Best place to ride ... scenery is amazing .. horses are well behaved.. employees love what they do!…read moreI wrote an article about my experience.. Returning to Heaven by Sierra Rec Magazine

Great ride with Pat. I highly recommend Gold Lake Stables to anyone that likes to ride horses. A…read morehuge plus is the ride takes place in the mountains with lakes and pine trees all around you. Pat is a great teacher when it comes to riding and will answer any questions you might have.

Setting beautiful and peaceful, staff friendly and helpful, food was great and activities were fun.read more

I booked my trip to Greenhorn Ranch over six months ago. My daughter wanted to visit a dude ranch…read morefor her graduation trip. I started out a bit cynical about the high pricing per day per person of all the dude ranches I investigated and drove to Greenhorn probably in more of a negative skeptical headspace than I should have. If you read any of my reviews you will see that I'm also a tough customer and critical but fair reviewer. So when I say that if I could I would give this place TEN STARS, take that to heart. It's in an absolutely dreamlike location, a 60 acre ranch dropped in the middle of a 500,000 acre idyllic forest with over 60000 acres of accessible trails. The place is laid out like a small western town with saloon and chuck house to eat. The rooms were surprisingly stylish comfortable and well appointed. The shower had great pressure and hot water and our creekside cabins sat on the stream with a view. The food is basic, ribs and chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch but that what I like and I will say everything including the steaks were well flavored and cooked perfectly. Is the place overpriced. Yes but I would gladly and happily return so I guess it's worth it. I've been to many horse riding places including Arizona and Wyoming and I have never seen healthier or more beautiful well cared for horses anywhere. There were over 60 horses and literally every single one was magnificent and well trained. They also carefully review your preference and skill sheets and make sure to find you the perfect horse both to match your skill level and desire. I always wanted to ride a paint like Little Joe from Bonanza and when I got to the corral for my first ride there was a stunning paint with blonde mane and blue eyes waiting for me. The rides are indescribable with valleys and vistas and mountains and it's more like exploring the frontier than a typical nose to tail operation. THE STAFF: I don't know where to begin. The office staff including and especially Stella and the kitchen folks and every single person we met was welcoming warm kind friendly and charming . And genuine. They made us feel like family and we made fast friends some my daughter may have made for life . I have never been anywhere including luxury 5 star resorts with a better staff or better service . The wranglers including Kadence, Katie, Avery, Jim (Sebastian) and Adrian were actual genuine cowboys, incredible skilled riders and wranglers, consummate professionals who put safety first while making every ride more enjoyable and memorable than the last. Troy the bartender was fun and funny smart and entertaining and a hell of a mixologist. He made me custom creations better than any I've had in upscale clubs and restaurants in NYC. One day I was out by the pond and as I drained my water glass he appeared with a water pitcher and a towel over his arm like a sommelier pouring me wine . He said "more water sir?" The whole thing was a joke and we shared a laugh. My 22 old daughter was heartbroken when we left and we have been all over the world and I've never seen her feel that way about anywhere including Maui or Paris. We are planning on going back in October and probably the rest of our lives . Run don't walk to Greenhorn with your whole extended family. Ten Stars!

Four of us went here for the first time. There are two seating, one at 5:30 & 7:30. The staff are…read moreyoung and courteous. Three of us ordered the steak. It was a large cut that filled the plate but you needed a chainsaw to cut it. It was inedible. It was full of fat and gristle. I expected a lot better for $45. The other person who ordered the cod said it was good. Won't be back.

Our hiking group of eleven stayed here in late June 2024 and had a great time. The hiking in the…read morearea is the draw with many lakes and the PCT nearby too. The cabins are basic and just fine; the lodge is comfortable and the included breakfasts and dinners were WONDERFUL. Lunch snacks were there to take with us hiking each day. Rob and his staff were gracious and made us feel at home. Ask Rob about cycling in the area!

There were 8 of us and we were all first time riders. They were amazing and very patient and…read morehelpful. 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.

I wish I had listened to the negative reviews before booking. Unfortunately, our experience matched…read moremany 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.

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Piping Rock Horses! My sister and I both agreed it was…read morethe best horseback ride we've ever done. Our guide, Kiera, was fantastic -- knowledgeable, relaxed, encouraging, and clearly wonderful with both people and horses. The scenery was breathtaking, and the ride felt like a real adventure rather than just following a trail in a line. We crossed a beautiful river twice, rode through gorgeous mountain terrain, and truly got to experience the landscape. My horse, Buckwheat, was such a character and made the ride even more fun. We especially appreciated that the ride felt personal, peaceful, and authentic. You can tell the horses are well cared for and that the guides genuinely love what they do. Highly, highly recommend this experience if you're looking for a scenic and memorable ride in the Truckee/Tahoe area!

