About Mt Madonna Stables
Mt Madonna Stables offers guided horseback trail rides through the beautiful redwood and oak forests of Mt Madonna County Park, perched in the hills between Santa Cruz and Gilroy. The stables have been introducing riders of all experience levels to the joys of horseback riding for years, maintaining a string of gentle, well-trained horses that are suitable for beginners, families, and experienced riders alike. The park's network of trails winds through towering trees, open meadows, and ridgeline viewpoints with panoramic vistas of Monterey Bay and the Pajaro Valley.
Trail rides range from one-hour introductory rides to longer half-day excursions that explore deeper into the park's 3,688 acres of protected land. Knowledgeable guides lead every ride, sharing insights about the local flora, fauna, and history while ensuring the safety and comfort of each rider and horse. The stables also accommodate private group bookings, birthday parties, and special occasions. No prior riding experience is required — the guides provide a thorough briefing on mounting, steering, and trail etiquette before every ride.
What makes Mt Madonna Stables a standout Santa Cruz-area experience is the dramatic change of scenery from the beaches and boardwalk below. Within a 30-minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz, riders find themselves in a quiet, forested mountain park where deer, wild turkeys, and hawks are common sightings. The combination of gentle horses, experienced guides, and genuinely beautiful mountain trails makes this one of the best horseback riding experiences in the greater Monterey Bay region.
