MTM Ranch: Horseback Riding Adventure, Cave Creek

"You haven't seen Arizona until you've seen in on horseback." I've heard this phrase numerous times since moving to Arizona and have envied the horseback riders I've seen climbing the desert terrain in Bulldog Canyon near the Salt River. Well finally it was my turn. MTM Ranch is located in Cave Creek, North of Scottsdale, about an hour from ASDOH. We arrived at a small dirt parking lot and were greeted by one woman sitting on the porch of a small tack room filled with saddles- very low key. She went to get our horses and we loaded up from the porch. I rode Amber, a stubborn 5 year old mare, who was sweet but kept testing me throughout the ride by stopping to swoop up some wildflowers as a snack. Landon rode Bubba, a big gentle guy (very fitting), who he could "parallel park" on a dime. Our guide was a horse masseuse who was passionate about Arizona and riding. She was extremely knowledgeable about the surroundings in the Spur Cross Conservation Area bordering the Tonto National Forest (which we learned is over 3 million acres and is the largest national forest in the US!). We also learned that the Saguaro Cactus is native only to the Sonoran desert of Arizona, Sonora, Mexico and a small section of Baja California. The massive cactus has remained somewhat of a mystery, for humans live about 1/5 the life span of a Saguaro, which are thought to live between 300-500 years. It is believed that the first arm of the Saguaro is not grown until the cactus is 75 years old! We rode through a beautiful ancient forest of Saguaros and were met with some beautiful sunset vistas. The tours are all quite small; our tour was just the 2 of us plus our guide. We saw about 6 mule deer as well as a coyote on the ride and we were told that they often see rattlesnakes in the summer- which keep to themselves around the horses. The trail was rocky with many up and downhill climbs, but the horses were sure-footed, though my Amber liked to hop downhill on the rocks- quite exciting! Landon took Bubba for a little gallop and the horses liked to go a little faster up the hills. All and all it was a very beautiful and leisurely ride. This is a MUST-DO before you leave Arizona!

Note: The guide did not give much instruction before getting on the horses (but we told her we've ridden before)- so if you are unsure of what to do or are uncomfortable in any way, BE SURE TO ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS! They are very friendly and willing to give you a hand and share their knowledge.

Directions from ASDOH:

Turn right out of the entrance to ASDOH onto Baseline. Head West on the US-60. Exit and merge onto the US-101 N. Take Exit 34 (North Scottsdale Rd) and turn right onto N. Scottsdale Rd. Turn left onto Carefree Hwy after about 9.8 miles. After 2 miles turn right onto N. Cave Creek Rd. A little past a Mexican cantina on your right turn left onto Spur Cross Rd (there is a restaurant sign called the Crusty Crab on the corner). Follow Spur Cross Rd until the pavement ends and MTM Ranch will be on your right.