Pony Critter Camp at Piping Rock Stables is truly something special. It is so much more than a…read moretraditional riding camp--it is a place where children build confidence, compassion, responsibility, and a genuine love for animals. The program thoughtfully combines pony riding with hands-on experiences caring for rabbits, goats, and other animals, as well as learning the daily responsibilities of barn life. Children are encouraged to slow down, regulate their emotions, approach animals calmly and respectfully, and develop an understanding of how their behavior affects the animals around them. These lessons naturally build self-awareness and confidence that extend far beyond the barn. We especially love how the camp encourages children to step outside their comfort zones, whether that means becoming more comfortable speaking in front of others, trying something new, or taking on a new responsibility. Every activity feels intentional and connected to helping children grow. What makes Pony Critter Camp truly magical is that the children don't just learn about horses--they develop a love for all the animals and for the entire barn experience. From riding ponies to walking goats, caring for small animals, and participating in barn chores, there is something that makes every child feel engaged and proud. It is a wonderful introduction to the world of horses and farm animals, while also creating a nurturing environment where children can become more confident, compassionate, and independent. The lessons, memories, and love of animals developed here can stay with children for years to come. We feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered such a special program. Pony Critter Camp is a truly wonderful experience and a place where the magic of the barn comes alive. Highly recommend!

My sister and I met Diana on Saturday morning and she was ready for us, horses were saddled and…read morelooked content. Diana had us walk the horses around to find what are riding abilities were, and then we were off. We were given info about each horse, and how best to ride on them. A quick walk through the neighborhood brought us to beautiful sandy smooth trails where we didn't see another soul the whole time we were riding. The horses were sure footed and easy to ride, and Diana was a good conversationalist. We will be going back again, for sure.

Kid approved (7yo)…read more Heavenly Hooves is incredible, and Diana is absolutely amazing. She has so much patience, genuine kindness, and a real love for what she does. You can feel how much she cares from the moment you arrive. Her calm approach and deep understanding made the entire experience enjoyable and unforgettable. I can't recommend her enough -- truly a wonderful place and an even more wonderful person.

Leo was a great guide on our 1 1/2 hour ride. The natural trail was awesome and it was made by…read morehorses, not humans. Trail was technical for the horses but was relaxing for the rider. Less than 45 minutes into the ride was wonderful views of Lake Tahoe. This ride is by far worth the price and rates right up with our rides through Bryce Canyon. Couldn't be happier or more satisfied!

This was an amazing experience from beginning to end. The scenery around Zephyr Cove was beautiful,…read moreand riding through the area made it even more memorable. The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing, and our horses were wonderful. The guide added to the experience and made the ride enjoyable throughout. I highly recommend this for couples looking for something scenic, different, and memorable to do together. I would also suggest choosing the longer trail because it gives you more time to enjoy the ride and take in the lake views. The combination of the horses, the scenery, and the overall atmosphere made this one of the highlights of our trip. I would definitely do it again.

I have ridden at the Graeagle stable AND the Gold Lake stable and both were a wonderful experience…read more Also last year my 9 yr old granddaughter I enrolled for 2 weeks in the day camp in Graeagle. She loved it and learned all the fundamentals of horseback riding. The staff were exceptionally helpful and patient. The Gold Mountain trails are not for the skiddish riders tho! But soooo beautiful. I recommend the Graeagle rides for any newbies...you won't regret it! And the prices are very reasonable compared to the Bay Area.

Made a reservation and they overbooked and told us we couldn't ride. So our time got taken by a…read morelesson reservation and we're kicked to the curb. Only here for a few days and huge disappointment in Graeagle Stables.

We had a fantastic ride with Skip on the ranch! The horses are well maintained along with the tack…read more Super friendly and fun adventure all around! I highly recommend! We will both come back.

I worked with Skip in Sedona when he started Red Moon Ranch. He sent me a former jumper for a tune…read moreup and said he would split the proceeds on the sale of the horse. I have trained all my life and said I would be happy to help. The horse was recovering from laminitis. I did all the basic ground work and liberty work with the gelding. The horse seemed shut down but performed well for me. I then did four trail rides on the horse and he was quiet and docile. On the fifth ride, while I had the gelding in a soft jog, he threw me harder than any horse I have ever ridden. ( I've only been thrown twice) There was no warning. I broke my neck and had numerous other injuries. Many weeks later a friend of Skips asked me why I took in such a problem horse that had violently thrown 7 other people. I was aghast, as Skip had never told me this was a dangerous horse that waited to get its rider. He never said the horse had even bucked. Not too long before I took the gelding in for training (WHY DIDNT SKIP DO IT?) Skip asked me to do liberty work with a woman and her horse. I agreed. The session went superbly well and I was pleased with the result as I had never met the horse. He later told me I made him look bad. I should have taken that as a warning on any future business dealings with him. I am lucky as I am not paralyzed. I had to quit training for a living though. This man is a con artist and a former Hells Angel. Go to someone who has wonderful credentials and a record of safety.