
Koli Equestrian Center
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert on horseback. Koli Equestrian Center offers guided rides through Native American lands, blending adventure...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat

Koli Equestrian Center
Best Time
Beat the desert heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert on horseback. Koli Equestrian Center offers guided rides through Native American lands, blending adventure with cultural discovery.
"One of the best and most relaxing experiences ever! The horses are beautiful and well taken care of."

🎯 Book Ahead!
Popular rides sell out fast. Book your Koli horseback riding adventure in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for horseback riding. Long pants are also recommended for comfort and protection.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Desert Trail Rides
Gila River Indian Community
Explore scenic desert landscapes on horseback, with views of South Mountain. Perfect for all riding levels.

Sunset Rides
Gila River Indian Community
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the desert from horseback. Often includes margaritas or other refreshments.

Cultural Insights
Gila River Indian Community
Learn about Native American culture and the history of the land from knowledgeable local guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Best Experience
Dress for the Desert & Arrive Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead!
Popular rides sell out fast. Book your Koli horseback riding adventure in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for horseback riding. Long pants are also recommended for comfort and protection.
⏰ Arrive on Time
Koli Equestrian Center has a strict schedule. Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes early for check-in.
🤠 Ask for Your Favorite Guide
Many visitors rave about specific wranglers like Ray, Colton, Nate, and Coltan for their knowledge and personality.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead!
Popular rides sell out fast. Book your Koli horseback riding adventure in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for horseback riding. Long pants are also recommended for comfort and protection.
⏰ Arrive on Time
Koli Equestrian Center has a strict schedule. Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes early for check-in.
🤠 Ask for Your Favorite Guide
Many visitors rave about specific wranglers like Ray, Colton, Nate, and Coltan for their knowledge and personality.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your phone or camera to snap photos of the beautiful desert landscapes and your equine companion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Koli Equestrian Center for its well-cared-for horses, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and stunning desert scenery. Many highlight the cultural insights shared by local wranglers and the overall relaxing yet adventurous experience. Some note the strict schedule, so punctuality is key.
"What a great time. We did the sunset Margarita ride. The horses were great, well mannered, and clean. The Ray and the other wranglers were awesome, full of personality and really loved their jobs. We are staying at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Koli provided a free shuttle from the resort. And of course the margaritas topped off a good time."
Derek Salka
"My husband and I came for the sunrise trail walk today (11/1/25 to start our anniversary weekend off) and had a wonderful time. The horses, Charm and Aspin were beautiful and so calm, our wrangler (cannot remember his name for the life of me, but we want him to know he was amazing!) was so chill and a great guide. He gave us the back story of Koli, talked about the wildlife and horses in the equestrian center and made sure we had a great time! We'll be back again! Its a great trail for all levels, same with the horses!"
Brittany Apodaca
"One of the best and most relaxing experiences ever! If you like supporting family businesses, this is hands down one to support. Our guide Ray was so kind and informative, I’d give him the 5 stars alone. The horses are beautiful and you can tell they are well taken care of. Not to mention the peaceful scenic views you will get taken on are immaculate! Will definitely be back for a sunset ride, I can only imagine how gorgeous that is. Experience was 10/10, I can’t wait to go back!"
Jamie Hubenschmidt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Koli Equestrian Center is located in the Gila River Indian Community, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale. Some resorts, like the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, offer shuttle services.
Yes, there is parking available at the center. It's recommended to arrive a bit early to find a convenient spot, especially during peak times.
Public transportation options to Koli Equestrian Center are limited due to its location. Driving or using a ride-sharing service is generally the most convenient way to get there.
For sunset rides, plan your travel to arrive well before sunset to account for check-in and mounting the horses. Driving yourself or arranging a shuttle is recommended.
Yes, there are several resorts in the vicinity, including the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, which offers shuttle services to the center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing can vary depending on the type of ride (e.g., trail ride, sunset ride, private tour). It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing. Some introductory events may be around $10 per person.
Absolutely! It is highly recommended to book your Koli horseback riding experience in advance, especially for popular times like sunset rides or weekends, as they tend to sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day. It's advisable to check their official schedule when booking, as they offer rides from early morning to sunset.
While not always advertised, it's worth checking their website or social media for any special promotions or event pricing. Some introductory events might offer lower prices.
Policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact Koli Equestrian Center directly to understand their cancellation and rescheduling procedures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trails are generally considered suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. The horses are well-mannered and calm, making it a comfortable experience for first-time riders.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (like boots or sturdy sneakers) and long pants are highly recommended for horseback riding. Avoid shorts and open-toed footwear.
Koli Equestrian Center primarily offers guided trail rides on their own horses. It's unlikely they accommodate outside horses for public trail rides.
Yes, restroom facilities are typically available for visitors at the center.
Riders have reported seeing wildlife such as wild horses and even baby rattlesnakes on their rides. The desert environment is rich with local flora and fauna.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some rides, like the sunset Margarita ride, include refreshments such as margaritas and salsa. It's best to check the specifics of your booked tour package.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume personal food and drinks before or after your ride, or check with the center if they have designated areas for picnics.
The center is located in a more rural area. For a wider selection of dining options, you would typically need to travel back towards Chandler or Phoenix.
The popular sunset rides often include margaritas and salsa, making for a festive end to the horseback adventure.
Yes, Koli Equestrian Center offers party space and can accommodate events, making it a unique venue for celebrations.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Capture the stunning desert scenery and your memorable moments on horseback.
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos.
Absolutely! The horses are beautiful and well-cared for, making them great subjects for photos. You can even ask your guide about posing with your horse.
Your guides are knowledgeable about the best spots for photos, often pointing out scenic overlooks with expansive desert views.
A smartphone is usually sufficient for capturing great shots. If you're serious about photography, a camera with a good zoom lens can be useful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Koli Equestrian Experience: More Than Just a Ride
The horses themselves are a significant part of the experience. Reviewers consistently praise the animals for being well-mannered, calm, and clearly well-cared for. Whether you're a seasoned rider or trying it for the first time, the horses like Charm, Aspin, Romeo, and Boba are described as being incredibly trained and a joy to ride. This attention to the horses' well-being contributes to a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Beyond the trails, Koli Equestrian Center also provides a unique setting for events and parties. The combination of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and the bond with these magnificent animals creates a memorable adventure that many visitors express a strong desire to repeat.
Navigating Your Ride: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Dress code is simple but important: comfortable, closed-toe shoes and long pants are a must for horseback riding. This ensures both safety and comfort during your desert excursion. For those staying at nearby resorts like the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, inquire about shuttle services, as Koli often provides transportation.
Don't hesitate to engage with your guides! Wranglers like Ray, Colton, Nate, and Coltan are frequently mentioned for their personality, knowledge, and passion for their jobs. They can offer fascinating insights into the local culture, wildlife, and the history of the land, significantly enhancing your experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit