In 2021, my mom, sisters, and I were out in Arizona. The main chunk of the trip was the Grand Canyon, but we also spent a few days in Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Sedona. While staying in Sedona, we did a trail ride at Wild Western Horseback Adventures LLC [WWHA]. I really enjoyed the extremely different Arizona plains. I’m used to thick forests where you can barely see much past the trail. We also had the last trail ride of the day, so the gorgeous sunset stopped by to say hi. Enjoy my review of Wild Western Horseback Adventures LLC near Sedona, AZ!

Out in the desert plains, WWHA is located 40 minutes from Sedona off HW 260. Continuing south and turning left (north) off I-17 is Montezuma Castle National Monument. If you are looking for other activities near Sedona, this is surely an area to check out. Wild Western Horse Adventures LLC offers three different types of trail rides. The Cowboy Ride is 1 hour ($85), the Rattlesnake Ride is 1.5 hours ($95), and lastly, the Moonlight Ride is 1.5 hours and is only offered during a full moon.

If you get to the stables early, there is a small farm where you can look at and even pet some barn animals. During our visit, there were goats, sheep, donkeys, and llamas. There were even adorable baby horse foals and cow calves to look at.

I did a 1-hour trail ride around the property. I started off leaving the stables and rode right through a huge group of cattle. More cute calves! There were also some cool and scary Texas longhorns in the group of cattle too. Some of the wranglers not guiding the horse ride were on horses doing evening watch and feeding of the cattle. Some cowboys in action.

As the horse train left the cattle, we were immediately thrown into the desert plains! It was flat and barren – vastly different from other trails I’m used to. Dry bushes scattered the landscape with beautiful hills in the background. You’ll even see some small prickly pear cactus randomly around the trail and throughout the scenic landscape. Add to the backdrop breathtaking hills and plateaus – the scenery will give you perspective as to how open the desert plains can be!

My favorite element of this trail ride was the spectacular visuals from the sunset! I got cool sun rays from the camera which created a rustic tired effect on the memory. I also got a lot of shadows throughout the trail ride that gives a really fun “wild west – settling into the campsite for the night” vibe. I love the various angles, optics, and tones this trail ride produced.

Conclusion

Marking off places in your NPS Passport by visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument? Maybe the celestial signs in Sedona are telling you to get in touch with the strength and endurance of your inner horse? Stopping by Wild Western Horseback Adventures LLC is sure to give you a memory to remember your trip for sure! Have you ridden at WWHA? Comment your experience below and have a great day!

Written by

Scenic Byhorse

Learn more about Scenic Byhorse here.

I love horses and love taking trail rides to explore beyond what you see from the roads. Join me as I share trail rides I’ve taken across Colorado and all over the country! Plus, enjoy bonus stories of wonderful outdoor adventures!