CottonWood Canyon Ranch

Mila Siric

2024-01

I would highly recommend this ranch to both inexperienced and skilled horseback riders, as well as to animal lovers, given that most of the horses are beautiful rescue horses well taken care of by the wonderful ranch owner, Georgia and her horse wrangler, Cindy! Moreover, the surrounding nature is stunning. 🧡🐎🧡

Amara Anyamele

2023-05

I had a really special time here, the experience was magical and the horses have such beautiful spirits. The staff was very personable, caring, knowledgeable, and passionate. Joe the Wrangler took me on a true desert mountain ride and it was so fun for me to feel free galloping on the back of a horse. When you book make sure you understand that you’re paying for a 1-1 personal tour (unless you’re booking in a group or family) and understand what you’re paying for is not a tourist attraction but an actual horse ride through the mountains. I appreciated both those things because my tour was personalized to my experience and my desire for adventure. Also Georgia & Joe made the experience extra special and I appreciated that too because I went for my birthday. They offer some great excursions and are expanding services with an airbnb stay soon. Overall I would come again & would recommend!

Johanna Barlund

2023-05

I recently took my 82 year old mom here to fulfill her lifelong dream of riding a horse. Since it was her very first time, Georgia walked the horse around on the grounds so my mom could get the feeling of being on a horse, and a horse in motion. From the start, Georgia and her team were very accommodating and understanding to my mom’s needs. All of them happily helped my mom get on and off the horse, and Georgia made sure my mom felt safe and relaxed the entire time. My mom was beyond happy with her first experience on a horse, and can’t wait to go back for more. Next time she comes to visit from Sweden, we will be sure to take here again. My husband and I are going horseback riding there soon too. The grounds and stables are immaculate, and the horses are beautiful and extremely well taken care of. I am so thankful to Georgia and her team for helping us make my mom’s dream come true. We highly recommend this place!

jackson d

2022-05

If you want to experience true riding in the desert mountains/canyons, great company, and fun stories this place is 1000% the way to go. The horses are well trained and ultra responsive. Suited for all rider types from beginner to expert level. This area has more land/space to explore than you can imagine. You will not find another place like this. Georgia has done an amazing job with keeping this place top notch. Sydney is a great wrangler and happy person to be around. A HUGE hidden gem. I don’t even ride horses and I’m coming back.

Sierra LindA

2022-05

Had a great time camping out for a night for my daughter's 8th bday. The hosts were very gracious and set up a private pit for us with the use of haystacks, etc. The girls had fun just watching the horses and although we couldn't really ride because we were all beginners and their trails are not for beginners, they were able to take the girls into the corral for a little lesson. The facilities are well kept and aesthetic. All in all everyone had a really good time and we would do it again!

Denae

2022-05

Last week, my friends and I enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL experience at Cottonwood Canyon Ranch! We were staying in the area from out of town, on a girls trip, and really wanted to go horseback riding. Cottonwood Canyon Ranch was quick to answer their phone and helped us book an appointment on very short notice- two days in advance. The property was hidden away on some beautiful desert land, and we were greeted very warmly by Miss Georgia, Cindy, Sydney, and the sweetest most beautiful horses I have ever met.Please be advised that upon arrival, you are expected to pay and tip in cash. We overlooked this detail and had to drive five minutes back into town to stop at an ATM. You have to pay Georgia and sign some waivers before beginning.Miss Georgia, the owner of the ranch, made it clear from the beginning that the day was ours and she was here to make our experience a great one, and safe for both the horses and us. She and the ladies made us feel very comfortable and at ease from the start, and even said a prayer with us before we began. This was such a blessing, because we were very nervous and inexperienced in the beginning.We were each matched up with horses according to our heights, weights, and comfort level. And as it turned out, the horses matched our personalities so well too! I felt so divinely and instantly connected to my horse, Sundance, and I can confidently say that my friends felt the same.Each horse had a unique personality and story of rescue, rehabilitation, and healing. Miss Georgia was so happy to talk about the horses and obviously very passionate and talented at what she does. She’s been working with horses for her whole life!The session is an hour and a half officially, but, come with an open heart and good intentions and you just might be pleasantly surprised to be welcomed for longer.The session begins with the ladies making sure you feel comfortable with your horse, your saddle, and any other equipment, while in the safety of the enclosed arena. Cottonwood Canyon Ranch is a privately-owned, rescue-focused ranch, and so, the horse’s safety is priority. If for some reason Georgia feels like she is not comfortable letting you ride out on the trails, you will not ride. Please keep this in mind.But, we did get to ride! After getting comfortable with our horses, which did not take long, Georgia lead us out onto the most breathtakingly beautiful desert trail, with her daughter Cindy following behind the group. I was very grateful that they stayed with us the entire ride and assisted us throughout the entire thing.The horses are so intelligent and intuitive, and overall it was a healing, blessed experience. Georgia and Cindy had some funny stories to tell us along the way, as long as some informative ones. The landscape was amazing and we caught the final golden hours of daylight.The ladies take photos for you along the way so that you can keep your hands on the reigns, but, if you want high quality photos, I would still recommend taking your own photos because their photo quality was not the best. (It’s okay though, because the memories will remain)I loved my experience with Sundance and the other horses so much. I definitely want to return to Cottonwood Canyon Ranch soon. I hear it’s pretty in the spring.I want to also make a side note for my fellow horseback riders of color- our group was a group of Black and Brown Latina young women from the SF Bay Area. One thing we were apprehensive of before riding was how we would be received in such a white space. But, Georgia and the ladies were very hospitable, and I am confident they are that way with all of their guests. And so, if you have any worries or doubts regarding this, please let those fears go!I highly recommend Cottonwood Canyon Ranch to everybody in the Joshua Tree/Yucca Valley/Morongo Valley area. Definitely worth the money and an unforgettable, beautiful experience.Many thanks to Georgia, Sydney, Cindy, and the horses Sundance, Tucker, Tobi, Spirit, Whiskey, and Jasmine. God bless you!

