not allowed. If the rider is 16 or 17, the parent/guardian may choose if they must wear one or not. Helmets are optional to everybody 18+. If you choose not to wear a helmet, bring a hat for sure!! (One that fits snug on your head and won’t blow away! Horses don’t like flying objects)
For the safety of our guests and horses, our rides are only walking rides. It’s much more enjoyable to walk your horse on a scenic trail, anyway!
We do have a weight limit of 250 lbs. This is for the safety of the horse, as well as the rider.
Nope! We do provide a satchel adequate for all of your goodies for your trail ride adventure.
No. Under no circumstances do we allow this. Our trails are rocky and rugged. Please know each stables has it’s own specific age minimum.
Yes!! If you have a handheld camera (film, DSLR, etc), it needs to have a cross-body strap. Please don't bring extra-big/bulky cameras, as they are more likely to bump against the saddle and can be uncomfortable to ride with. NO DRONES OR SELFIE-STICKS.
No, we cannot accomodate your furry friends on our property. You will need to secure your pet somewhere (AirBnB, friend, family member, etc) BEFORE your ride!
We operate yearly late May-early October. When contacting us outside of the season, please specify that you are looking at booking a ride in New Mexico as we have a year-round operation in Texas!
No, we only offer guided trail rides. Also, we are not open in the winter during hunting season
A person riding a horse on a rocky mountain trail with scenic views.
A person riding a horse on a rocky mountain trail with scenic views.

Explore the Wild West.

Discover Taos on Horseback
Book Your Adventure!
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