I always wanted to do horseback riding in Tahoe! Finally, was able to today. I called ahead the day before and was booked for the next day. There's plenty of parking available and in the office is where you'll sign some paperwork and pay. It was $60 for an hour ride. You're allowed to bring your phone and a Fanny pack. I was placed with a group, so we were a total of 5, including the guide. I know for next time to book for the two hour session. There's a bit of uphill and downhill on the trail. The trail is pretty worn in and I felt so comfortable on the horse I was on. I got placed with the horse named Blue. Genuinely loved the experience and found it so calming. I'd love to do it again whenever I'm in Tahoe again. read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Some of the horses - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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I wish I had listened to the negative reviews before booking. Unfortunately, our experience matched many of the concerns other people have shared. From the moment we arrived, the staff seemed disorganized and unprepared. We were surprised to learn they only accepted cash or personal checks, despite our group asking multiple questions when making the reservation and even calling again the day of our ride to confirm everything. At no point was this ever mentioned, which left our group scrambling before the ride even began. What bothered me most was the lack of concern for rider comfort and safety. Before the ride started, we specifically explained that one member of our group had previously had a traumatic horseback riding experience and was very nervous. Instead of taking that into consideration, they placed her on a horse they described as "lazy and bucks when behind" and positioned her at the very back of the group. It immediately made her feel unsafe. During the ride, she became overwhelmed and asked if she could get off her horse. We were told they do not allow anyone to dismount during the ride or switch horses under any circumstances. It was concerning that there appeared to be no plan or flexibility if a rider was genuinely distressed. A guide should prioritize safety and be prepared to handle situations like this. The staff came across as rushed, unfriendly, and more focused on getting our group finished so they could move on to the next reservation. The overall atmosphere felt like a money grab rather than an enjoyable experience, and customer service was lacking from beginning to end. We booked this as part of a bachelorette weekend and were hoping for a fun, memorable experience. Instead, it ended up being one of the biggest disappointments of the trip. I would absolutely not recommend this as a bachelorette activity, especially if your group includes beginner or nervous riders. There are much better businesses that value customer experience and make safety a priority. The scenery was beautiful, but unfortunately the service and overall experience overshadowed it. I would not return. read more

The horses followed directions well. However our guide Sophie was rude and set a poor example for riders by texting with hands off her reigns. Spoke to guests with tempered tone and treated us with disrespect. The guides didn't take account for personal preferences in riding with your partners or friends. Look into other options for a horse back riding adventure in Tahoe. read more

There were 8 of us and we were all first time riders. They were amazing and very patient and helpful. We had our elderly grandmother with us and the guide led her horse and stayed right next to her the entire time. We didn't ask them to do that, the staff recognized the situation and did it on their own. We're were very appreciative for that. Awesome experience! I would not hesitate to book here. read more

The whole experience was wonderful! Emily was our guide and she was so nice and engaged with us throughout the ride. We went with out two young kids who have never ridden before, but that was not an issue at all. They intentionally picked horses for each of us and we all felt very comfortable the whole ride with our horses. The trail was peaceful and such a beautiful ride. Definitely recommend this location for others. read more

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Had a great day at Alpine Meadows Stables! Booked the 1hr ride for my wife and two daughters. They had a blast! Ella (tour guide) was super friendly and helpful. They also have a pony for the little kiddos to ride. They teach you how to guide the pony as you walk the 15min long meadow trail. I did this with our 2yr old daughter who absolutely loved it! After, we got to feed some of the horses who weren't working a tasty snack. We will definitely be back again! read more

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This establishment is completely unprepared. When we first showed up they stated that it was only cash or personal check, and our person who booked the reservation made sure to ask all of the questions and that was never stated on the original phone call. She also called again the same day we went riding to ensure the group was prepared and they failed to mention that as well. Additionally, we prefaced the entire staff that someone in our group has had a bad experience when she was younger and they completely disregarded that information. They ended up putting her on the horse that was in the very back and is "lazy and bucks when behind". The entire staff was very unfriendly and the whole experience felt like a money grab. Not a good place for beginner/intermediate riders. During the ride our friend who had a bad experience wanted to get off as she was not feeling safe and they said they DO NOT let anyone off the horses at all, and they would not let anyone switch at all. They have no protocol for emergencies at all. They were very concerned about making it for the next appointment, rushing us to get off of the horses and very rude overall. read more

Hands down my all time fave place in Tahoe !! The best thing around , if you're looking for an awesome ride through the Forrest ; Book Here... the staff is great , our guide had some amazing stories and conversations. read more

