Welcome to Mountain Joe's Trail Rides southeast of Moab
About Mountain Joe's Trail rides
About Mountain Joe's Trail Rides
Ask About our Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
About Mountain Joe's Trail Rides
Mountain Joe's Trail Rides specializes in 1 and 2-hour trail rides for families and small groups. Young children under 48 lbs who can walk independently are allowed to ride tandem.
Calm, Affectionate Horses
Ask About our Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
About Mountain Joe's Trail Rides
Our horses are experienced and have calm and responsive temperaments. We give them the best care and feed available, and lots of affection!
Ask About our Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Ask About our Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Ask About our Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Our horse-drawn wagon rides feature Bill and Boone, a team of pure-bred Belgian draft horses. Our wagon holds up to 16 people and is available for weddings, family reunions and other special events.
What We Offer
An Unforgettable Horseback Adventure 1 hour South of Moab, Utah
RIDES BY APPOINTMENT
WE SPECIALIZE IN PERSONALIZED TRAIL RIDING EXPERIENCES
BOOK IN ADVANCE TO SCHEDULE YOUR RIDE!
Call (435) 669-6585 or email mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com
and be sure to give us your best contact number.
Mountain Joe's Trail Rides provides safe and enjoyable trail rides for visitors and locals in southeastern Utah.
Our high desert trail rides are at an elevation of 7,200 feet where
temperatures are cooler than Moab and surrounding areas
Located in the heart of San Juan County, Mountain Joe's offers spectacular views in a serene setting
graced by personalized hospitality.
- SMALL GROUPS of up to 5 adults and/or children for the 1-hour ride and, up to 5 adults or children 6 years and older
- Children 6 years and older may ride independently if they are sufficiently confident, capable and tall enough to do so
- We do not allow young children to ride tandem on the 2-hour adventure ride
- COUPLES
- FAMILY REUNIONS ask about our rates
- WEDDINGS
- PHOTO SHOOTS
Open from snow melt to the first snowfall (usually mid-March through November)
For inquiries or to request a ride, email mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com
call or text (435) 669-6585
$85 for the 1-hour ride
for beginners and groups with children.
Children ages 6 and older who have sufficient confidence and skill may ride their own horses.
Children ages 5 and younger or 50 lbs and under may ride with an adult on a tandem saddle.
(Limit 5 riders including adults who may ride tandem with small children)
$150 for the 2-hour adventure ride
Children ages 8 and up may ride on the 2-hour tour depending on experience and level of confidence.
250 lb. Weight Limit
BOOK NOW!
Call (435) 669-6585 or email mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com
and be sure to give us your best contact number.
UTAH LAW: Limitations on Liability for Equine Activities
IMPORTANT
Under Utah law, there are inherent risks associated with horseback riding and trail rides.
These risks include, but are not limited to:
The unpredictability of an horse's reaction to sounds, sudden movement, unfamiliar objects, or other animals;
Hazards such as surface conditions; Collisions with animals, persons, or objects; and
potential rider negligence, such as failing to follow instructions or maintain control over the equine.
Participants in trail rides are presumed to be aware of and understand these inherent risks.
MOUNTAIN JOE'S TRAIL RIDES is NOT LIABLE for injury, harm, or death resulting from these inherent risks.
Ride at your own risk. Book a ride only if you accept these risks.
GPS Coordinates 38°04'59.37"N 109°10'02.62"W
From Moab via La Sal Junction and Lisbon Valley Rd. DON'T TA
From Monticello Go East on 491, turn North on West Summit
Amenities, What to Wear and How to Prepare for Your Ride
Amenities
Mountain Joe's Trail Rides offers a covered pole barn where your group can cool off for a bit following your ride or enjoy a picnic lunch if you like. For those who don't ride with a group, you can enjoy hiking, birding and cornhole on the premises of our ranch. A state-of-the-art outhouse is available for your comfort.
What to Wear
Please wear long, durable pants and closed-toed shoes. Boots with a short heel are best, but sneakers will do. Brimmed hats are recommended, and it doesn't hurt to bring along a jacket, especially in the spring and autumn months.