Dale Garson

2024-04

What a beautiful joyful activity with such a delightful guide. We are both inexperienced riders in our 70’s. The horses were so lovely and the scenery was jaw dropping. We both loved it. Thanks Georgia and Sidney. Thanks horses Toby and Tucker 😍🐴

valentina mccachren

2022-05

Incredible day with my daughter riding at Cottonwood! Georgia was an amazing teacher - really encouraging her to ride from her heart. We cannot wait to come back to trail ride with grown ups and for another kids ride!!! Thank you so much!

Israel Ponce

2021-05

The owners are kind and outgoing. Georgia and Joe have a true passion for these majestic animals. My kids loved the experience and we will be back to learn to care for horses and ride them. Definitely make the trip with family.

Jamie S

2023-05

What an awesome experience! They are fantastic to work with! So professional and helpful. A beautiful ride, for sure! I hope I get back to California again sometime and if so, I’ll definitely be going back to see Georgia, and her team!!!

eugene handy

2023-10

We had an amazing private ride. Our horses, Tucker and Toby, were beautiful and well mannered - easy to ride and we got to do some fun cantering. Our wrangler Cindy was very friendly and laid back. The canyon we rode into in the Morongo Valley had some beautiful scenary and we got to see some wild rabbits along the way. Georgia, the owner, was also super easy to deal with in making arrangements. We would ride with them again!!

Victoire Hayek

2024-04

We had a great time riding at the ranch! The scenery is beautiful and Georgia’s passion for the horses is infectious.

Jered Friedland

2020-05

I've come out for trail rides 5 times now, and even crashed a wedding at the ranch once! It's one of the most peaceful, beautiful experiences I've had each and every time. Georgia who runs the ranch is such an incredible trail guide and kind spirit. I'm so thankful to have her and her horses to run away to whenever city life gets too much to handle. I can't recommend Cottonwood Canyon Ranch highly enough, and I look forward to many visits in the future! Thanks for everything, Georgia.

James O'Connell

2023-05

Georgia has such a beautiful ranch in CottonWood! We had such a great time on our ride with Sidney who was so great to ride with. It was just us (a couple) on the ride and we had a few good opportunities to trot and canter. Beautiful horses (many of which are rescues) - I can't recommend highly enough! After our ride we hung around and chatted with Georgia for about an hour. It was a really great experience!

Kathryn Cipriani

2023-05

I can't say enough about the owner, the wrangler, and the overall experience. Long story short we were displaced because of a fire in Temecula, a wedding we were attending cancelled (we flew in from NJ), and found ourselves with nothing to do in Palm Springs for 2 days. I called CottonWood Canyon Ranch and spoke to the owner, Georgia, asking if there was any chance she could get me and my husband out on a ride the following day. Even though we were so last minute with our requests, Georgia was quick to respond and accommodated us. We were able to go out the following day with the wrangler Sydney. She was fantastic. She gave us a wonderful tour of the Morongo Valley. We felt extremely safe, the horses were beautiful and loving. I truly don't have words, this was honestly such an amazing experience, it turned our trip around. We came from New Jersey and felt like we had flown to California for nothing after the wedding cancellation. This experience made the trip COMPLETELY worth it. I strongly recommend. You will not be disappointed in the scenery, the western experience, or the company.