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We love this place and visit with our kids every year. The staff is amazing, the horses are well cared for and they are wonderful with kids. We have done the pony rides a few times with our kids and are planning longer rides as they get older. read more

Great 2 hour ride through the forest. Great wrangler. Lots of daunting hills so would not be great for beginners. Would definitely go again on my next trip to Tahoe. read more

If you happen to be in the Tahoe area, I definitely would recommend stopping by for a ride. The owners are very accommodating and my group had a great time. Just make sure to call before read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

Great experience. Recommend applying bug repellant before your ride. The mosquitos are verrrrryyyyyy hungry in this area. I think the tour guide could've done better with the photo ops and maybe made an extra stop for the riders to take photos as well. Overall, would do it again. It was a nice ride and beginner friendly. read more

We literally drove by with no appointment. And as expected since it was a Saturday, the place was booked. Bummed, we braved it out to ask a lady if we can take pics with the horses. She was so kind and gracious and even told us to pet them! She every now and then will have us some pointers about the horses we were petting, though clearly she was busy attending from across the barn. She even directed us to the barn on the other side to see more horses. That alone this place deserves for their customer service! read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Wonderful experience overall. Easy to follow instructions, beautiful trail and the sweetest horses. Family of four with two kids 8 and 10 year olds. read more

I loved it here! Everyone was very nice and friendly. The ride was about an hour long, I recommend bringing a hat. They even have pony rides for the young ones (: read more

The tour guide was amazing, the horses were gentile, scenery was beautiful and a very reasonable price. I would give it 5 stars but my saddle was not tightened down properly and literally slid off the horses back. I'm lucky the horse was chill and they're lucky that I'm chill. The guide seemed horrified that it happened and I genuinely believe it was a freak accident. I work with animals and I understand that stupid things can happen and I'm not upset at my comically slow fall. I do plan on coming back. read more

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This stable is in a great location, convenient near Truckee, Squaw Valley and Kings Beach. I came ti this stable many times as a child and now I got to bring my little one to try horse back riding. This is a family friendly stable, these horse do know the way but its a good thing when your rug rat has no clue on how to ride. The guide was very sweet, gave my Lilyzilla good instructions. The child stated to me she was uncomfortable in the beginning but after she grasped onto what the guide was telling her she relaxed and was able to enjoy. For a reference to parents, my kiddo is 10yrs old and her listening abilities are on par with talking to a wall. We only did the Hour ride since I wasn't sure how my kiddo would do. It was $45 per person, CASH or personal check only. We did go during the time of social distancing and they do abide! You wear your mask until you cross the street and at that point the horses naturally keep us all 6ft apart. Great family friendly place :) The kiddo already wants to return but with a longer ride time. read more

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This is the place to go if you really want to take a leisurely ride through Tahoe. You trail ride through the Forrest and cross at least 3 different streams and creeks. Our guide, John, was the most knowledgeable rider and took the greatest of care of a rider who had slight physical limitations. He had secured her so that she felt safe and was able to enjoy the ride and experience. Amazing! The horses were so well cared for. The staff really care about the animals and patrons. This is the ride of a lifetime. They offer both group and private rides. read more

Highly recommend! I lived in Tahoe city and still go up often and was looking to do something I haven't done before and I'm so happy I did. Two friends and I did the one hour beginner ride and it completely exceeded my expectations. We had Anya as our guide and she was awesome. She obviously knew what she was doing and was patient with us being pretty rusty on horses. She was also really knowledgeable about the horses and their personalities. The terrain was beautiful (between Squaw and alpine). Anya took photos for us and gave us a great tour. It was also a great bang for your buck. Most importantly, I was very impressed with how well the animals were cared for. It's very clear that the people who work at alpine stables love these horses. Thank you for a great tour and I can't wait to come back! read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

Such an amazing experience at Alpine Meadows! Patient staff, call horses and beautiful trails. Can't recommend them enough. We hop3 to go back soon. read more

They're closed - would be good to know before telling your kid they're going for a long ride.

