Horseback Riding Near Almaden Valley

Almaden Valley’s proximity to the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills and an extensive county park system makes it one of the better locations in Silicon Valley for horseback riding. Whether you are looking for a guided trail ride, riding lessons for your children, or boarding for your own horse, options exist within a reasonable drive. The equestrian community in the South San Jose area has deep roots, and the trail networks through nearby county parks provide some of the most scenic riding in the region.

Garrod Farms Riding Stables

Garrod Farms is the premier equestrian destination near Almaden Valley, located at 22645 Garrod Road in the Saratoga foothills, about 20 minutes northwest via Highway 85. The property has been a family-owned working ranch since 1893 and today operates as both a riding stable and the home of Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards.

Trail rides. Guided horseback rides take visitors through the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards and into the Fremont Older Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserve on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Trails wind through oak chaparral forest with views across San Jose and the south bay. Rides are conducted by reservation only and can be booked through the Garrod Farms website.

Lessons. CHA-certified instructors offer lessons for all ages and ability levels, from first-time riders to experienced equestrians refining their skills. The facility has five riding arenas including one covered arena for year-round lessons regardless of weather, plus two longing arenas and a round pen.

Pony rides. Garrod offers pony rides for young children, making it a popular destination for birthday parties and family day trips.

Horse boarding. Private horse owners can board at Garrod with access to the arenas, three horse wash racks, limited trailer parking, and over twenty miles of trails directly from the property.

Wine tasting. The Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards tasting room operates on the same property, creating a unique opportunity to combine a morning ride with an afternoon wine tasting. The combination makes Garrod a natural stop on wine country day trips from Almaden Valley.

County Park Equestrian Trails

Riders with their own horses have access to hundreds of miles of equestrian-legal trails across the Santa Clara County park system. Three parks near Almaden Valley stand out for mounted riding.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Over 30 miles of multi-use trails open to horses. The Quicksilver trail network climbs through oak woodland and grassland with historic mining ruins and valley views. Equestrian staging is available at the Mockingbird Hill entrance off Mockingbird Hill Lane.

Calero County Park. The backcountry offers 18.9 miles of trails through oak woodland and ridgeline terrain. Calero’s Rancho San Vicente parking area provides equestrian staging with room for trailers. The Bald Peaks Loop traverses the park’s highest ridgelines and is particularly rewarding on horseback.

Santa Teresa County Park. Over 17 miles of unpaved trails with equestrian staging at the Pueblo Day Use Area off Bernal Road. Santa Teresa provides closer access from Almaden Valley, just ten minutes by trailer, with moderate terrain suitable for riders of varying experience.

The Equestrian Community

The Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association serves as a hub for the local equestrian community, organizing group rides, trail maintenance days, and advocacy for continued equestrian access to county trails. The organization hosts events throughout the year that bring together riders from across the south bay.

Several private stables and small ranches operate in the rural areas south of Almaden Valley along McKean Road and in the New Almaden area. These range from full-service boarding facilities to smaller operations offering pasture boarding at lower cost. The rural character of the McKean Road corridor has preserved equestrian uses even as the surrounding areas have urbanized.

Trail Etiquette

On multi-use trails, horses have the right of way over both hikers and mountain bikers. Cyclists should stop and allow horses to pass, speaking calmly so the horse recognizes a human rather than an unfamiliar object. Hikers should step to the downhill side of the trail and remain still while horses pass. Riders are expected to yield to hikers on narrow single-track and to keep horses at a walk near trailhead areas where other users congregate.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring and fall offer the best riding conditions in the Almaden Valley area parks. Summer heat makes midday riding uncomfortable for both horse and rider on exposed ridgelines, so early morning starts are essential. Winter rains soften trail surfaces, and some clay-soil trails close to equestrian use during wet periods to prevent damage. Check the county parks trail hotline at (408) 355-2200 for current conditions before trailering to a park.

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