Samuel

2022-05

My wife and I popped in on Georgia and Joey last minute when our camping plans fell through and thankfully we did. We had an amazing time staying at their ranch. The property is beautiful and Georgia and Joey were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Although we did not go horseback riding we were very impressed by how well they treated all their horses. I can now officially say that I have met happy horses. Most, if not all, of their horses are rescued and are extremely well cared for. Georgia and Joey are very passionate about what they do and equally passionate about sharing it with those who visit the ranch. Do yourself a favor and make the trip to visit Cottonwood Ranch!

Britny Cross

2023-05

By far the best experience! Sydney was our wrangler and she was knowledgeable and sweet. I loved that she didn’t treat us like inexperienced riders. The horses all have such differently personalities and you can tell that they and the ranch are well taken care of. Will definitely be back!

chaim berger

2023-05

If your thinking about going riding I definitely recommend CottonWood Canyon Ranch!!Sydney my Wrangler was very professional and made me feel very comfortable I had a very great time and I will definitely be back! The views there are fabulous 😍PS. Most of the horses there are rescue horses and 95% of the proceeds go back to the horses. All of the horses on the Ranch beautiful and well fed ❤️

Rafael Vargas

2013-05

One thing you MUST do when visiting the Palm Springs, Palm Desert or Hot Springs area is take a horseback riding tour at Cottonwood Canyon Ranch.From the moment I called to make the reservation, Georgia was very pleasant, helpful and interested in making sure we had a great time. She was very detailed in explaining what to expect and gave us foolproof directions to her ranch.Upon arrival, we were delighted to see such a beautiful ranch, as well as beautiful well cared for horses.Georgia turned our horseback riding trip in to an awesome experience; she took the time to get to know us and made sure we were paired with the right horse. She gave us instructions and explained what to expect from the horses we were assigned and off to the trail.We got to see lots of wild life and awesome views of the canyon. In addition, Georgia always made sure we were ok and that we were enjoying our ride. Back at the ranch she showed us some of her other horses, most of which she has rescued, rehabilitated and trained them.This was by far the best horseback riding experience we’ve ever had; the horses were not tired nor had been ridden all day like at other places. Georgia only takes people on rides by appointment so we were not with a group.I would recommend making an appointment for horseback riding with Georgia at Cottonwood Canyon Ranch any time.Georgia, thank you for making our afternoon so much fun!

Cale Suominen

2021-05

Great experience on our family Vac. To Palm Springs. Owners were very professional and knowledgeable, the horses where very well trained and cared for. Awesome views of the foot hills and canyons, our youngest is 11 and Toby took great care of her during her ride. I will definitely be back for more riding on our next trip. Thank you for an amazing experience.

Gloria Vasquez

2017-05

We had an amazing time with Roxanne, our wrangler. She was so friendly and very informative. The trails she took us through were amazing. Beautiful mountain views. The weather was perfect, cool breeze. Not too hot. We also had the pleasure of meeting Georgia and David. They're both so sweet and welcoming. I admire the love they have for their horses. Next time I'm in town, definitely going back to ride at their ranch. Had a wonderful time!!!

Matthew Lee

2021-05

Me and my fiance were visiting the Joshua Tree area and she loves horses so we decided to book a ride.. A lot of other places didn't respond or pick up calls but Georgia picked up right away and we got something on the books and Joe was a great guide as well. We had so much fun, the horses were gentle, and the views were great! Would def come back again

kelly woods

2013-05

What a wonderful ranch! I'm a very experienced rider and my boyfriend is a total beginner but we both had an amazing time on our 2 hour ride. Our guide was super fun and friendly and the horses were really amazing (Tucker for me, and Chile for my boyfriend). They were very well cared for and weren't the typical trail nags you find at some stables. These horses were alert and fun to ride while still being completely safe. The owners are real horse people and truly love their animals. We had a wonderful experience and really felt like these people love what they do for a living. The entire experience was so fantastic. I'd recommend this place whole heartedly!

