Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable — Attraction in Apache Junction

Just came back from there. I am in the area spontaneously here and there, nothing that I can plan weeks in advance. I went on their website and tried to book for today. Not possible but they write to call. When you call, it turns out, it's only during the hours that the rides are happening, for example: 5:45pm ride start, 5:30pm phone start. HOWEVER, and this is very important, when you hover over the date, the popup as you hover SAYS THERE MIGHT BE A SPOT. So I took a chance to check out the outskirts of the Phoenix Metro area.

I was VERY WELL AWARE I might be turned down so I was ready to accept a NO. However, I didn't expect the arrogant entitled attitude by the lady wrangling the horses. She asked me what I wanted, I said, she said the rides are full, I asked rhetorically along the lines of "oh really". There was zero gratefulness for someone coming to check out the ranch or give it a try (aka, for someone interested in spending money at their business), instead, in front of the other people who were to take the ride, this person had the gut to embarrass me by a very uncomfortable conversation. She asks "are you staying on the ranch?" I answered, "no, I came to check out the ranch and see if I can get on the ride". To which she hammered down with a jab between the lines that I'm basically trespassing there. She said that I have no right to be on the ranch for any other reason than a ride that I had already signed up ahead of time. When I tried to apologize and state why I actually went there, she just laughed and said bye. I am not someone who can't think or speak so asked if she means I'm trespassing and she'll call the cops to remove me? Pardon being super snarky but seriously: I came to your establishment risking not getting to ride a horse, took time and gas money to do that, came with a friendly attitude and ready to be told no, and you'll make me feel like a criminal and order me to leave on spot? To heck with all these arrogant entitled "business owners". I go where I am treated best, not to be told that my attempt to spend money at their business is trespassing and that I'm not welcome there. I'm sure I'll find another stable in the area to ride a horse at. At least the car...

After hours of searching for the perfect place to go horseback riding within an hour of Phoenix during my visit to see my Grandparents from Wisconsin, I finally found the perfect place. Saguro Ranch lives up to expectation you see online. The 1.5 hour sunset ride was absolutely incredible. I went with my 15 year old and my 85 year old Grandfather. The drive to Saguro Ranch is even beautiful. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by the ranch manager with safety forms to fill out while they picked our horses. My parents were also with us and allowed to roam around the property while we went for our ride. I was paired with Louis, he was such a sweetheart. Our guide was Tori, she was wonderful, informative and cheerful, it was truly a joy to have her as our guide. The views were seriously unreal, the scenery, saguaros and mountains were beautiful, especially as the sun was setting, they had a beautiful orange hue. It wasn't your typical flat ground horse back ride, we went up and down hills, which was nice. We were able to take photos and videos throughout the entire ride, they have a pocket on the sattle you keep your phone in while not in use. Our guide stopped and took photos of us on our horses with beautiful scenery in the back on our phones, no charge or anything like that. We unfortunately weren't and able to cross the river and I was unable to live my Arwen dreams, but hopefully next time. Even with that it was still 100% worth it. It was a really special ride I will hold in my heart forever. My Grandfather had a hard time getting off the horse at the end because of the long ride, but the staff was extremely patient with him, brought a stool over and helped him. I cannot say enough good things about how wonderful the entire staff was. I am so grateful I chose Saguaro Ranch for this incredible experience I got to share with my teen and Grandfather. My teen loved the ride and we continue to talk about. My grandfather absolutely loved the ride as well, despite the back pain at the end. I cannot recommend this place enough. I will absolutely be back the next time I am in the area. Worth every,...

I have been wanting to ride on my birthday for years, but I live in Idaho and stables don't open until mid-May. Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables is beautiful! My girlfriend and I had the best trailguide (Jerry) who led our ride. Jerry is super friendly, engaging, considerate (i.e. we'd take breaks & he'd remind us to drink our water, etc), informative (i.e. flora/fauna identification, area history), a ton-of-fun and he has the most amazing stories to share!! Seriously, his stories are awesome!! Yes, you can request him when you make your reservation. We were doubly blessed in that Theresa had asked and was allowed to join us on our ride, this day. Theresa, also, is such a sweetheart (she's so friendly, kind and fun) and such an asset to Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables. I love riding and wish they offered half-day rides (minimally) but presently the do offer 1, 1-1/2 and 2 hour rides. I did, however, ask Caleb (manager...super nice/friendly/knowledgeable) about that possibility in the future and he said he'd ask the owners. So, fingers crossed, maybe they will offer this in the future? 🐴 They also offer pony rides for the little ones. Min age to ride is 7. We took the 2hr ride which afforded beautiful scenery and colors. We were also fortunate to catch a beautiful bald eagle flying overhead 🦅 We were hoping to see wild horses, but they weren't in the area, this day. Many thanks again to Jerry & Theresa for a super fun time and a memorable birthday...we cannot wait to...