How to Prepare
It's essential that you are sufficiently fit to mount and dismount a horse with minimal assistance, although we will provide a stepping stool if you need one. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and any other necessities you desire for your pleasure and comfort. We provide pommel bags for you to secure such items while on the trail.
How to Pay
Payments
We accept CASH
transfers via VENMO
CREDIT CARD payments through the SQUARE Point of Sale
Deposit required when booking online
Hitch a ride with our team of Belgian draft horses
We now offer horse-drawn wagon rides!
Contact us for rates
HAY RIDES
Community Events
Weddings
Family Reunions
Birthday Parties
Retreats
Up to 16 passengers per wagon ride
Email mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com or Call (435) 669-6585 for more information
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Horseback riding has inherent risks
Although we will make reasonable accommodations for those with physical limitations who are able to ride safely, we cannot accept clients with physical, medical or mental health conditions that would bring unnecessary risk to themselves or other riders. Riders must be able to safely mount and dismount a horse with minimal assistance.
250 lb. weight limit
ALL RIDERS MUST BE SOBER
Actual Customer Reviews
Hannah H. September 2026
Had an amazing trail ride with Matt and his son! The horse was lovely and Matt was so knowledgeable about the landscape and fauna ! He also recited some beautiful poetry which made the experience unforgettable! Thank you
Susan Ortman September 2026
Joe and Marjorie are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They helped me mount and dismount with a long standing shoulder injury. The horses are happy and well loved! Thank you for a wonderful ride!
Katharina Minz August 2026
We had such a wonderful horseback riding experience!
We spent a little over an hour riding through the beautiful area, and the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. The horses were incredibly calm, gentle, and well behaved, which made us feel very comfortable and safe.
My children were a little unsure at first because the horses were quite a bit bigger than the ones they are used to. The team was incredibly understanding and accommodating. My son’s horse was led for him the entire ride, which made him feel completely comfortable, and my daughter was able to ride together with me on my horse. They really took the time to find a solution that worked for both children instead of putting any pressure on them.
What I especially appreciated was how much effort they made with the kids. They even brought out a cornhole game for them to play, which was such a thoughtful little extra and made them feel very welcome.
Everyone was so kind, patient, and genuinely made an effort to make this a great experience for our whole family. You could really tell that they cared about us having a good and safe time.
The ride itself was beautiful, relaxed, and so much fun. We all had an amazing time and came back very happy. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and we would absolutely recommend it to families and anyone looking for a wonderful horseback riding experience.
Thank you so much for taking such great care of us and for making this ride so special! 🐴❤️
Sarah July 2026
My experience at Mountain Joe’s Trail Rides was incredible. I signed up for a private, intermediate ride (as I’m experienced) and I was welcomed by Matt and his son before we got to riding. Matt is a very well seasoned horseman and is really easy to talk to, he made great conversation about the land, the history, and his own personal experiences. His son was delightful to talk to as well! The trail ride is absolutely beautiful, and this experience as a whole is so personal and authentic! I really had an amazing time. The horses are well behaved and have their own personalities, I rode Lakota and he was such a sweet boy! I also got to meet the owners of the operation after the trail ride, and they are so kind and humble. Joe is a very interesting gentleman! It was such an amazing experience, I’d ride here every day if I lived close by! I’ll definitely be back to visit and might even bring some people with me to enjoy the fun! This trail ride was both relaxing and exhilarating, and most of all, a great adventure! Thanks Matt!
Cassie Patterson May 2026
The horses were beautiful and great to ride. Our guide, Matt, was also fantastic and treated us to some cowboy poetry during our ride. Can’t wait to go back!
Josh McGruther May 2026
I cannot say enough great things about our experience today with Mountain Joe’s. They are kind and dedicated to a life I am now very jealous of after a small glimpse. This was by far the highlight of our trip to Moab.
Vicki Briggs Nieman July 2025
If anyone is heading to the Moab, Utah area, I HIGHLY recommend Mountain Joe's Trail Rides! Joe loves what he does, loves his horses and enjoys sharing them. Great experience!
