Central Coast Trailrides is the horseback riding service Paso Robles Wine Country trusts for guided trail rides on the Santa Margarita Ranch, year-round, for all experience levels.

Founded in 2015 by Crystal and Brian Hallett, the operation has become the most recognized horseback riding service in California wine country. The Today Show featured Central Coast Trailrides as one of the country's best summer getaways. A perfect 5.0 rating across 400+ reviews on Google and Yelp and a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award confirm what guests experience on every ride.

Horseback Riding Service in Paso Robles Wine Country

Book a Ride

(805) 610-1306

A Horseback Riding Service San Luis Obispo County and Paso Robles Visitors Return to Year After Year

Central Coast Trailrides is a full-service guided horseback riding company operating year-round in the Paso Robles wine region and greater San Luis Obispo County. Unlike a horse rental or a self-guided ride, every outing is led by an experienced wrangler who knows the terrain, the horses, and the history of the properties ridden. The service is built around personalized horse matching, private group rides, and exclusive access to private land most people will never see from the back of a horse.

Crystal and Brian Hallett, both born and raised on the Central Coast, started Central Coast Trailrides in 2015 with a love for horses and sharing the beauty of this region. Over the years, the operation has become a premier horseback riding experience in California wine country, earning recognition from The Today Show and hundreds of five-star reviews from guests who have become part of the extended ranch family.

Guided Trail Rides

Central Coast Trailrides offers daily trail rides on the Santa Margarita Ranch and a full range of private and custom horseback experiences throughout SLO CAL. Private customized rides are available daily alongside standard small group rides. Rides typically are between 3-5 people with groups of 4 getting their own ride hosted by an experienced, fun wrangler.

Four people riding horses on a sunny dirt trail through a wooded area, with a dog walking alongside.

1 Hour — SMR Oak Studded and Creekside Ride

$130 per person

A gentle first ride through creek settings, oak groves, and open pasture ending at the Ancient Peaks vineyard overlook. Perfect for all experience levels and ideal for first-timers and families.

A group of four women sitting at a picnic table outdoors under large oak trees. They are wearing hats and are surrounded by mountains in the background. There are horses and a person standing nearby, pointing at something.

2 Hour — SMR Sunset Vineyard and Ridgeline Ride

$200 per person

Available during golden hour in the warmer months. The ride climbs through the quarry vineyard to panoramic ridgeline views across the Santa Margarita Ranch. Minimum two riders. Wildlife sightings, unforgettable scenery.

Three women riding horses through a shallow water area with trees in the background, during what appears to be late afternoon sunlight.

1.5 Hour — SMR Tree Canopy and Vineyard View Ride

$160 per person

The most popular option. A deeper exploration of the ranch through grand oak trees, seasonal creek crossings, and sweeping quarry vineyard views. Suitable for all riding levels.

Two women riding horses in an outdoor riding ring under large trees with autumn-colored leaves. One woman wears a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; the other wears a baseball cap and sunglasses.

Ride and Sip — Ancient Peaks Winery

Complimentary with Santa Margarita Ranch Rides

Every Santa Margarita Ranch ride includes a complimentary five-wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery, the partner winery just minutes from the ranch. Reserve the tasting in advance to complete the experience.

People riding horses at a ranch with large trees and a wooden fence in the background during the daytime.

Santa Margarita Ranch Rides

Available daily

A deeper exploration of the Santa Margarita Ranch with a focus on its history, wildlife, and California heritage. The Hallett family shares the story of the land on every ride, from its Mission Trail origins to its current role as one of California’s most significant working cattle ranches.

Custom and Private Horseback Riding Experiences

Beyond the daily trail rides, Central Coast Trailrides offers a full range of private and custom horseback riding experiences coordinated personally by Crystal and Brian Hallett. Horses and wranglers travel to wherever the group needs them throughout SLO CAL, from vacation rentals to private ranch properties.Complimentary five-wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery. Every Santa Margarita Ranch ride includes a tasting at the partner winery a few minutes from the ranch. Reserve directly with Ancient Peaks in advance.

Bachelorette party rides. Groups of 8 to 20+, wine tasting and photo opportunities included.
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 buckaroo saddles, helmets, and horses matched to individual riders based on height, weight, and experience.
Private and custom rides. Horses and wranglers trailered to vacation rental properties, private ranches, real estate scouting, and vineyard owner rides throughout SLO CAL.
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.
Private Ranch rides. Private and custom ranch rides throughout SLO CAL.

