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Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Santa Rosa, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Dylan_K ·
Sep 2025
Wonderful experience. We are beginners and found the experience to be super fun and relaxing. The horses are super well behaved and our guide was great. Beautiful trails too, 10/10 experience.
· Rory_W ·
Sep 2025
The workers were all very knowledgable, accomodating,, and friendly. The scenery was gorgeous! The horses were very well matched to the riders. We had so much fun! We would definitely visit and ride again!

Overview

Go where cars can't and soak up the scenery of California wine country on a horseback ride in Sonoma County. With a guide, you'll have the chance to admire the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and the waters of Lake Sonoma as you traverse the rolling wilderness on horseback. This experience takes you well beyond the beaten path and doesn't require any prior experience.
  • Ride at a gentle pace with a guide from the Ranch at Lake Sonoma along the Southlake Trail
  • Take rugged route that standard vehicles can't reach
  • See Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Mt. St. Helena
  • Small-group tour for a more personalized experience

What's Included

  • Helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Parking Fees
  • Photos taken on ride
  • Bottled water
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Lake Sonoma

1 hour 10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

The Ranch at Lake Sonoma

1 hour 10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Geyserville

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

St. Helena

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Closed-toed shoes required; no sandals
  • Long pants recommended
  • Must be under 225 lbs (102 kg)
  • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
  • Please dress appropriately
  • Minimum age is 12 years
  • Legal guardian must be present to sign liability form for children under 18 years old
  • You cannot bring bags, backpacks, purses, water bottles, or canteens on the ride; please leave these items behind
  • Minimum 2 per booking
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Rory_W
The workers were all very knowledgable, accomodating,, and friendly. The scenery was gorgeous! The horses were very well matched to the riders. We had so much fun! We would definitely visit and ride again!

Reviews

4.9
based on 274 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great experience

Suzanne_H, Mar 2026
The staff was friendly and timely. The ride was great and they catered to our group, which were all beginners. Thanks for a great time!

Great family friendly adventure!

Dana_F, Mar 2026
We had such a wonderful experience on our horse riding adventure in Sonoma! From the moment we arrived, it was clear this is a small, family-owned business that truly cares about their horses and their guests. Everyone was incredibly friendly, patient, and welcoming—especially with our kids, who were a little nervous at first. The horses were calm, well cared for, and perfectly matched to each rider’s experience level. Our guides took the time to explain everything and made sure everyone felt comfortable before heading out on the trail. The scenery was absolutely beautiful—rolling hills, peaceful vineyards, and that classic Sonoma countryside you hope to see. What made the experience extra special was the personal touch. You can tell this family takes pride in what they do, and they made us feel more like guests than customers. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip and something our whole family will remember. If you're looking for a relaxed, authentic horse riding experience in Sonoma with kind people and well-loved horses, I highly recommend this place. We will definitely be back!

Wonderful experience. We...

Dylan_K, Sep 2025
Wonderful experience. We are beginners and found the experience to be super fun and relaxing. The horses are super well behaved and our guide was great. Beautiful trails too, 10/10 experience.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for your review please!

The workers were all very...

Rory_W, Sep 2025
The workers were all very knowledgable, accomodating,, and friendly. The scenery was gorgeous! The horses were very well matched to the riders. We had so much fun! We would definitely visit and ride again!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much for reviewing us!

Beautiful ride!

Jennifer_M, Sep 2025
Absolutely beautiful ride and our guide was wonderful. Highly recommend adding this event to your wine country trip.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much!

my son and I very much...

bonnie_j, Aug 2025
my son and I very much enjoyed our horseback ride, we were the only ones on the tour so it was great

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Great! Sometimes things work out and you get a private ride! Thank you for your time leaving a review.

Great experience, two caveats

Karen_K, Jul 2025
The scenery was beautiful, the staff and owner were super kind, and they are all real horse lovers. They only make the horses go on one or two trail rides/day, unlike some other companies. The horses look healthy, happy and well cared for. There was a beginner in our group, and the leaders complied when I suggested she be moved toward the back of the line so the rest of us who were more experienced could have a nice ride without having to stop as her horse grazed or wouldn’t move. The trail was very very nice, high up in the mountains. In one place we rode through a shady redwood forest. Warning: there are no fast food places nearby and this ranch doesn’t serve food. We had planned to stop to eat before our 11:00 ride, but no luck! Also, the directions on Viator would have taken us to a weird location far away. I’m so glad I called to get the specific address for my gps before we set out. Highly recommend this experience.

Beautiful day in Sonoma countryside!

Michele_B, Jun 2025
Gorgeous setting (even the drive there is splendid), very friendly and knowledgeable guide, clean and safe facilities, tame and well taken care of animals, varied tour settings (hills over Sonoma Lake, redwood forest, etc.). Look forward to bringing more family there in the future!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Looking forward to seeing you again! Thank you for reviewing us!

Super friendly and...

Dylan_M, May 2025
Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. I was nervous to get on the horse but they showed me the ropes and eased me into it and we had a blast

Amazing Views

Trisha_A, Mar 2025
This was the highlight of our time in wine country! The views are incredible, the tour guide knowledgeable, and the horses well cared for. Highly recommend adding this to your plans!

