Things to Know Before Booking
Whats the Difference in Locations?
We get asked all of the time, "what trail ride would you recommend for me?" Every person/group is different and we're more than happy to point you in the right direction to the best of our availability. We use horses, mules, and donkeys for all of our trails. Read through the descriptions of the ride that catches your eye and see if it fits your group. Call us with any additional questions! If you are a solo rider, you'll have to call us to be added onto an existing ride.
Our weight limit across the board is 250lbs for safety reasons, for both animal and rider. We have a few mules that can accommodate riders at 250lbs. Riders should be able to mount/dismount with no assistance, and have no issues with balance.
Our trails on Cebolla Mesa are our most popular rides. We can take young kids, and it's a perfect trail for a first-timer/beginner, or someone who loves wide-open landscapes. Since we operate in the summer (aka monsoon season), bring a rain jacket for the afternoon.
Our Vista De Questa trail is a relaxed ride for everyone, with more elevation gain into the trees. This trail is located north of Questa. You meet your wrangler at the stables first for check-in and then take the 15 min drive to the trailhead.
If you and yours are looking for an more mountainous ride, check out our Taos Ski Valley trails--1/2 day ride or All Day. This trail is physically demanding as we climb up through the pines. We take ages 12+ on these trails. We recommend being adventurous and in good athletic shape. Absolutely bring a rain jacket, just in case. Keep in mind, during monsoon season, we can never guarantee a summit on our All-Day rides to Gold Hill or Wheeler Peak. Our All-Day rides are for experienced riders, due to the length and physical demand.
How to Be Prepared
Instructions provided upon booking
Be on time!
Cell service is not reliable out here in the forest. Give yourself extra time to travel, especially through Taos as construction makes traffic quite clogged up. Make sure your phone directions match our website directions
What to Wear
Long pants and closed toed shoes are required. Jeans and a hard soled shoe are best. Avoid leggings, and grippy hiking boots. And of course, having a rain jacket is always handy!
Complete Waivers
Fill out e-waivers prior to your arrival. Minors must have a parent/legal guardian fill out a waiver prior to riding, and riders 18+ must read and sign their own forms
Kids
Riders under 16 must wear a helmet. We provide helmets, otherwise you're more than welcome to bring your own equestrian helmet. No bike helmets.
A parent/legal guardian must fill out a waiver in order for the minor to ride. If the parent/legal guardian will not be present for the ride, an e-waiver must be correctly filled out prior to the arrival of your party.
Permits
Rio Grande Stables operates through permits with the National Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Since we ride on public land, we follow Leave No Trace principles