1. Rainbow Ridge Ranch

0

Palmdale, CA

Cancel

Open app

Search

Rainbow Ridge Ranch

5.0 (49 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Rainbow Ridge Ranch Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Rainbow Ridge Ranch

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Horseback riding in Palmdale, California
Lorin M.

Such a lovely scenic ride that was great for our experience level. Kathy mentioned quite a few trails we will need to come back for.

This is Charlotte out tour guide and we can not say enough nice things about her !
Jackie M.

Where do I begin? First and foremost....KATHY actually answered the phone when we called ! AND we did not call in the morning like regular folks...no we waited til it was almost 5:30 on a Saturday night !! She was so sweet and said please call me back and leave a VM so I can call you once I am done riding my horse ... can you believe it? What a sweet gal to still want to help us even though her work day had ended. And guess what ? She still called us back at 6:30 and we set up the ride for the following day at 1:00 pm !! From the moment we arrived all we saw were SMILES!! Smiles from the workers, the trail guides, the volunteers, everyone there was sincerely SO dang NICE !! If you want the best in Palmdale....with beautiful people and a great experience... you have got to go to Rainbow Ridge Ranch !

Cody and I taking a break

Rainbow Ridge Ranch in Palmdale is a horse-lover's paradise! Located out on the edge of the Angeles National Forest, it's a drive but worth it. The hilly, sandy terrain, strewn with rocks and stands of dry desert trees and shrubs, is good for riding. It's open sky country, and on the breezy day we rode, under bright hot sun, we had the rolling hills of gold and ochre to ourselves. We: myself who loves horses, 10 years since my last ride at a rental stable along the coast (a disaster!). I was aboard Cody, a trim sure-footed Appaloosa Quarter gelding, what was he, 12 or 14 years old? His mostly white winter coat was coming on, thick and furry along his neck and withers. Kathy, the expert rider/ranch owner, on her calm 5-year old palomino gelding (forgot his name). Robin, Kathy's friend and horse trainer, on Sandy, a big sorrel mare with a long fast trot ("power trot" said Robin). Just the three of us, brilliant! That meant we were free to get out on our two hours. I'm comfortable on a horse and ready for anything. Maybe we could even canter. We did! We flew along some nice flat trails there in the desert. We walked up and down hills. Cody, though not a lead horse, was a goer, willing to fast trot and then canter with little urging. We rode single file, Kathy in front, Cody and I, then Robin on the big red. The smell of dry brush and summer-scorched earth, the hot sun, cool wind...awakened my senses. Cody reminded me of the special bond created between horse and rider. The horse guides you. When you ride, you get out of your head and into your body. Your horse helps you become a better human. If only for awhile. After the ride, we returned to the barns. Kathy directed me to the fridge drawer with the stash of carrots to feed to our horses. I watched as she hosed Cody off. He didn't like the water at first, then grinned as it splashed his face. I hung out. The horses now seemed familiar, friendly like pets. Out at one enclosure, Kathy's two other horses, a buckskin mare and her filly came over towards us when she called their names. A curious black Tennessee Walker stood along the fence, wanting to be petted, and another horse, a Morgan, coat like thick black velvet, walked over to investigate. I didn't want to leave. What makes a great stable? Calm, well-cared for horses, with trimmed feet and brushed coats, who enjoy the ride as much as we do. An owner who answers her own phone, asks detailed questions about your riding history and what sort of horse you like (smaller feet, agile, energetic, which was Cody!) Access to natural areas, where you can ride for miles. Facilities which are clean and well-marked, with rules spelled out. A sign that says "Kiss your horse if you liked your ride"! Thank you Cody and Kathy!

Gypsy and Me!!
Diane K.

