Recently, I decided to take an impromptu trip to Palm Springs as an escape was exactly what I needed. As I was scrolling through the hotel’s Instagram, Margaritaville Resort and Spa, I stumbled upon a post of someone horseback riding. Immediately, I was intrigued and drawn to it. I had been itching to ride a horse for months and just like that, an opportunity presented itself! One click and I was directed to the website where I instantly called and booked my riding experience.

Finally, the day arrived and I made my way to Smoke Tree Stables where I was greeted with big smiles and adorable Australian Shepherds! The air was hot, the sound was quiet, and the horses on the ranch brought on a feeling of peace and tranquility. Located up against a mountain, there was nowhere else I wanted to be. Once the group was ready, we followed the trailer of horses to Murray Canyon where we would embark on a two hour ride through Andreas Canyon to Murray and back.

Once there, there were 15 horses ready to be mounted and ridden as well as riders who would help guide is through this trail. My horse, Niño, was absolutely beautiful and had so much personality! They all did! We made our way up and down the mountain, through the palm tress, and even had first row seats to a helicopter rescue of a hiker! But I won’t go too much into detail that way you can experience everything for the first time and with no expectation of what to see…But trust me! You will LOVE it!

A family run business, everyone was so sweet and so kind as they made me feel like I had known them for years. With the summer heat already here, the rides offered start at 9AM or 11Am and will be going on through June and then will resume again once the heat dies down…So, if you can, hurry and book a reservation now!

Thank you Smoke Tree Stables for an unforgettable experience! Can’t wait to come back!

Bisous Bisous

By Alexandra Bonnet