Central Coast Trailrides offers trail rides Paso Robles Wine Country visitors can only access through a guided booking on the historic 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, a working California cattle ranch completely closed to the public.

The ranch changes with the seasons. Winter brings full creek crossings and the first wildflowers of the year. Spring turns the hills brilliant green. Summer sees the vineyard grow deep and green against the golden hills. Fall brings harvest activity and the smell of wine country into the air. Every month on the Santa Margarita Ranch is a different ride.

Trail Rides in Paso Robles Wine Country

Book a Ride
(805) 610-1306

Choose the Right Trail Ride

Three distinct trail ride options are available at Central Coast Trailrides, ranging from a gentle one-hour introduction to a two-hour golden hour adventure along the ridgeline. Standard rides are offered in small groups averaging 2–5 guests, with private rides given to groups of 4 or more. Groups of 3 or fewer can book a private ride for an additional cost. Rates vary on an individual basis based on season and availability.

A group of four people riding horses on a trail through a sunlit, dry grass landscape with trees and mountains in the background, accompanied by a small dog.

SMR Oak Studded & Creekside Ride -1 HR

$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.

A group of people riding horses along a dirt trail through a forested area with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

SMR Tree Canopy & Vineyard View Ride- 1.5 HR

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

$165 per person

People riding horses down a hillside during sunset, with trees and mountains in the background.

SMR Sunset Vineyard and Ridgeline Ride - 2 HR

$215 per person

Available all year long, 2 hours prior to sunset, 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 offers a view of the entire Santa Margarita Ranch landscape, 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.

Close-up of a person holding a wine glass with the words 'Ancient Peaks Winery' printed on it, standing outdoors with a warm, orange background, wearing rings, and a saddle on a horse's back.

Ride and Sip with Ancient Peaks

Complimentary with Every Ride

Before or after a dedicated ride through on the Santa Margarita Ranch, enjoy a complimentary seated wine tasting at the winery. The full cafe menu is available for lunch or a light bite from 11-5 pm. Please inquire at time of booking for details and availability. Note: Must be booked with Central Coast Trailrides.

What Every Santa Margarita Ranch Trail Ride Includes

Every Santa Margarita Ranch trail ride at Central Coast Trailrides includes the same core experience, regardless of which ride is booked.

  • Complimentary wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery. Every Santa Margarita Ranch ride includes a tasting at the partner winery, a few minutes from the ranch. Lunch and light bites available from 11-5 pm in the cafe. Please inquire at time of booking. Must be booked with Central Coast Trailrides

  • Personalized horse matching. The team collects every rider's height, weight, and experience level at booking to ensure the right horse is ready.

  • Experienced wrangler on every ride. A trained wrangler accompanies every group. Taylen Hallett also joins rides regularly.

  • Saddle pouches for phones and cameras. Provided on every ride so guests can document the experience.

  • Cold water in the saddle pouch. Provided on every ride.

  • Restroom and handwashing station on-site. Available at the ride location before departure.

  • Sunscreen and hand sanitizer are available. At the ride location before departure.

  • Mounting block assistance. All riders mount and dismount with wrangler guidance using a mounting block

Two women and a man with two horses in a grassy field, smiling and interacting with the horses under a blue sky.
A group of people riding horses in an open field, viewed through a natural frame of two large tree trunks and branches.

Central Coast Trailrides is a family-owned operation founded in 2015 by Crystal and Brian Hallett. Every ride is guided by the Central Coast Trail Ride Family, on horses they own, on private land closed to the public.

Why Choose Central Coast Trailrides

  • 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. Inquire at time of 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Central Coast Trailrides

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

  • Crystal and Brian Hallett are the founders and co-owners of Central Coast Trailrides. Both were born and raised on the Central Coast. They started the operation in 2015 and personally manage every aspect of the business, from horse care and bookings to leading rides and hosting every group on the trail.

  • Central Coast Trailrides was founded in 2015 and has operated continuously since. The operation has grown from a family startup into the premier guided horseback riding service in Paso Robles Wine Country, serving guests from across the United States and internationally.

  • Yes. Every horse in the Central Coast Trailrides herd is owned by the Hallett family, not leased. The team monitors the health, rest, and workload of every horse and occasionally declines bookings to protect animals from overwork. The herd is managed with genuine care.

  • The Hallett family manages more horses than the average person can think about or take care of, spanning every size and temperament. Calm, patient horses for young children and first-time riders. Athletic horses for experienced equestrians who want room to move. Large draft horses for guests who need a bigger mount.

  • Yes. Central Coast Trailrides was featured on NBC's The Today Show as one of the country's top summer getaways, in partnership with Travel Paso. The operation also holds a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award and a perfect 5.0 rating across 400+ reviews on Google and Yelp.

  • Central Coast Trailrides is a featured partner of Travel Paso, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, SLO CAL, and the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo. The operation has an exclusive partnership with Ancient Peaks Winery, included with every Santa Margarita Ranch ride booking.

  • Yes. Crystal and Brian run the operation with their daughter Taylin, who has stepped into a wrangler role and leads rides regularly. Every part of the business is operated by the Hallett family, from horse care to guest hosting.

  • The Hallett family operates from Horsetail Ranch in Creston, California. Most rides take place on the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles. The operation also brings horses to private properties and venues throughout SLO CAL.

  • Guests find Central Coast Trailrides through Google, Tripadvisor, Travel Paso, and word-of-mouth referrals. All bookings are made by calling or texting the team at (805) 610-1306. Rides are available every day from 8 AM to 8 PM by appointment.

  • Exclusive access to the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, a mobile operation model, a personally owned herd matched individually to every rider, a complimentary Ancient Peaks Winery tasting with every Santa Margarita Ranch ride, and personal coordination by the Hallett family set Central Coast Trailrides apart.

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, Pismo Beach, and the Central Valley.

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

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 cards and cash are accepted on the day of the ride. Responses are typically same-day.

Contact Central Coast Trailrides

  • 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.

Book a Ride
(805) 610-1306
A group of people riding horses through a dry, grassy landscape with trees and mountains in the background on a sunny day.
A group of people riding horses through a dry, grassy landscape with trees and mountains in the background on a sunny day.