Horseback Riding In California

No matter what part of sunny California you live in or are visiting, you will be sure to find a great place to ride horses. There are state parks, numerous stables and tons of trails available for your horseback riding pleasure. Following are few of the places you might want to check out.

San Diego

The Circle T ranch is located in nearby Lakeside and is only about 35 minutes from downtown San Diego. The ranch offers guided trail rides through the picturesque Lakeside Mountains by reservation. The cost is $40 during the week and $45 on weekends. Visit their website at www.thecircletranch.com for more information.

Warner Springs Ranch in Warner Springs offers a wide variety of creative horseback riding activities. They provide adult, family and children's programs in all levels of experience for both Western and English style riders. They have accommodations for overnight stays and provide boarding services for privately owned horses. There website is very user-friendly with lots of information at www.warnerspringsranch.com.

Malibu

Malibu Lake Riders is open seven days a week, including most holidays, from 10 am until dusk. They offer trail rides for any level of rider and children seven years and up are welcome. Three of the main trail options include riding through Zuma Canyon, the Agoura Hills and Malibu State Park in Calabasas and also a romantic, couple's excursion. One, two and three hour rides are $50 per hour. Visit their website at www.malibulakeriders.com to learn more about these rides, lessons and their day camp.

Los Angeles

At Griffith Park, you can rent a horse and ride without an escort. Griffith Park Horse Rentals is open 7 days a week from 8 am until dusk and has a wonderful selection of horses to choose from. It's only $15 for the first hour with a $30 deposit. Every other Friday night, they offer one and a half hour group Western BBQ trail ride for $40. For more information, call 818-841-4024.

The Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables are located in scenic Beachwood Canyon, right under the Hollywood sign, on the Hollywood side of Griffith Park. They offer riding lessons, lunch rides and horse rentals at very competitive rates. Call the stable at 213-469-5450 or 213-464-9612.

Just two blocks south of Riverside Drive is the Circle K Stables on Mariposa. They are open all year from 7:30 am until dusk, except for Christmas day. Pay only $15 dollars for the first hour and $10 for each additional with a $25 deposit. Their phone number is 818-843-9840.

Yosemite National Park

If you'd like to explore the splendor of the Sierra Mountains, try horseback riding in Yosemite National Park. Go to www.yosemitepark.com and enter 'stables' in the search window.