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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 in the summer on trail

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

Exploring since 1989

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

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

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 with breathtaking views.

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.

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Discover Taos on Horseback
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