Our first few horseback riding experiences in the area were at the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center. They were professional, but also expensive and crowded. We actually ended up here last year for the first time when we had trouble booking trail and pony rides for my sons at TDEC. It was my then 8-yr olds first trail ride and it was wonderful experience. Unlike our previous experiences at other places, the horses were calm and the guide was personable. There were five riders with one guide on the 1-hour trail ride. This year we decided to let my 6-yr old join his brother on the trail ride and it was another great experience. It was just our family with a guide so it couldn't have been any better. She even gave us her 'secret' locations for fishing spots in the area that my guys tried out during our stay. What I like is that you go through a forested area, and cross a small stream, so you aren't baking in the sun. The horses are well behaved so even beginning riders can have an enjoyable experience. No helmets provided, so if that is a concern, you might want to bring yours along. The 1-hour trail ride is $30 and rides begin at 9:00a and go every 1/2 hour (longer options are available too). Reservations are recommended and they are a cash only business. For little ones, they have a few ponies and a parent can lead the child in an open area close to the corral for only $5. read more

If you are in north west Tahoe - near Tahoe City - this is a great place to go Horseback riding. You can't beat the price - it's probably the cheapest I've seen in Tahoe. You get a lot of value for your money. This is not advanced or anything - it's a nice horseback riding trip that last about an hour. It a guided trip that goes at a nice pace through the forest. I went with my two children and they loved it (which kid wouldn't?). No galloping or trotting - but a great way to get out to nature and connect. I will be back for sure when I'm up in Tahoe. read more

This place was just alright. We went on Labor Day weekend (saturday) for a 1 hour ride beginning at 5. We were 15 minutes early as instructed. As soon as we paid, they put us in line and threw us on our horses. Having substantial riding experience, this was fine for me. My fiance was going for the VERY FIRST TIME. All they told her was the name of her horse. No info about how to stop him, how stubborn he was, not to be terrified.. NOTHING. Threw us on and started going. The guide told us to lean forward and back depending on up hill or down hill riding and that was it. There were only 6 of us in the group so a bit more communication would have been easy. I was last in line and spent the whole time telling my fiance what to do and how to get comfortable. Needless to say, by the end of the ride it was written in stone my fiance NEVER wanted to ride a horse again. Good place for people w/ a reasonable amount of experience - HORRIBLE for a first time rider. read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - My horse Chubbs. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

We had a great ride today with Sara! The horses are well trained, so well cared for, and the staff is very friendly. The scenery is beautiful and I highly recommend. Great views and peaceful scenery. read more

My cousin, aunt and I had a beautiful 4 hour trail ride up and down the mountain with Anja and it was such a great experience. I loved my horse, Johnny Lynn. I only spoke to Anja because my horse was second in line but she was very informative and attentive to us. We stopped on the top of the mountain and had a little rest to take in the beautiful view. The owner was super nice and her daughter is adorable. The trail was steep and rocky in places, but I always felt safe with our experienced trail guides. I would most definitely come back while I am in the area but would bring apples and carrots next time for the gorgeous horses in the paddock and for our horses, once unbridled.. Just a quick heads up that the stable is cash or check only. Thank you, Alpine Meadows! read more

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My 8 yo daughter and I joined an hour ride trail ride yesterday. We appreciated the kindness of all the staff and the guide. (We had a bad experience at Zephyr Cove stables by comparison. So we really appreciate riding with a company that are nice and helpful.) Had a great time talking with our guide Rain on our ride. Horses are beautiful and well cared for. read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Trail ride at Alpine Meadows Stable. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

To whom this may concern. It was four of us who went horseback riding at Alpine Stables. We had the best time of our lives. The staff was so courtesy to us. They assisted us in filling out the paperwork. They assisted us in mounting the horse and giving us instructions of how to control the horse. The staff were glad to see us come and hated to see us go. We will be coming back to Alpine Stable next year. Thank you Mr Harris read more

My husband and I had a really wonderful experience on our 1 hour private ride. As soon as we arrived the staff were so friendly and welcoming and we were on our horses ready to go so quickly after arriving. Note that it's cash or check only. There's a nice clean portapotty too which is convenient. Our guide was wonderful and helpful with lots of great stories about the horses and the area. It was a relaxing ride, our horses were mom and daughter and so calm and sweet. They followed the guide with no issues (apart from stopping for an occasional munch- naughty horses!) so we got to enjoy the ride and it was very beginner friendly. The trail was pretty going through forest and alpine areas and crosses a lovely stream. Opportunity to take photos on the route too. Neither of us had any lasting discomfort after the ride, they explain the best way to sit to minimize getting a sore butt! Would definitely recommend as a fun activity in Tahoe for a couple or a family with kids. Think the season ends October 1 so make sure to call ahead and enquire if they are still doing rides. read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Quick photo break during the ride :) - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

Great ride and wranglers we're outstanding. Would definitely recommend and will be back next time we're there.

