Horseback Riding near Paso Robles, CA

Central Coast Trailrides offers the premier horseback riding experience in 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 awards, 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 in Paso Robles, CA

Central Coast Trailrides offers trail rides on the Santa Margarita Ranch and custom horseback experiences throughout SLO CAL. Every ride is private for the booking group, never combined with strangers, and never nose-to-tail.

1 Hour — SMR Oak Studded and Creekside Ride

$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.

2 Hour — SMR Sunset Vineyard and Ridgeline Ride

$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.

1.5 Hour — SMR Tree Canopy and Vineyard View Ride

$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.

Ride and Sip with CCT and Ancient Peaks

Complimentary with Santa Margarita Ranch Rides

Santa Margarita Ranch rides can include complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery, just a short drive from the ranch. Ancient Peaks is owned and operated by the owners of Santa Margarita Ranch. Reserve the tasting in advance with CCT to complete the Central Coast experience.

Central Coast Horseback Riding in Paso Robles, CA

Explore horseback riding near you across California's Central Coast:

Custom Horseback Experiences

Central Coast Trailrides specializes in custom horseback experiences and can bring horses and wranglers to any group anywhere in Paso Robles or SLO CAL. Private rides are available for all kinds of occasions, including:

Why Choose Central Coast Trailrides in Paso Robles

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.

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.

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 strict attention to rest, workload, and care. Horses range from calm, patient partners for first-time riders to athletic horses for experienced equestrians. Large draft horses are available for riders who need a bigger mount. Before every booking, the team collects each rider's height, weight, and experience level to assign the right horse. Visit the full herd page to learn more before booking.

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.

Meet the Hallett Family

Crystal and Brian Hallett are the founders and co-owners of Central Coast Trailrides. Crystal manages horse care, guest coordination, and the winery and ranch partnerships that make each ride possible. Brian leads rides as head wrangler and manages the full herd, matching every rider to the right horse before each outing.

Their daughter Taylin has stepped into a wrangler role and leads rides regularly. Every guest who books with Central Coast Trailrides is hosted by a family that genuinely loves what they do, on land they know intimately, with horses they care for personally. The Hallett family has been welcoming riders to the Santa Margarita Ranch since 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking and Availability

  • Call or text the team at (805) 610-1306. Rides are available every day from 8 AM to 8 PM by appointment. A deposit confirms the booking. Central Coast Trailrides does not accept walk-ins.

  • Booking as early as possible is recommended, particularly for weekend rides during spring and summer. Same-week availability can sometimes be accommodated, but popular dates fill quickly. Custom and group rides require more lead time.

  • Yes. Rides operate every day of the year, from 8 AM to 8 PM. Paso Robles Wine Country offers favorable riding conditions across all seasons, with each time of year bringing its own scenery and character.

  • Yes. The operation is fully mobile and can trailer horses and wranglers to vacation rental properties, private ranches, and vineyard estates throughout the Paso Robles area.

  • Contact Central Coast Trailrides directly at (805) 610-1306 for current cancellation and rescheduling details. Weather-related cancellations are communicated by 8 AM on the day of the ride.

The Ride Experience

  • Most daily rides take place on the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, just outside Paso Robles in Santa Margarita, California. Custom and private rides can be arranged throughout the Paso Robles area and wider SLO County.

  • Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for all riders. Open-toed shoes, heels, and loose flowing garments are not permitted on the trail. Sunscreen is available on-site.

  • Complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery is included with every Santa Margarita Ranch ride. The tasting must be reserved in advance through Central Coast Trailrides at the time of booking.

  • No. Every ride is private for the booking group. Groups are not combined with strangers. Rides are paced to the group, with room to spread out on the trail.

  • Daily group rides are walk-paced for the safety of all riders. Private bookings can include trot and canter sections for experienced riders. Discuss experience level and goals when booking.

Riders and Requirements

  • Children as young as five years old are welcomed. Buckaroo saddles are available for smaller riders. Every child is matched to an appropriate horse based on size and temperament.

  • Central Coast Trailrides operates with a flexible approach and has large draft horses available for riders who need a bigger mount. Accurate height and weight information must be provided at the time of booking for every rider.

  • No experience is required. The majority of guests are first-timers or occasional riders. Wranglers provide full instruction before every ride. Experienced equestrians can request a private ride with trot and canter sections.

  • Helmets are provided at no charge and required for all riders under 18. Adult riders may choose to wear a helmet or decline. All helmets provided are equestrian-certified and cleaned between uses.

  • No. Riding is not permitted at any stage of pregnancy. Every rider must sign a waiver acknowledging this policy before the ride begins.

Pricing and Policies

  • Daily trail rides start at $130 per person for the one-hour Oak Studded and Creekside Ride. The 1.5-hour Tree Canopy and Vineyard View Ride is $160 per person. The two-hour Sunset Ridgeline Ride is $200 per person. Custom private experiences start at $500 for two riders.

  • All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted through Square. Venmo is also accepted. Cash is accepted for the balance on the day of the ride, but the deposit must be made by card or Venmo in advance.

  • Yes. Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount with no expiration date. Physical and digital options are available. Call or text (805) 610-1306 to purchase.

  • Single riders can be accommodated by joining another group. There is no minimum for booking, though the two-hour Sunset Ridgeline Ride requires at least two riders.

  • Daily group rides can accommodate up to approximately 20 riders depending on weights, ages, and horse availability. Corporate and large group events can accommodate up to 50 riders with advance planning.

Contact Central Coast Trailrides in Paso Robles, CA

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.

More From the Central Coast Trailrides Blog

Explore trail ride tips, seasonal guides, wine country riding, and more on the Central Coast Trailrides blog. New content added regularly covering everything from first-time rider preparation to the best times of year to ride in Paso Robles Wine Country.