What is the minimum age to join this ride?

Minimum age is 8 years old; the experience is family-friendly but children must be capable of following guide directions.

How long is the ride and when does it start?

The ride duration is 1 hour 15 minutes; start times vary by month to align with sunset—check the booking calendar for exact times.

Where is the meeting point?

Meeting point details are not provided in the listing; confirm location and check-in instructions when you complete your booking.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No prior riding experience is required. Guides provide basic instruction; riders should be comfortable sitting a saddle for the duration.

Bring layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, water, and sunscreen. A camera with a strap is recommended for sunset shots.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation and change policies vary; review the booking terms on the reservation page and contact the operator or booking platform for specifics.

Sunset Horseback Rides Over Ortiz and Sandia Near Santa Fe

Summer SUNSET Rides offers a short, luminous horseback ride just outside Los Cerrillos, New Mexico, with open views across the valley to the Ortiz and Sandia mountain ranges. This 1 hour 15 minute evening outing runs in summer and is timed to catch Santa Fe’s famous sunsets as heat eases and sky color intensifies. Riders follow quiet trails through piñon-juniper scrub and shortgrasses, the high‑desert light flattening features while ridgelines take on warm hues. On the return leg the valley opens and the sun slips behind the Ortiz, leaving long shadows that silhouette the horses. The experience is compact and deliberately low-key: group size is limited to five riders, and children eight and older are welcome. Start times vary with the month—check the calendar—and organizers request that you arrive 30 minutes before your ride. Meeting point details are not included in the listing; confirm location on booking. No special riding experience is required, which makes this a good choice for families and first-time equestrians who want a calm, scenic introduction to New Mexico horsemanship. What makes these sunset rides stand out in the Santa Fe region is the combination of scale and intimacy. Instead of a crowded overlook or a highway pullover, you’re moving through quieter land on horseback, the pace set by your mount and the fading light. The Ortiz Mountains provide a raw, folded backdrop; the Sandias sit off to the east and catch the last pinks of dusk. Plant life here—piñon pines and junipers—adds texture and scent to the ride, and the valley’s open aspect makes sunsets especially dramatic. Practical details are straightforward: rides last about 1 hour 15 minutes, operate in summer, and run in small groups. Bring layered clothing for rapid evening temperature drops, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and water. Expect gentle terrain but standard riding etiquette—listen to guides, keep heels down, and avoid sudden movements—will make the outing safer and more enjoyable. Locally, these rides connect to Cerrillos Hills' mining past and turquoise heritage; guides often share brief local history. The slow motion of horse offers a perspective shift allowing you to notice small things: lichen on rocks, cholla silhouettes, distant ranch fences. Riders should expect minimal technical challenge but moderate balance; helmets may be available but not specified—ask operator. Reservations fill quickly for peak summer sunset windows, especially on weekends, so book early and check cancellation policies often. If you’re seeking an accessible sunset experience that pairs the western horizon with genuine backcountry pace, these rides deliver. They’re a quiet way to experience Santa Fe’s light without a long hike, and the limited group size makes personal instruction and scenic pauses possible. Book through the provided referral link to confirm dates and meeting logistics.

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.