A magical experience

Liridona_A, Jan 2025
We had so much fun. The trail was GORGEOUS. The horses were so sweet and kind. A huge thank you to our front guide, she was so calming

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you so much for your review!

Best Experience!

Nicole_M, Jan 2025
This was such a cool experience!! One of our favorite things we did while visiting!! The views and the horses were great!!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you so much for your review!

Great Experience

Alexandra_H, Oct 2024
Amazing experience and amazing views! The horses were so sweet and our guides were so nice and helped us beginners adapt easily. 10/10 recommend

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you so much and so happy you had a good time!

Wonderful experience!!

craig_l, Oct 2024
This was our second time on this tour and we loved it! Love the tour guide who knows a great deal of the area and local flora / fauna. Will definitely book again. This is becoming an annual tradition :-)

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Wow can't wait to see you next year!

Tito the runner

tiara_h, Sep 2024
Experience was beautiful. Instructor was sweet and she knew her stuff. I had the pleasure of riding with Tito who loves to run. He was such a good boy and he made my experience memorable

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Tito was having so much fun with you! Thank you for your review, come back soon!

Breathtaking experience

Margaret_N, Aug 2024
The tour was absolutely breathtaking. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and experienced. I couldn’t have imagined the beauty and the experience being this amazing. I will definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys riding. I will definitely book again when back in the area.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you so much, sometimes we take it for granted when we see it every day, thank you for reminding us how amazing it is and we hope to see you on the trails again!

Nikki was great...very...

Anthony_J, Aug 2024
Nikki was great...very knowledgable, professional and accommodating! She matched us up with the perfect horses: Rocky and Leslie, and gave us a very interesting overview of the Lake Sonoma area

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you so much!

Lovely experience

Dana_D, Jul 2024
This tour was so much fun. The horses were great and the views were stunning. Nikki did a great job guiding us and helping beginner riders like myself. The location was easy to get to and there was plenty of parking. Recommend a morning time for the summer months!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for your review, yes mornings are the best time!

Wonderful views connecting with nature

Amy_P, Jul 2024
We had a great time learning about Lake Sonoma with our guide, Nicki. She knows a lot about the area and put us at ease on the horses, who were very gentle and well-trained. This is definitely a hidden gem!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you!

An activity not to be missed

Bernard_G, Jul 2024
What a great horseback ride in a breathtaking landscape ! Our 2 guides were very friendly. They ensure the safety of visitors and above all the good health of the horses despite the heat. Finally, the road to get to the ranch is incredibly beautiful.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you so much Bernard!

Amazing experience

Crystal_A, Apr 2024
Nikki was great! The views are spectacular and our horses Duncan and Cash were the sweetest boys. Must do if you’re in the area!

Extraordinary

Sarah_h, Apr 2024
This was an amazing experience. I highly recommend leaving early, I left 20min early and was 10min late, you need to find it and fill out a paper. There was 2 instructors, a female and a male. They were both amazing and so friendly and inviting. If you’re afraid of heights be prepared, there’s 3 parts that tensed me up. One of which I did scream but everyone was so nice to me and with heavy breathing I made it through. Trust your horse, my boy was the best , with a little attitude but I love that. I haven’t been on a horse in 21 years and I was much smaller, but I had a blast and I want to go back! Magical place for trail ride!!!!!

Spectacular Views

Dawn_D, Mar 2024
The views were amazing, and Nikki was an awesome guide as we rode the horses right on the edge for a memorable experience!

Awesome ride!

Rachel_B, Mar 2024
Wonderful views around the lake and trails. The horses were very sweet and you could tell they were well taken care of.

Incredible

Michelle_D, Nov 2023
We loved this! Nikki our tour guide was incredible. Beautiful ranch overlooking Sonoma Lake. We loved our horses and had an incredible anniversary.

A must do!

Jennifer_C, Sep 2023
My husband and I enjoyed an amazing private ride. The views were incredible, the horses were beautiful and well trained and our guide was full of information and fun conversation. Clean ranch with sweet doggos to boot! Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you so much for spending your time to sit back and review us!

Lovely ride

Marley_W, Sep 2023
Really great ride. I had a relaxing experience and enjoyed hearing about the area and type of horses they had. Also loved that instruction was given on how to ride. Thank you !

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Yes it helps to know how to ride when you are riding! We hope to have you back again for a tour some day, see you soon!

This was amazing!

Jeffrey_W, Aug 2023
Nikki, our guide, was friendly and accommodating. She consistently checked in with our group throughout the ride to ensure we were comfortable and feeling good. Nikki was flexible with the group and when two riders wanted to stop, she finished a portion of the tour, let them off, then took the rest of us on an extended tour. The instructions on how to direct the horses were clear, and Nikki would look back at the group throughout the tour and give us notes on how to hold the reins. The scenery was beautiful, I felt safe on the horse, and overall it was a great experience!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

I am so glad we were able to customize your ride! Please come back again for the Heritage Oaks tour!

Horses in Sonoma

Nancy_G, Aug 2023
Great time. Views are amazing. Stables are relaxed the physical place is amazing The owners are so friendly accommodating and knowledgeable.

Rockin’ Experience!

Alison_C, Aug 2023
Nikki was wonderful! Very knowledge and kind. Looking forward to those camping/riding trips someday! See y’all again, soon!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Us too, and thank you so much for your kind review!

From $129.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 23 days in advance.