Horseback Riding in Paso Robles Wine Country

Central Coast Trailrides offers the premier horseback riding experience in San Luis Obispo County's Paso Robles Wine Country. Guided trail rides take place every day on the historic 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, a working California cattle ranch completely closed to the public. Santa Margarita Ranch rides include complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery.

Riders of a wide variety of ages and experience levels are welcomed. Founded in 2015 by Crystal and Brian Hallett, Central Coast Trailrides holds a perfect 5.0 rating across 400+ reviews, multiple Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award, and was featured on NBC's The Today Show as one of the country's top summer getaways.

Book a Ride
(805) 610-1306

Guided Trail Rides

Central Coast Trailrides offers guided horseback trail rides on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, along with custom horseback riding experiences throughout SLO CAL. Standard rides are offered in small groups of 3–5 guests, with private group rides available for parties of 4 or more.

Four people riding horses through a dry grassy field with trees and mountains in the background.

SMR Oak Studded and Creekside Ride - 1hr

$130 per person

Enjoy sweeping views, wildlife sightings, and lush creek settings on this gentle ride through the ranch. The one-hour experience is perfect for first-timers and seasoned riders alike. Spend time with the horses and wranglers, soaking in the fresh air and beauty of the Central Coast.

People riding horses in a line on a grassy field with large trees and mountains in the background during sunset.

SMR Sunset Vineyard & Ridgeline Ride - 2hr

$210 per person

Available all year long, 2 hours prior to sunset time, this two-hour adventure takes riders through the trails of the 1hr and 1.5hr rides and also includes riding through the stunning quarry vineyard and up the panoramic ridgeline which displays the entire Santa Margarita Ranch landscapes including the distant vineyards below. Timing the ride during the golden hour, this ride is enhanced by the sunset, with typically more wildlife activity . Expect varied terrain, wildlife sightings, and unforgettable scenery.

Four people riding horses on a trail through a forest with tall trees and green foliage.

SMR Tree Canopy and Vineyard Ride - 1.5hr

$165 per person

The most popular ride, offering a dynamic taste of everything the ranch has to offer. Ride beneath grand oak trees, through the lush green tree canopy section, and across wide open spaces, cross seasonal creeks, and take in sweeping vineyard views. Suitable for all riding levels.

A person holding a glass of white wine labeled 'Ancient Peaks Winery' while sitting on a horse's back, with the horse's saddle and stirrups visible in the foreground.

Ride and Sip with CCT and Ancient Peaks

Complimentary with Santa Margarita Ranch Rides

Add a little sip to your saddle time! Book a trail ride with us and enjoy a complimentary reserved table and wine tasting at Ancient Peaks, our partner winery just minutes away at the Santa Margarita Ranch. Stay for a glass, explore their wine library, or enjoy lunch from the Ancient Peaks kitchen after your ride.

Tasting add-on must be requested when booking your ride with CCT staff. An accurate email is required for Ancient Peaks confirmation. Food, glasses of wine, and additional purchases are available through Ancient Peaks.

Custom Horseback Experiences

Central Coast Trailrides specializes in custom horseback experiences, offering Santa Margarita Ranch rides tailored to special requests, memorable occasions, and private off-site excursions.

  • Bachelorette party rides - Groups up to 20, wine tasting, and photo opportunities included. Catering available upon request.

  • Corporate team building -Private group rides for retreats and team building events, up to 50 riders, with catering available.

  • Family rides - Ages 5 and up with small buckaroo saddles, helmets, and horses matched to individual riders.

  • Private Ranch rides -Horses and wranglers can be trailered to private properties throughout SLO CAL for real estate scouting, private landowner rides, and custom off-site horseback experiences.

  • Proposal rides- Fully staged proposals with dedicated photo opportunities built into the ride.

  • Birthday and celebration rides - Flexible timing, with special add-ons available for any occasion.

  • Holiday rides - Seasonal events, including Christmas at the Ranch.

A young man and a woman smiling and giving a high five in a grassy field with two horses, one brown and one roan, both saddled, under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Group of people riding horses through a open field framed by tree trunks and branches, with a distant mountain range in the background, during sunny weather.

Why Choose Central Coast Trailrides

Central Coast Trailrides is a family-owned operation founded in 2015 by Crystal and Brian Hallett. Each ride offers a unique glimpse into the season, from fields of wildflowers to bald eagles, black bears, and sweeping views of the untouched landscape at historic Santa Margarita Ranch.

Guided by the Central Coast Trailrides family on horses they own, guests experience private ranch land that is otherwise closed to the public.