MY FAVORITE AND GO-TO HORSEBACK RIDING RANCH. I came upon this place by chance after hours and hours (yes, literally hours) or searching for a place nearby that lets you do ANYTHING other than walk. And this place ended up being perfect. While not as nearby as I had hoped, this place is in Palmdale, only a short 1.5hr drive from Buena Park. I'd say it's well worth the drive there once or twice a year for someone who loves horseback riding!! They let your walk, trot, AND canter here for good stretches of the time. So much fun!! Make sure you call ahead of time and make a reservation so that they can prepare the horses for you before you arrive! I talked to Kathy (the owner) all three times I've been here but there are other workers and I'm sure they will all be just as helpful. They will ask you how many people and all the height/weight for your party (so they can assign you the appropriate horse) and for a credit card to hold your reservation (they won't charge you unless you cancel or don't show up!) So be prepared before you call! The drive up until Oracle Hill Rd. is perfectly fine. But once you make that left turn onto Oracle Hill (assuming you're coming from the 14N) prepare yourself for a bumpy ride! It's not paved after that point so it's very rocky and bumpy and dusty! It's not impossible though, obviously. Just follow the signs that say Rainbow Ridge Ranch First-timers are required to go on the basic ride but once you've completed an hour with them you are welcome to go on an adventure ride which is so much more fun!! Two guides will accompany your party, one in the front and one to follow. The first two times we were led by Kathy and in our most recent visit, we were led by Taylor. Both women were absolutely fantastic. Friendly and knowledgeable and so experienced! I always ride the same horse, Gypsy, whenever I go here. She's the most beautiful, good-tempered, wonderful horse ever! I love her (: You can request horses by name if you're attached to a particular one like I am. Otherwise, Kathy will match you up with a perfect horse for your experience level. It's $40 for one hour but the ride usually goes longer than that. When we get back from our rides, the staff usually lets us feed/pet the horses and take pictures. It's one of my favorite parts of my trips there! Make sure you tip your guides because they are great!! LOVE THIS PLACE! My friends an I are regulars here and we plan on continuing our loyalty here!

Lydia riding Gypsie

Wonderful horse riding ranch. Kathy knows horses inside and out- we have taken our 10 year old granddaughter for lessons for over a year - she is thriving , learning to ride. Wonderful experience. We have also been on many group trail rides with Kathy. Beautiful mountainside scenery. Well-trained horses. Huge recommendation for this horse riding ranch!

Sarah Z.

I had an amazing time! This is a very affordable place for horseback riding. I highly recommend this ranch if you're looking for a great horseback riding experience. You can tell how much the horses are loved and you can tell they are treated with the utmost respect. True horse lovers run this ranch! I will definitely be coming back the next time I need to get away from my crazy city lifestyle. Depending on your experience they will let you walk, trot and/or canter the horses. The trails are beautiful and you rarely run into other people/horses. I personally cannot wait to come back to this ranch.

Stephanie L.

This was my first time ever horseback riding independently and it was awesome! Taylor and Charlene were so much fun and helpful! I rode the horse Luna she was a sweetheart. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to do it again with more people. The price is reasonable and you cant beat the experience and fun memories!

Dawn B.

We could not have been happier with our horseback trail ride with Kathy at the Rainbow Ridge Ranch. She was an incredibly friendly, professional owner and guide. She handled 5 riders of varied abilities including "first-timers", matched each individual up with an appropriate horse, and thoughtfully explained how to handle the horses. Out on the trail, in addition to keeping each rider safe and in-line, she shared anecdotes, history and educated us on the natural landscapes and animal inhabitants of the area. Kathy had two assistants with her who's presence just added to the perfection of the experience very. We highly recommend Rainbow Ridge Ranch!

I took my son to this place on his birthday . A beautiful experience. horses picked with each riders comfort, and experience in mind. YES!

See all

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

My daughter has been with Rainbow Ridge for almost 10 years! A great place for a teenager to spend her time!!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 2

Ask the Community - Rainbow Ridge Ranch

Review Highlights - Rainbow Ridge Ranch

“The owner, Kathy, and her employees are lovely and very dedicated to the horses, ranch itself, and clients.”

Mentioned in 29 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Horseback Riding 138 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Copper Horse Riding Ranch - Decorating the salon for the party.

Copper Horse Riding Ranch

4.9(42 reviews)
15.1 mi

We just had our daughter's 5 year old birthday this past weekend at the ranch. Best idea ever. I…read morefound out about this place because my good friend had her daughter's birthday party here and my girls loved it. A year later they still remembered the party including the horses they rode and pet--Gidget and Traveler. So when it came time to find a spot for my little one's birthday, this place was the first one to come to mind. I could not be happier about the experience we had. Jenna and her family were so accommodating and so very easy to work with. I felt like she was an old friend. They try their best to make sure everyone has a great experience--including the host. Once you've got everything set up the way you want (food, decorations, etc), you just let them run it and they make the activities flow smoothly. I was able to roam around and mingle with guests and watch my kids ride horses. Every single one of my guests--children and adults--had a wonderful time. Many people commented on how peaceful and relaxed they felt there. Having no cell service really helped because nobody was distracted by their phone. Everyone was enjoying the moment and time with their kids. I loved the open, outdoor, natural space with the beautiful and gentle horses. There were also goats, chickens and pigs. Gold panning, "pin" the tail on a real donkey, painting a real horse, an open barn area where other horses are available to visit and pet. Our family made the trek up from the Sherman Oaks area and our guests came from even further away. They all thought it was worth the drive. I highly recommend! (birthday parties, weddings, photography, filming, riding lessons, affordable packaged birthday, family, fun)

