What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 8 years old per the operator’s requirements.

How many people fit in one carriage?

Group size is a maximum of four people per carriage.

Where do I check in for the ride?

Meet at Turquoise Hills Riding Company—the listing notes that as the meeting point; please arrive a few minutes early.

What if the weather is poor?

Weather can affect scheduling; check your booking confirmation or the operator’s page via the referral link for any last-minute changes.

Is the ride accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Accessibility details are not listed; contact the operator directly through the booking link to discuss accommodations.

Should I tip the driver?

Tip practices are customary for guided experiences—bring cash or add a gratuity if you enjoyed the ride.

Romantic Carriage Ride in Los Cerrillos — Turquoise Hills 20-Minute Experience

On a crisp afternoon in Los Cerrillos, New Mexico, a 20-minute horse-drawn carriage ride offered by Turquoise Hills Riding Company slows time to the pace of hooves and open sky. The Valentine's Day Carriage Ride rolls through low, red-soil hills and piñon‑juniper stands along the Turquoise Trail, giving couples and families an intimate slice of the area's high‑desert landscape. You board a classic wooden-wheeled carriage, four riders at most, and let a steady pair of well-trained horses carry you past weathered mine ruins, low scrub, and outcrops where turquoise and other minerals once drew prospectors in the 1800s. The route is short and gentle, but the views feel expansive: layered hills, sun-bleached rock, and the wide New Mexico sky that becomes a deep vault at dusk. This experience works as a standalone memory or a soft opener to a day of hiking at nearby Cerrillos Hills State Park or browsing the village's galleries. It’s family-friendly—minimum age is 8—and built for people who want scenery without a long trail. Drivers move at a conversational pace, offering local observations about the mining-era history, the plants that dominate these slopes, and how seasonal light turns the landscape from apricot to copper. Because the carriage hugs low ground, you can spot rock textures and scattered scrub up close, an advantage over a faster scenic drive. Practical perks make this easy to enjoy: the whole outing fits a short window—20 minutes—so it tucks neatly into a day of exploration in Santa Fe or along the Turquoise Trail. Bring layered clothing for sharp desert temperature swings, wear closed-toe shoes to board safely, and pack a camera for portraits framed by juniper silhouettes. Book early for weekend or holiday slots, and arrive at the Turquoise Hills Riding Company meeting point a few minutes ahead of your scheduled time. What sets this carriage ride apart is the blend of accessible romance and local character: a small, human-scale way to read the geology and history of Los Cerrillos without a long trek. For photographers and curious travelers alike, it’s a concise, sensory ride through red earth, short-grass plains, and the cultural echoes of a 19th-century mining community—an intimate taste of New Mexico’s outdoor culture that squares perfectly with nearby hiking, shopping, and food stops. Expect gentle conversation with your driver—often a local guide who can point out specific rock veins, the best nearby trails, and where to find a gallery or cafe. Weather can flip between sun and wind; a light windbreaker and closed-toe shoes make the difference between a pleasant outing and chilled teeth. The ride’s short footprint and low impact make it an eco-friendly way to experience the Cerrillos Hills without disturbing fragile plants or historic features.

About Turquoise Hills Riding Company

Turquoise Hills Riding Company operates in Los Cerrillos, New Mexico, offering guided horseback and carriage experiences that highlight the area's Wild West charm and historic turquoise mines. The Hilltop View Trail Ride leads guests through Cerrillos’ landscape to viewpoints with breathtaking vistas of three mountain ranges. This trail emphasizes scenic observation and gentle horsemanship; gentle horses and expert guides make the ride accessible and memorable.

The Valentine's Day Carriage Ride is a calm, 20-minute horse-drawn carriage experience designed for couples and small groups seeking a relaxed, romantic outing. Riders float through scenic views at a leisurely pace to create timeless memories in a historic New Mexico setting.

Turquoise Hills Riding Company focuses on providing clear, guided excursions that showcase local history and landscape features. The company highlights the region's turquoise mining heritage and mountain panoramas without requiring advanced riding skills. Guides accompany each activity to orient guests to the terrain and to interpret notable sights along the way.

All offerings are centered in and around Los Cerrillos, making them convenient for visitors exploring nearby Santa Fe or local attractions. Trip options include both active riding on trails and passive carriage experiences, accommodating different preferences for pace and engagement.

Prospective guests can choose from the Hilltop View Trail Ride for panoramic horseback exploration or the Valentine's Day Carriage Ride for a relaxed, scenic outing. Each experience reflects Turquoise Hills Riding Company's commitment to showcasing Cerrillos’ natural beauty and historic character. Booking and timing information can be requested directly from the company.