neha shah

2021-05

I wanted to take my parents riding through the mountains, and I saw online it was a guided tour through the mountains of Palm Springs. When making the appointment through the phone, I specifically said we had only been riding 1-2 times, and it’s been a really long time since the last time (5-10 years). Through the website and the phone call, I was never told that the trails were not beginner friendly and had the impression that we were able to go on the trails- which is why I paid $130 each per person for 1.5 hours. Previously, on another vacation to Puerto Rico years ago, despite it being our first ride, we were able to go through the trails and jungles.Instead, when we got there, they saw us ride for less than 5 minutes and told us we were going to not able to go on the trails and we’re getting a “lesson”. Instead, for a hour and a half, they just made us ride in circles in the arena. We didn’t learn how to trot, canter, anything, etc. By the hour mark, the horses were also unenthusiastic about the circles, and they would barely move unless Jerry, one of the wranglers, took the lead. No pictures were taken or any information was given about the area or the horses despite the promises given by the owner Georgia on the phone and based on the reviews. At the end of it, we felt very cheated during our experience and wished there was more transparency at the beginning.Overall, while the staff were pretty nice and all the horses are rescues which is great, I wouldn’t recommend it to people who are not advanced riders. Save your money and get a lesson/trail ride somewhere else.

Inter Esting

2014-05

I am a experienced rider and I wanted to be able to enjoy a trail-ride with more than just the basic walk and trot. I had a great time, and was able to do more than just a basic trail ride. Great location, in the valley and mountains. My trail guide, Georgia, was very polite and checked on me regularly to make sure I was okay. It was a private trail ride, I recommend this location, and while in the area again, I would definitely go back.

Liz Sherlock

2021-05

Ive been to Cottonwood a few times and with the kids or not, I always leave feeling rested, not only my body, my mind as well.My first time, (having not been around horses) the anticipation of myself riding a horse felt exciting but I was concerned as to how I would do with being around horses. Turns out, I sank into a grounded feel right away.Now, whether I ride, hike or simply observe Georgia (the owner) work the horses, everywhere I go on the ranch, my heart melts over the scenery, the horses and all my senses wake up!No need to dress up, just bring your favorite chair, you'll know exactly what to do as soon as you roll up and find your place umonst the beautiful ranch.

Robert Alan Williams

2013-05

I did my private trail ride at the end of a WONDERFUL 9 day visit to Palm Springs. I couldn't have topped off my vacation with a better experience.I'm an experienced rider and am usually disappointed with the mount or with the challenge/excitement of the ride. I was not disappointed with Cottonwood's experience.My mount, Tucker, was spirited, healthy and georgous. My guide was charming and great company. The land scape was lovely.I'd certainly do it again. It's worth the drive out to Morongo Valley to Cottonwood Ranch.Robert A. WilliamsMiami Shores, FLMay 2012

Caleb Wood

2023-07

Had an awesome time riding up in the hills behind the ranch. The horses were great, guide was experienced. All around good time.

Julia Landry

2021-05

We are giving the CottonWood Canyon Ranch two stars (instead of 1) because the horses and the ranch are beautiful. However, the ranch seems to have fallen into some disrepair and there is a lot of potential for improvement. It’s advertised as an RV park and place to go on horseback rides, and yet there is no clear signage leading customers in nor any clear office or place to interact with staff. When we called, nobody answered the phone and after three days, no one returned our voicemail. We visited anyway because we were interested in bringing our children to the ranch to possibly ride a horse. There was no clear information on the website as to how much it would cost. When we arrived however, we were greeted by the owner who made it clear that she was not happy that we were there. She emphasized that horse rides were by appointment only, however after three days we had not gotten any response from our voicemail and being that we were in the area on a Saturday afternoon, we stopped by. We left without going on a horse ride after she left us waiting for about 20 minutes and then made rude comments to us.

Lisa Pisoni

2013-05

There was this horse ranch that I’d read about many times in the Palm Springs, CA entertainment pages in the local newspapers. Viola this is the one!A week ago I had company from out of town and I thought what a great thing to do, go horseback riding.I came upon Cottonwood Ranch by trial and error after trying a couple other ranches’ located closer to Joshua Tree National Park. When I called Cottonwood to inquire on rides for the next day Georgia answered the phone. I was convinced this was the right place to go riding after speaking with her.It has been since 1998 since I was on a trial horse in Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas. So I was a little nervous about riding but excited at the same time. The lady handlers that took us out for our ride were FABULOUS! They put us and the horses at ease. I can’t wait to go back and go on another trial ride or to even get lessons!