My 11 year old niece and I did a one hour ride with Paige. The whole experience was top notch. I had my Lab in the car and a male employee allowed me to park in the employee lot so my car would be in the shade, the man in the office was very friendly, the guys who helped us on and off our horses were awesome and I cannot say enough nice things about Paige. I could tell our safety was her number one priority. She was friendly, engaging and a great guide. She also took several pictures for us. I'd definitely come back and ride again. read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

The Alpine Meadows Stables are incredible!!!!!! Our family had an impossible mission of getting to a hard to reach spot on the Pacific Crest Trail to scatter ashes. Larry and Amanda took incredible care of us, planning out everything and making the trip so easy for us. Amanda even hiked the entire trail the weekend before, to make sure that there wouldn't be any issues for the horses!!! The horses were super gentle and friendly, and although we were sore after a full day ride, we all had an amazing time! I couldn't be more thankful for the care that Alpine Meadows took for this incredibly meaningful day for our family. Thank you!!!! read more

My daughter loved the Pony ride It was super cool to be able to take some time with my daughter and walk her around their pony trail. read more

We went on the 1 hr ride last year with the grandkids ages, 7 & 9. We had such a great time that we repeated this year. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Our guide was Jacqueline with whom the kids and we enjoyed talking on the ride. Overall it was a tremendous experience. We look forward to taking the two hour ride next year. Definitely make reservations. Only cash or check. read more

Did the one hour trail ride on July 6 and it was the best experience I've had with horse back riding. Everything from paying, selecting our horses, to the trail ride was perfect. The guides were very friendly and aware of our skills levels. This helped a lot and made everyone comfortable (we are city slickers). Our group ranged from a 6 year old to 65 and we were all treated well. I can't recommend this place enough and plan on returning soon to go on a longer ride. read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

We have been coming for years but have never visited here before this trip. We saw on the website they would do pony rides for toddlers and were excited for the opportunity for our daughter. It was easy to make a reservation, the man said toddlers are hard to schedule and to just call when we were ready to come down- he gets it! Alexa helped us out a few days in a row and was kind and understanding. Our toddler had never met a horse and was unsure, Alexa had good suggestions to make her more comfortable and was very patient with us. She is very personable and friendly, she obviously loves her job! Next time we are in town we will make reservations for the whole family! read more

It's very basic, no online calendar requiring a credit card. Just call. I would recommend calling at least 3 days in advance for any reservation. It's a basic set up but they try to stay Covid - safe. One cup for clean pens and one for dirty pens - for the release form. Release form was basic and easy to read. They take cash or check. Everyone was wearing a mask there. It's all outdoors. On the trail, there was a clearing where the guide took photos for us. That was the only time we pulled our masks down. It's nice to have a mask on the trail since it can get dusty. We asked and they put us on very gentle horses. They give some instructions, but the horses already know what to do. It was very peaceful and relaxing. I would definitely recommend it. The people there do it for the love of horses. We had a great time! read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Alpine Stables. Pairing horses to riders. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

My wife and I took a two-hour trail ride at these stables during a midweek vacation to north Lake Tahoe. The stables are along the road that leads to the Alpine Meadows ski area. Two hours on a horse was the most I could handle. I've ridden horses maybe twice before in my lifetime and my legs and butt were sore after two hours. It was a hot day so the fact that the ride was through the trees and mostly in the shade was a plus. You stop halfway for a brief break to stretch your legs and take a quick picture. Unfortunately you don't get high enough to see Lake Tahoe or any other significant views. There's also the highway 89 noise. It was pretty dusty in parts but that was partly we were at the back of the pack, behind five other horse kicking up dirt. I was on a 20-year-old Kentucky thoroughbred named Bubba. According to our tour leader, his racing name was Wayward Son and he had won $180,000 in prize money. (But he was lazy on the trail and I had to regularly poke him with my heels to get him to pick up the pace.) My wife had a skittish Arabian named Paris who kept tailgating Bubba, and Bubba kept threatening Paris with half-kicks. At $50 for a two-hour ride, the price seemed fair. I would definitely reserve a ride in the morning if the day is hot. All the trail leaders are young blond girls that are easy on the eyes. They keep maybe 30 horses at the stable. A couple of them are huge draft horses for heavier customers. They don't take credit cards. (There's an ATM at the Squaw Valley 7-Eleven a mile to the north on Highway 89.) read more

Alpine Meadows Stables - Horseback riding north of Lake Tahoe. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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We had a very good experience. We liked our guide. We ranged in ages from 6 to 60. The guide stopped near the end and took some photos for us with our iPhone. We just walked through the forest (it's nice to have some shade). Nothing faster than a walk. It was a fun family outing. read more

Our group of 7 had a fantastic time at Alpine Meadows Stables. We had two kids under 7 and the guides were very attentive to them. Great one hour trail ride through some scenic areas. We will be back next summer ! Make sure you call ahead and make a reservation ! read more

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