Miss L April 2025
Highly Recommend!
We were a group of 5 - two kids (ages 8 and 11) and three adults (including a 74 year old). We had a terrific time. It was a treat to have an excuse to drive up into the mountains outside of Moab - such a different environment and MUCH cooler! We were met by the team and fitted to horses that suited our needs. We had a big range of experience in our group, including total beginners, and everything went smoothly. Joe is an affable guy and made the ride fun for the whole crew.
Visited April 2025•Traveled with family
Savannah P. August 2024
The best trail riding experience money can buy!
Coming from someone that trains horses for a living, this was the best guided trail ride I've ever been on. We were placed on fun horses and were able to do more than just nose-to-tail riding. His rides are better than any dude ranch, camp, or outfitter by a country mile. It is evident that Mountain Joe cares for his horses and their well-being, making them well behaved and physically fit for the challenging terrain. He has well kept tack that fits each horse, and adjusts it according to the rider's preference. We drove to Utah from the east coast, and it is easy to say that we will be back again. We love Mountain Joe!
Sara W. May 2024
A great ride, it's perfect because the mountains are far cooler than Moab and we had wonderful scenery to include a canyon views and the forest on the ride. Mountain Joe is super helpful to those who are beginners and experienced, We did the 2 hour adventure ride and enjoyed every moment. The horses are so good and in wonderful condition (which I felt was super important). This is definitely worth the drive up to ranch.
March 2024 Sunrise B
Amazing experience, unmatchable scenery. Reasonable price.
Came out to Moab for Easter Jeep Safari, had some downtime and our daughter always sees horseback riding opportunities on various vacations, I'm so glad we decided to make Mountain Joe's our first family trail ride! Booking our 2 hour ride was seamless. The day prior to our ride the mountains got a fair bit of snow and they were great about communicating the need to shift us to a trail that wasn't snow covered. Weather turned out fair and the scenery was beautiful, mountains in the background. Joe is fantastic, horses were well paired with riders. We will book again next time we are in Moab!
Best ride ever!
Jul 2023 • Solo
I have done dozens of trail rides and this was by far the best experience I ever had. Mountain Joe and Marjorie were incredibly hospitable, taking me on a new trail they had just created and tailoring my ride to me. I love horses and they were gracious enough to let me help unsaddle my horse, give them some treats, and answer all of my questions.
Their horses are not just well taken care of, but loved.
The trail itself is unbelievably peaceful and very scenic at points. Besides some grazing cattle and a few deer, we didn’t see another soul the entire ride.
Marjorie and Joe are a very sweet couple and I loved spending time with them.
FAMILY REUNIONS
MAKE OUR HORSES THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FAMILY REUNION
MAKE OUR HORSES THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FAMILY REUNION
We can tailor a deal to help your family enjoy our gentle saddle horses, giving everyone an opportunity to ride no matter what their age or ability.
MAKE OUR HORSES THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FAMILY REUNION
MAKE OUR HORSES THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FAMILY REUNION
MAKE OUR HORSES THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FAMILY REUNION
Day and half day packages are available at a per-hour cost for our entire herd. Wranglers will be on site for the entire time to assist you. You can incorporate both trail rides and kiddie rides into your family reunion activities.
Call for more information (435) 669-6585
MAKE OUR HORSES THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FAMILY REUNION
Children of all ages can enjoy safe, supervised rides on our gentle saddle horses. Parents and guardians are welcome to participate!
Photo Gallery
What We Offer
Authentic Western-Style Trail Rides
250 lb. weight limit
For inquiries or to request a ride
email mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com
call or text (435) 669-6585
Located near Moab and Monticello, Utah
Mountain Adventures
horseback riding
trail rides
Moab
Monticello
Seasonal Availability
email mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com
to request a ride
call or text (435) 669-6585
(reception up here can be spotty, so texting is the
best option to request a ride)
Please include the number in party, ages, physical restrictions if applicable, and horseback riding experience. You will receive a map and directions with the confirmation email for your ride.