  • Exclusive access to the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch

  • A herd of personally owned horses matched individually to every rider

  • Complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery with every Santa Margarita Ranch booking

  • Perfect 5.0 rating across 400+ reviews on Google and Yelp

  • Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award

  • Featured on NBC's The Today Show

  • Proud partners of Visit California, Travel Paso, and SLOCAL

Read more about the Hallett family and the full operation behind every ride.

400+ Five-Star Reviews. Featured on The Today Show.

Central Coast Trailrides holds a perfect 5.0 rating across 400+ reviews on Google and Yelp and earned a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. NBC’s The Today Show featured the operation as one of the country’s top summer getaways.

More Horses Than Most People Can Imagine. Every Rider Carefully Matched.

The Central Coast Trailrides herd is owned and managed by the Hallett family, with careful attention given to each horse’s rest, workload, and overall care. Crystal ensures every horse is healthy, well-matched, and ready for the trail. The herd includes calm, patient horses for first-time riders, athletic mounts for experienced equestrians, and large draft horses for riders who need a bigger horse. Before each booking, the team collects every rider’s height, weight, and experience level to thoughtfully pair them with the right horse.

Where Central Coast Trailrides Operates

Central Coast Trailrides welcomes guests from across the country, including the East Coast, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona, as well as riders from the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Paso Robles Wine Country, Santa Margarita, Morro Bay, and the Central Valley.

People sitting at a picnic table outdoors, with horses grazing behind a white fence, and a wooded area with trees in the background.

Meet the Hallett Family

Central Coast Trailrides was founded in 2015 by Crystal and Brian Hallett, both born and raised on the Central Coast of California. What started as a family passion for horses and the region they call home has grown into the premier horseback riding adventures Paso Robles Wine Country and San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) has to offer.
The Hallett family (Brian, Crystal & Taylen) oversees every aspect of the operation personally, including managing the horse care, guest coordination, winery and ranch partnerships, and guiding rides, alongside their fantastic extended family of hard-working wranglers.

Every guest who books with Central Coast Trailrides is hosted by a family and their employees who genuinely love what they do.

Frequently Asked Questions

For complete details on pricing, policies, and what to expect on arrival, visit the Central Coast Trailrides FAQ page.

  • Central Coast Trailrides offers exclusive access to the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, a personally owned and carefully matched herd, and a complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery included with every Santa Margarita Ranch ride.

  • All rides are booked by calling or texting the team at (805) 610-1306. Rides are available by appointment every day from 8 AM to 7 PM. Depending on the time of the year. A deposit confirms the booking.

    Inquiries are welcome 24 hours a day

  • Rides start at $130 per person for the one-hour Oak Studded and Creekside Ride, $165 for the 1.5-hour Tree Canopy and Vineyard View Ride, and $210 for the two-hour Sunset Ridgeline Ride. Private experiences begin at $500 for two riders.

  • A complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery is included with every Santa Margarita Ranch ride. Guests should reserve the tasting directly with Ancient Peaks in advance. Off-site and custom rides do not include the complimentary tasting.

  • Every rider is evaluated individually based on height, weight, and experience level to ensure the best possible horse match. Accurate information must be provided at booking for the safety of both riders and horses.

  • Children as young as 5 are welcome at Central Coast Trailrides. Each child is carefully matched with an appropriate horse and saddle, with small Buckaroo saddles available for younger riders.

    For safety, children may not ride double with an adult. Children under 8 are ponied by a wrangler during the ride.

  • Most rides take place on the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch. Upon special request, the operation also brings horses to private vineyards, vacation rentals, and venues throughout SLO CAL.

  • Helmets are provided at no charge and required for all riders under 18. Adult riders may choose to wear a helmet or decline. All provided helmets are equestrian-certified and sanitized between uses. Riders may bring a personal equestrian-certified helmet if desired. Non-equestrian certified helmets are not allowed.

  • Yes. Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount or for any ride with no expiration date and no required booking date at purchase. Physical or digital gift cards are available. Call (805) 610-1306 to arrange.

  • Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for all riders. Heels, open-toed shoes, hats, and loose, flowing garments are not permitted on the trail. Sunscreen is available at the ride location.

Contact Central Coast Trailrides

Contact Central Coast Trailrides by calling or texting the team directly at (805) 610-1306. Rides are available by appointment every day from 8 AM to 7 PM. All bookings require a deposit to confirm. Credit, Debit cards, and cash are accepted on the day of the ride. Responses are typically same-day.

  • Phone / Text: (805) 610-1306

  • Hours: Every day, 8 AM to 7 PM

  • Email: info@cctrailrides.com

  • All rides by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted.

  • Deposit required to confirm every booking.

Four people riding horses in a desert landscape with trees and mountains in the background, wearing hats and casual clothing.
Four people riding horses in a desert landscape with trees and mountains in the background, wearing hats and casual clothing.