Smoke Tree Stables, Palm Springs

The staff treated us like children: condescending without kindness. Horses were nice, calm and good rides, but seemed unhappy and outright vicious with each other. They needed to be brushed and their feet were neglected. We thought it was priced high.

Great atmosphere....first time on a horse in a long time, very nervous, and the guide was great.....excellent horse, scenery was out of this world...took about 1/2 hour longer, my horse was slow, due to me.....and they were very understanding...great people, and clean horses.....will definately use them again....worth the money and don't forget to tip the guide....

My husband and I had the best ride of our lives!! We have traveled the world and gone to many riding stables. I am a former competitive rider and couldn't believe this place. The staff is amazing, the horses are extremely well cared for and the atmosphere was beautiful! My husband had never ridden before and the staff took great care to provide us horses that fit our ability. Apparently they have been owned by the same family since the 1940's and you can def.. see why they are still in business. I would highly recommend Smoke Tree Stables if you are visiting the desert and try the 2 hour ride into the Indian Canyons. Beautiful!!

The staff was more than friendly and helpful and did their best to assess each rider's ability so as to best fit them with a well-suited horse. Our guide was friendly and informative and was excellent at making sure the least experienced riders quickly became comfortable on their mounts. We took a 2-hour early morning ride in June, just at the end of their busy season. We wanted to beat the heat. Abundant wildlife to see, and interesting stories about the canyon. It wasn't just a silent ride. My teenage daughter (a non-rider) and I (a former riding instructor) both had a wonderful time. Would we go again? Would we recommend this place to our friends? You betcha!! Wasn't horribly expensive, guides are well informed and polite, and animals are well-taken care of. It's a place to have fun AND learn a little something about the area! And please, don't forget to tip your guide if he provides great service!

We had a convention in Palm Springs and any time I travel I always look for horse back riding as I love to ride. My husband and I took a two hour ride with Bruce and he was the best. Gave great tips about riding and gave a wonderful tour into the mountain. Most of the places I've been take you on a boring, slow, ride not here!! If you want to learn alot about the area and get a great ride while doing so you have got to try this ranch. I'm sure we will be back in the area again and when we go this will be the first thing on my to do list. I could have stayed there all day..the two hours flew by..this is a must for anyone of any age, if you love nature and the outdoors but especially horses you have to see this place. Five stars Thanks Bruce for the great ride, will be back and see you again! Doug and Jan Burdick

The guides were not extremely knowledable about the terrain but they were when it came to horses. The area is beutiful. Note, however, that they are normally closes in the summer.

We visited Smoke Tree Stables on 9/5/05 and had reservations for a private guided tour ($25 extra) because I was informed by the gentleman on the phone that we would have the chance to trot and canter a bit (not just your basic trail ride). Well, even though our guide was awesome and VERY informative, all we did was walk. I have been riding for 31 years, and "just walking" is no fun for the experienced. Especially in such a great setting. I was greatly disappointed and certainly wouldn't have spent the extra money. Other than that, I would definately go back (but not pay the extra money for the private guide). The view was so beautiful and the staff was very nice. Lisa A.

Great facility with quality horses. The guides are knowledgable not only about horses but also about the local history, trails and terrain. It makes for a great trail ride. You can ride through the actual "Palm Springs" that gives the city it's name. You will not be corraled into a boring, follow the leader trail ride. My friends and I had a great ride and saw whole other side of Palm Springs. Have fun!