Over the moon. I am highly impressed by Jenna and the staff of Copper Horse Riding Ranch. From…read morecalling to do a site visit to my granddaughter's actual party, everything was Hassel free and very easy. This was a party for an 11 year old, with kids as young as 2 in attendance. All the children enjoyed riding the horses and playing the games, but my biggest surprise was how much they enjoyed panning for "gold". My party was 3 hours long and the children were occupied and enjoying themselves the entire time. Not only did the kids have a good time, all the adults commented on what a relaxing atmosphere the ranch was. We are now planning an "adult only day".

Photos
Copper Horse Riding Ranch - Birthday girl riding the horse.

Birthday girl riding the horse.

Copper Horse Riding Ranch - Birthday girl feeding the horses.

Birthday girl feeding the horses.

Copper Horse Riding Ranch - Miss Cody (Califonia Flag), Miss Jenna (U. S. Flag) at our annual BBQ

See all

Miss Cody (Califonia Flag), Miss Jenna (U. S. Flag) at our annual BBQ

Sweetwater Ranch & Carriage Company

Sweetwater Ranch & Carriage Company

5.0(9 reviews)
15.6 mi

I stumbled across Sweetwater during Covid when my son couldn't play baseball and was wanting to…read morelearn how to ride horses (thank you Red Dead Redemption LOL). I placed a call, the owner Monica answered right away and I explained our situation. In that very first phone call, she let me know they were still able to compete at events on horseback that my son might like to do and she even offered one of her lesson horses for him to use. When I excitedly told my son what she said, he replied "Why would she offer me her horse, she doesn't even know us??!" I told him, well, I guess some people are just giving like that or have a feel for good people like us. That pretty much sums Monica up. She is the consumate giver and ultimate all around horsewoman. She's all about the horses FIRST and does not hesitate to offer her decades of amazing experience and support in any scenario. Whether taking lessons or boarding here, you will automatically be at an advantage because of who she is as a person. Monica ended up giving us our first horse, as well as continuing to offer her support to this tiny family of green horse owners ourselves, as we've added a few more after! We can't envision being anywhere else, it's truly been a blessing knowing Monica, as well as all the other engaging and supportive horse owners at Sweetwater!

been riding here for years and it's incredible training, great service and great treatment for the…read morehorses. Monica whittmer the trainer specializes In English riding and will teach you amazing things but had also taught me how to barrel race, gymkana, jumping, English work and about how the horses body works it's so amazing to have such a good trainer and teacher and she is so giving. Even with 2 hip replacements the best rider I've ever seen.

Photos
Sweetwater Ranch & Carriage Company
Sweetwater Ranch & Carriage Company
Sweetwater Ranch & Carriage Company

See all

Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center - Me and Wyatt

Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center

4.9(296 reviews)
30.1 mi

We booked an hour long ride at Marshall Canyon Equestrian for my husbands birthday and we both…read moreloved it!! Cinnamon was our guide and she was amazing, very informative! The trail was nice, shady and everyone riding their bikes on the trail were very friendly and would wait for you to pass. We rode Moonshine and Dude and they were both great. The horses know the way and follow your guide, so it's great for beginners. There's also parking in site, and our guide took photos for us while we were on the trail. We're definitely going to return. :)

had such a great time horseback riding here! From the moment we arrived, the whole team was…read moreprofessional, courteous, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Our trail lead was fantastic. Kennedy, the horseback lead, was knowledgeable, calm, and gave us clear, easy-to-follow instructions that even beginners could understand. She checked on us the throughout the ride to make sure everyone was comfortable and having fun. The trail was beautiful: shady sections, little creeks to cross, gentle up-and-down hills, and tons of lush green scenery all around. We passed several bikers and hikers, and every single one was super respectful of the horses and politely gave us the right of way. The horses themselves were awesome. calm and steady, with just the right amount of playful sass to keep it interesting. We left smiling and already talking about coming back. We definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a relaxing yet exciting trail ride. Whether you're a first-timer or experienced rider, you'll love it!

