Guided 50-Minute Black Hills Horseback Ride
Saddle up on a horse matched to you and explore Black Hills forest trails with expert wranglers
From$54/ person
Search all experiences
Discover what we've curated for you
Saddle up on a horse matched to you and explore Black Hills forest trails with expert wranglers
Discover what we've curated for you
50 mins
Orientation, Guided trail ride
Explore the Black Hills on a guided 50-minute trail ride led by friendly wranglers. Get a safety briefing, saddle adjustments, and a horse matched to your experience.
Riders must be at least 6 years old with a firm 230 lb weight limit. Closed-toed shoes are required and long pants recommended; no bags or water bottles on the ride. Not permitted for pregnant riders; arrive 20 minutes early; rides may pause for lightning or high winds.
Will my child be on their own horse?
Yes. Each participant will be matched with a horse based on their age and experience.
Can my child ride with me?
No, double riding is not allowed.
Does this activity require prior experience?
No. You will receive an orientation covering everything needed for a safe, enjoyable ride.
Can I bring my phone?
Yes. Use clothing with pockets; bags, fanny packs, or items that loop around you are not permitted on the ride.
Can I meet the horses before I ride?
Yes. Arrive early to say hello and pet the horses over the fence.
Do you provide helmets?
No. Helmets are not required; you may bring your own.
Is the weight limit firm?
Yes, the limit is 230 lbs. Those near the limit may be asked to step on a scale at check-in.
Full refund if you cancel or change your reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure; posted times are departure times. Late arrivals who miss departure are not eligible for a refund.
High Country Guest Ranch
This working ranch about four miles from Hill City offers a surprisingly versatile experience. The property hosts weddings and reunions with high marks for the management team, particularly Tina and Bob, who consistently go above and beyond for guests. Trail rides get enthusiastic praise from beginners and families alike, with guides who excel at building confidence in nervous riders and young children. The cabins vary in setup and features like hot tubs, and guests love the peaceful surroundings, animal encounters (goats, donkeys, ponies), and amenities including a pool. A few practicalities worth noting: cleanliness standards can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting issues with flies or missing basics like kitchen towels, while others found everything spotless. The location offers that secluded ranch feel while staying accessible to Black Hills attractions, though expect spotty cell service and WiFi. The newer ownership appears to be making ongoing improvements. If you're planning UTV adventures, this is a convenient base with trail access nearby, though permit requirements can be complicated. Overall, it's particularly well-suited for groups seeking a genuine ranch atmosphere with optional activities ranging from horseback riding to simply soaking in the scenery.
We just had our wedding here at High Country Guest Ranch on October 12th, 2025 and it was absolutely amazing!! We 100% recommend having your wedding here or family reunion or whatever the occasion may be!! Tina and Bob who manage the ranch and the other employees are so friendly and they went above and beyond for us!! They saved us several times when we had stuff go wrong! They helped out wherever they could. We are so thankful that we chose to have our wedding ceremony and reception here! We stayed in the cabins and so did a lot of our family and friends! The scenery was so beautiful! Waking up and seeing the sun rising over the hills and trees! Breathtaking! My husband and I have already decided that we will definitely be going back to stay at the cabins for many years to come! If you want to have a gorgeous wedding, I highly recommend going here!!💛
Sara Schleicher
October 22, 2025
We just had our wedding here at High Country Guest Ranch on October 12th, 2025 and it was absolutely amazing!! We 100% recommend having your wedding here or family reunion or whatever the occasion may be!! Tina and Bob who manage the ranch and the other employees are so friendly and they went above and beyond for us!! They saved us several times when we had stuff go wrong! They helped out wherever they could. We are so thankful that we chose to have our wedding ceremony and reception here! We stayed in the cabins and so did a lot of our family and friends! The scenery was so beautiful! Waking up and seeing the sun rising over the hills and trees! Breathtaking! My husband and I have already decided that we will definitely be going back to stay at the cabins for many years to come! If you want to have a gorgeous wedding, I highly recommend going here!!💛
Sara Schleicher
October 22, 2025