Occasions and Group Types Served

A man and woman stand in a grassy field, smiling and interacting with two horses with saddlebags. The man is holding the horse's reins, and the woman is giving a high five to the horse on the left. The sky is partly cloudy with trees and mountains in the background.

People riding horses in a field, seen through the gap between large tree trunks and branches, with distant mountains in the background.

More Horses Than Most People Can Imagine, Matched to Every Rider

The Central Coast Trailrides herd includes more horses than the average person can think about or take care of, all owned by the Hallett family. Every horse is handpicked, cared for on-site, and brought to guests tacked up and ready to ride. Before every booking, the team collects each rider's height, weight, and experience level to match them with the right horse.

The full herd roster includes gentle, patient horses for young children and nervous first-timers, athletic horses for experienced riders who want room to move, and large draft horses for guests who need a bigger mount. Every horse is owned outright, not leased.

Ages 5 and up accommodated with appropriate horse and saddle selection
Riders of all sizes accommodated — every rider is evaluated individually based on height, weight, and experience
Experienced equestrians matched with athletic horses at select locations where pace can be increased
Western and English riding styles available
Buckaroo saddles provided for young children
Helmets provided and required for riders under 18, optional for adults
Saddle pouches provided for phones, keys, and cameras on every ride
Mounting blocks used by all riders for horse and rider safety

Rider Accommodations

Four people riding horses through a vineyard during sunset

Private Access to California Ranchland Most Never See

The Santa Margarita Ranch is one of California’s most historic working cattle ranches. Part of the California Mission Trail and established as a Mexican land grant, the property spans 14,000 acres of protected, private ranchland in the hills above Paso Robles. There is no public access. No hiking trails, no mountain bike routes, no day visitors. The only way to experience this land is through a guided ride with Central Coast Trailrides.

The terrain changes with the seasons. In winter and early spring, the creek beds run full and wildflowers push through the hillsides. In summer, the wild oat grass turns golden and the vineyard grows deep green against the dry hills. In fall, harvest brings activity to the Ancient Peaks vineyard and the air carries the smell of wine country. The Santa Margarita Ranch is a different ride every season, which is why so many guests come back year after year.

Beyond Santa Margarita Ranch, Central Coast Trailrides also facilitates rides at private vineyards, vacation rental properties, and land trust conservancy land across SLO County, bringing the same personalized service to any location a group requests.

Who Uses Central Coast Trailrides

The Central Coast Trailrides horseback riding service welcomes a wide range of guests, each with different goals for their time on the trail.

Wine Country Visitors

Visitors to Paso Robles planning a wine country weekend consistently call the horseback ride the highlight of their trip. The combination of private ranch access, expert wrangler storytelling, and a complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery creates an experience no winery visit alone can match. Guests traveling from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and beyond make Central Coast Trailrides a centerpiece of their Central Coast itinerary.

Families with Children

Central Coast Trailrides accommodates children as young as five with appropriate horses, buckaroo saddles, and patient wranglers. The operation’s flexible age and weight policies mean fewer guests are turned away than at most other trail riding operations in the area. Parents consistently mention in reviews that the safety, warmth, and genuine care shown by the Hallett family made first-time riders of their children comfortable from the moment they arrived.

Couples and Milestone Celebrants

The sunset ridgeline ride, the vineyard views, and the private nature of every group outing make Central Coast Trailrides a natural choice for proposals, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. The team personally coordinates every proposal ride and has helped stage dozens of successful engagements on the trail. The experience, at golden hour overlooking the Santa Margarita Ranch vineyard, regularly exceeds expectations.

Corporate Groups and Event Planners

Central Coast Trailrides has hosted corporate groups of up to 50 riders for team building events, with food, live music, and bonfires arranged around the rides for full-day programming. The operation’s mobile model and its ability to coordinate catering partners and entertainment vendors make it a practical choice for event planners building an offsite in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Experienced Equestrians

Riders with equestrian backgrounds appreciate that Central Coast Trailrides is not a nose-to-tail operation. At select locations, pace can be increased to include trotting and loping. Experienced riders are matched with appropriate horses and, where terrain allows, given room to move. The 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch provides terrain that genuinely challenges and satisfies experienced riders who have outgrown arena or beginner trail rides.

