What is the minimum age to ride?

Riders must be at least 6 years old; children aged 6–14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is prior riding experience required?

No—this is a beginner-friendly, walk-only ride and wranglers provide basic instruction and tack adjustments.

What is the weight limit for riders?

The horses cannot accommodate riders over 350 pounds; please provide accurate weight information during booking.

What happens in bad weather?

Rides will be cancelled if conditions are unsafe; they will reschedule or issue a refund/credit with 24+ hours' notice.

Are helmets provided?

Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and available on request for all guests.

How long is check-in before the ride?

Arrive 15 minutes early to facilitate check-in and to ensure you don’t miss your scheduled ride.

Westward Look Sunset Horseback Ride: Tattered Saddle 1-Hour Desert Trail

At the edge of Tucson's Catalina Foothills, the Westward Look Sunset Trail Ride offers a compact, approachable way to experience Sonoran Desert light on horseback. Operated by Tattered Saddle at Westward Look, this guided, walk-only, one-hour ride leaves from 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704, USA and carries riders across low desert scrub, saguaro-studded ridgelines toward panoramic western views as the sun drops behind the city.

Wranglers match riders with gentle horses and spend time adjusting saddles and explaining handling techniques before the group moves out. The ride is geared to beginners and families (ages 6 and up), and the small maximum group size—eight guests—keeps the experience personal. Helmets are mandatory for under-18s and available on request for adults; riders are asked to arrive fifteen minutes early to check in at Tattered Saddle's office, located next to the large horse corral on your first available right when coming from Oracle Road.

The landscape is the real star: broad desert flats give way to ocotillo and palo verde, with towering saguaros punctuating the skyline. As the sky shifts to orange, purple and pink, the ridgelines of the Catalina Mountains silhouette against the glow; this walk-only pace makes it easy to lift a camera or simply take in the changing light. The ride uses saddlebags so you can bring water, sunscreen and a phone for photos; full-length rain slickers and helmets are provided when needed.

Practical notes help this hit its stride. Tattered Saddle limits riders to a maximum weight of 350 pounds and asks that participants be able to mount and sit unaided; children 6–14 must be accompanied by an adult. The operation will cancel or reschedule rides in unsafe conditions, and they offer a full refund or credit with 24+ hours' notice for cancellations.

Why book this when you're in Tucson? It's a short, low-commitment gateway into Sonoran Desert horsemanship—the kind of evening activity that pairs well with a day hiking in Sabino Canyon or exploring downtown galleries. It's also among the most reliable ways to catch Tucson's famously colorful sunsets without hiking at dusk. For photographers, the ride's slow pace and open western exposures make for flattering golden-hour light. Whether you're a first-time rider, a family searching for an easy outdoor evening, or a visitor drawn to desert dusk, the Westward Look Sunset Trail Ride offers a grounded, scenic, and genuinely local way to end the day.

Bookings are limited each evening to preserve a calm pace and strong horse welfare practices; small groups mean more individualized attention from the wranglers, who can point out native plants and local landmarks. Bring layers—the temperature can drop quickly after sunset—and savor the unhurried close of a desert day tonight.

About Tattered Saddle

Tattered Saddle is a ranch-based outfitter in Livermore, Colorado, offering guided horseback experiences and locally crafted keepsakes. The operation focuses on short, accessible trail rides and curated events that connect participants with horses and high-country scenery. Popular offerings include the "Scratch&Ride" Experience, which pairs a hands-on grooming and saddling lesson with a scenic morning ride; a Family-Friendly Trail Ride, a one-hour, walk-only outing suitable for riders ages six and up; and the Charcuterie Picnic Ride, combining beginner-friendly horseback time with a relaxed picnic at a rustic table.

Tattered Saddle also provides unique merchandise tied to the ranch experience, including trucker hats with full-grain leather logo patches made in Laramie, Wyoming, and colorful horseshoes from their horses that serve as mementos. Each guided ride is led by experienced wranglers who provide instruction, personal attention, and safety guidance for all skill levels. Rides emphasize a walk-only pace to ensure comfort and enjoyment for families and novice riders.

Reservations are recommended for limited-capacity offerings, particularly the Scratch&Ride Experience, which intentionally keeps spots small to foster meaningful horse-and-rider connections. The operation is positioned as an approachable way to experience Colorado mountain scenery on horseback, with a focus on hands-on engagement and thoughtful keepsakes that commemorate the visit. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Tattered Saddle operates from Livermore, Colorado, providing easy access to scenic foothills and mountain vistas. The ranch's offerings suit couples, families, and small groups seeking a relaxed, authentic horseback experience with local keepsakes. Advance reservations are advised for popular dates and seasons.