Photos
Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center - Moonshine & Dude

Moonshine & Dude

Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center
Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center - Guided Trail Ride

See all

Guided Trail Ride

Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables - Horses

Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables

4.4(1k reviews)
27.3 mi•Hollywood Hills
Walk-ins welcome
Available by appointment

A Peaceful & Therapeutic Solo Adventure in the Hollywood Hills!…read more Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don't plan! I had nothing scheduled for the day, wanted to get out of the house, and decided to do something different. That's when I came across Sunset Ranch Hollywood. A horseback ride through the Hollywood Hills with beautiful views overlooking Los Angeles sounded perfect! I booked it last minute for $75 for a one-hour guided ride, and I'm so glad I did. The best part? I went completely SOLO! I've always enjoyed doing things on my own, and this was no exception. I didn't need to coordinate plans or wait for someone to join me. I simply booked my reservation and showed up. Being surrounded by nature, enjoying the scenery, and getting away from the everyday noise made this experience incredibly peaceful and therapeutic. Going alone didn't take anything away from the experience. If anything, I appreciated it even more. A few things worth knowing before you go: Getting There & Parking: The directions provided are pretty detailed. Once you reach the end of the street, press the button at the gate for entry. From there, you'll drive up a steep, narrow road with limited space for cars passing in opposite directions. Parking is FREE and available along the right side of the hill and in a couple of dirt areas. Park carefully and expect an uphill walk to the ranch entrance. If it's hot outside, that walk might give you a little workout! Check-In & Horseback Riding: You'll need to sign a waiver before participating. Once you arrive, check in at the front with your reservation and wait to be assigned to your group. Helmets are required throughout the ride. The staff was incredibly friendly, patient, and helpful. They assist you with getting on and off your horse and provide a quick refresher on steering before heading out. Although I arrived alone, the ride is done in a group with a guide, so being a solo visitor wasn't an issue at all. The Trail & Views: The ride lasts approximately one hour at a comfortable, steady pace. The horses are trained to follow one another, and a guide accompanies the group. The scenery is absolutely beautiful! However, if you're afraid of heights, be prepared. Some sections of the trail are pretty narrow, with steep hillsides and significant drop-offs. I'm not going to lie, there were moments when I felt a little nervous looking down! I definitely felt more comfortable staying toward the inside of the trail. You follow the trail uphill, turn around at a designated point, and return along the same route. What to Bring: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes because it's dusty! Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. Phones and cameras are allowed, but selfie sticks, tripods, and similar accessories are not. The weather was in the mid-70s during my visit, which made the ride even more enjoyable. Tips & Extras: I didn't notice any snacks available, and I didn't check whether restrooms were provided. I would definitely recommend tipping your guide. The employees work hard, and everyone I encountered was genuinely nice and helpful. Overall, I absolutely loved this experience! What started as a spontaneous decision turned into a beautiful afternoon in the Hollywood Hills. I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, the incredible views, and the opportunity to experience something different without having to travel far. I think people sometimes assume that doing activities alone means you're lonely, but that's not always the case. I genuinely enjoy my own company, and experiences like this remind me that I don't need someone beside me to have a wonderful time. Would I do it again? Absolutely! I'd happily return solo or bring someone along next time. Whether you're planning a date, an outing with friends, or simply looking for something enjoyable to do on your own, I definitely recommend giving Sunset Ranch Hollywood a try. A beautiful experience, great staff, breathtaking views, and a little adventure right in the heart of Hollywood!

Directions were not fun. If you do not know how to read an old fashioned map like I didn't you will…read moreget over whelmed and feel lost. You might even get lost. BUT Once you get to the stop sign at the corner of beechwood and it tells you to turn on beechwood or keep straight to stay on beechwood (depending which direction you coming from) no matter what your gut tells you just keep riding straight to the top. It's a far drive up and you will start to think you not going to the right way but you are. The gate has sunset ranch on it so you will know. Push the button to be let in the gate, park and you will have a steep hill to walk up to get to the top. If you get lost just call so they know but you won't miss your trip they are used to people getting lost. My whole crew was lost and we still completed the hour trip in the time frame given. My guide was William and he was great. He gave clear instructions and was very patient when we didn't catch on and was struggling to control our horses. The trail was calming and scary being as though you have to stay close to the edge of the cliff. The horses know what they are doing. I had a horse named tater tot and he was very calm and chill and once he got comfortable with me he was a great listener. When you return you will be assisted on getting down but if you don't have strong knees or good balance be very careful because the ground is very far down from the horse and you could really injure yourself. I didn't get injured but someone else easily could. If you forget to bring cash like I did no worries they have QR codes that you can and use for Venmo, Cash App, pay pal which I loved!

Photos
Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables - One of my favorite shots taken by our guide!

One of my favorite shots taken by our guide!

Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables
Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables

See all

Rainbow Ridge Ranch - horsebackriding - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...