What Sets This Horseback Riding Service Apart

Exclusive access to private land

No other horseback riding service in the Paso Robles area has exclusive access to the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch. Competitors operate on properties averaging under 200 acres. The size, history, and terrain diversity of Santa Margarita Ranch is not matched anywhere in SLO County.

A mobile operation with no fixed location limit

Central Coast Trailrides brings horses and wranglers to vacation rentals, private vineyards, conservancy land, and ranch properties across SLO CAL. No other local horseback riding service offers this level of location flexibility. Groups that want a truly private experience on their own property or at a venue of their choosing can book the full operation for their event.

Horses owned, not leased

Every horse in the herd is owned by the Hallett family and managed with strict attention to rest, workload, and care. The team monitors the weekly schedule of every horse in the operation, occasionally declining bookings to protect horses from overwork. This level of care is visible to guests and frequently mentioned in reviews.

Complimentary wine tasting with Santa Margarita Ranch rides

No other guided horseback riding operation in the Paso Robles area includes a complimentary wine tasting with ranch rides. The Ancient Peaks Winery partnership is a genuine differentiator that adds significant value to the overall experience and is consistently cited in guest reviews as a highlight.

Featured on The Today Show

Central Coast Trailrides was featured by NBC’s The Today Show as one of the country’s premier summer getaways, in partnership with Travel Paso. This national recognition, combined with 400+ five-star reviews on Google and Yelp and a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award, places Central Coast Trailrides in a category of its own among Paso Robles horseback riding services.

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Group of people horseback riding in a scenic, rural landscape with trees and mountains in the background.

Why Choose Central Coast Trailrides

Central Coast Trailrides is a family-owned operation founded in 2015 by Crystal and Brian Hallett. Every ride is guided by the Hallett family, on horses they own, on private land 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
Mobile operation — horses brought to any SLO CAL location
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Santa Margarita Ranch bookings include a guided trail ride, personalized horse matching, a private group ride with no strangers, saddle pouches, cold water, and a complimentary five-wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery. Off-site and custom rides include all of the above except the complimentary tasting.
Before every booking, the team collects each rider's height, weight, and riding experience and assigns horses individually. Nervous first-timers, experienced equestrians, young children, and riders of all sizes are all matched appropriately.
Trail rides are the standard daily offerings on the Santa Margarita Ranch at set price points. Custom experiences are private rides designed around a specific occasion or location, starting at $500 for two riders.
Yes. The service operates 365 days a year from 8 AM to 8 PM. Seasonal conditions affect which ride options are available. The Sunset Ridgeline Ride is available in the warmer months when golden hour timing aligns.
Yes. No prior riding experience is required. First-time riders are welcomed on every ride and matched with calm, patient horses. Basic guidance is provided before departing on every trail ride.

Cancellation and rescheduling policies are communicated directly by the team at the time of booking. Guests are encouraged to ask about the policy before confirming their deposit.
No. All rides are by appointment only. Guests must call or text (805) 610-1306 to schedule. Same-day bookings are occasionally available but cannot be guaranteed.
Credit cards, Venmo, and cash are accepted on the day of the ride. A deposit is required to confirm the booking. The deposit amount depends on the group size and ride type.
Central Coast Trailrides does not offer group size discounts. A military discount of $10 per person is available with a valid military ID. Occasional seasonal promotions are posted on social media.
Yes. Non-riders can wait in a comfortable shaded picnic area at the ride location, separate from the horses and wranglers. This area is available for guests who prefer not to ride.

Where Central Coast Trailrides Operates

Central Coast Trailrides welcomes riders from all over Paso Robles Wine Country and San Luis Obispo County. Explore ride options near Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, Morro Bay, and throughout the Central Coast.

Visit the full herd page to learn more about the horses before booking.

Contact Central Coast Trailrides

Contact Central Coast Trailrides by calling or texting the team directly at (805) 610-1306. Rides are available every day from 8 AM to 8 PM by appointment. All bookings require a deposit to confirm. Credit cards, Venmo, 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 8 PM
Email: info@cctrailrides.com
All rides by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted.
Deposit required to confirm every booking.