Joshua Tree Trail Rides & Sanctuary at Cascade Trails Mustang

Just outside the rugged edges of Joshua Tree, California, Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary offers a rare blend of wilderness experience, equine rescue, and desert camping that transforms a visit into an immersive outdoor escape. This sanctuary is more than a stop along the way; it’s a place where mustangs, rescued from the wild, find new purpose amid Joshua Tree’s iconic desert landscape crowned by twisted junipers and vast granite boulders.

The heart of this experience is the sanctuary’s signature trail rides. The Sunset Trail Ride, in particular, invites riders to wind through sagebrush and creosote under a deepening western sky, where the quiet is punctuated only by horse hooves and the distant call of canyon wrens. For families or those new to horseback riding, pony rides offer a gentle introduction, while natural horsemanship and basic riding lessons provide hands-on connection that’s both educational and rewarding.

Evenings at Cascade Trails extend the adventure with cozy, glamping-style accommodations such as the La Estrella and La Luna domes, or intimate setups like “2 Tents Together,” offering a blend of rustic charm and creature comforts, including heaters for cooler desert nights. Visitors commonly gather by the communal firepit, sharing stories as the horizon ignites in warm hues.

The sanctuary's animal residents aren’t limited to horses; friendly goats, chickens, and dogs round out a welcoming farm atmosphere. Equine therapy programs add a meaningful, healing dimension that taps into the restorative qualities of connecting with these animals in the quiet desert setting.

Clean restrooms and well-maintained campsites reflect thoughtful care for guest comfort without diminishing the raw beauty surrounding you. Chris, the owner, and his team personalize guest experiences, offering flexible scheduling and an openness that makes you feel like more than just a visitor—like a participant in this desert’s living story.

Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary stands apart in Joshua Tree’s outdoor scene by combining conservation, recreation, and meaningful animal interaction all within a setting defined by the park’s distinctive geology and quiet expanses. This is a destination for those who want more than a visit—they want a memorable connection to the land and its creatures.