Adventure Delight The Ultimate Combo Ride at Desert Trails

If you’re thinking about adding a horseback riding experience to your Ensenada trip, the Adventure Delight tour at Desert Trails offers a pretty unique mix of scenery and local flavor. It’s a ride that promises to take you through everything from rolling hills and charming town streets to a tranquil lagoon and the crashing waves on the beach. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, this combo tour could be a memorable part of your journey—though it’s also worth knowing some of the details before booking.

What really stands out about this experience are its diverse landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy a taste of local culture—especially the tacos. On the downside, the overall rating is around 3.5 out of 5 based on three reviews, which suggests some inconsistency. Still, if you enjoy scenic rides and a laid-back atmosphere, this tour might be right up your alley. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate outdoor adventures wrapped in natural beauty and local charm.

Key Points

• Diverse scenery including hills, town, lagoon, and beach makes for a visually engaging ride.
• Includes a stop for local tacos, giving you a chance to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine along the way.
• Guides are highlighted as friendly and communicative, enhancing the overall experience.
• Limited group size (up to 15 travelers) helps keep the ride personalized.
• Price is $107 per person, offering a combination of scenic views, cultural experience, and adventure.
• Moderate physical activity required, suitable for those with a decent level of fitness.

What to Expect on This Horseback Ride

The tour kicks off at the Desert Trails ranch, which is about a 20-25 minute drive from the port if you’re arriving by boat. For those meeting directly at the ranch, it’s the starting point for your two-hour (roughly) journey into the countryside and coast. The ride is designed as a combo of different landscapes and cultural touches — perfect for travelers who want variety without swapping activities.

The Scenic Lower Hills

Right from the start, you’ll be guided through the lower hills surrounding the ranch. We loved the way the guides lead you through this peaceful landscape, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the views. This part of the ride is all about experiencing the natural beauty of the area, with rolling hills that stretch far into the distance, providing a calm and scenic beginning to your adventure.

Passing Through the Town and Local Tacos

As you ride, the route takes you through the town, which is a charming mix of local life and scenic streets. One of the highlights for many is the stop for tacos at a well-loved stand. This is an optional part of the ride, but most guests opt to stretch their legs here and enjoy some fresh, authentic Mexican food. The reviews emphasize how this small culinary detour adds a genuine local flavor to the tour, making it more than just a horseback ride.

The Lagoon and Beach Experience

The real thrill of this tour is crossing to the lagoon and then heading down to the beach. Here, you and your horse can splash in the surf — a fun and invigorating moment. The ride along the coast offers a different atmosphere compared to the hills and town, with waves crashing and salty air filling your senses. It’s a short but memorable stretch that showcases the region’s natural diversity.

Return and Flexibility

After your beach adventure, the guides will take you back to the ranch or onward to another tour. The whole experience is designed to be flexible, with pickup offered from the port or meeting at the ranch. This makes logistics a bit easier, especially if you’re short on time or want to combine this ride with other activities in the area.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback from past travelers is generally positive about the guides and the scenery, though some found the overall value a little uneven. One reviewer, Michael, praised Alex as a very nice guide leading a “great ride”, highlighting how the beach segment was especially fun. Miranda appreciated that the horses were “lovely” and described the ride as “beautiful”—noting the variety of landscapes and the helpfulness of the bilingual guides.

Both reviews also hint at the importance of specifying your guide preference if language is a concern, as the guides speak English and Spanish. This is a small detail but can make a difference for those who prefer clear communication.

The Pros

• Knowledgeable guides who keep the ride friendly and engaging.
• The scenic diversity of hills, town, lagoon, and beach makes the experience feel full and satisfying.
• The local taco stop adds a memorable culinary touch, making the ride feel more authentic.
• Small group sizes help ensure a more personalized experience.

The Cons

• The overall rating of 3.5/5 suggests some guests might find the ride somewhat average. It’s not overly adventurous or luxurious, but rather a straightforward scenic ride.
• The price point of $107 might seem high for two hours, especially if you’re not particularly attached to the different landscapes or the cultural elements.
• The tour is moderate in physical demand, so it’s best for those comfortable on horseback and with decent physical fitness.

The Practical Details

Costing $107 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and outdoor activity. The price reflects not just the ride but also the small touches like the tacos and the guided experience. The fact that it’s booked, on average, 57 days ahead suggests it’s quite popular, especially during peak seasons.

The tour runs for approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the different stops without feeling rushed. You’ll be provided with all the necessary riding equipment—saddles, bridles, and water—so no need to bring much beyond your casual riding attire and a sense of adventure. Be aware that the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers, so it’s small enough for personal attention but still lively.

For those coming from the port, the meeting point is about a 20-minute drive to the ranch, making logistics straightforward. If you’re meeting directly at the ranch, you’ll start there, ready for your adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo ride suits travelers looking for a relaxed yet diverse outdoor experience that shows off different aspects of Ensenada’s landscape and culture. If you enjoy scenic rides and want to include a taste of local food, it’s a good pick. It’s also suitable for those who are comfortable riding horses and want to spend a couple of hours immersed in nature and local life.

However, if you’re after a high-adrenaline adventure or luxurious extras, this might not hit the mark. It’s best for those who appreciate a laid-back pace, great guides, and the chance to see a variety of scenery in a single ride.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the tour offers pickup from the port or you can meet directly at the ranch. The ranch is about a 20-25 minute drive from the port if arriving by boat.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions?
The tour recommends a moderate physical fitness level, so it’s suitable for most people comfortable on horseback. Very young children or those with mobility issues might want to check with the provider directly.

What should I wear?
It’s best to wear comfortable, casual clothes suitable for riding. Closed-toe shoes and layers for changing weather are advisable. The tour provides all necessary riding equipment.

Can I customize the experience?
While the tour offers specific stops like the taco stand and beach splash, it’s best to check directly with the provider if you have special requests or preferences.

How long in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 57 days ahead on average, indicating it’s a popular choice. Booking early ensures you get a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-oriented, but it could be suitable for older children comfortable on horseback. Always confirm with the provider if you’re traveling with young kids.

Final Thoughts

The Adventure Delight combo ride at Desert Trails offers a charming way to see a variety of landscapes in Ensenada, all from the saddle. It’s not a wild ride, but it’s thoughtfully designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty and local flavor, especially with that taco stop. If you enjoy a relaxed pace, friendly guides, and a bit of coastal fun, you’ll likely find this experience worthwhile.

It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a balance of scenic views, cultural touches, and outdoor activity without the need for high adrenaline or luxury. Just keep in mind the modest rating and consider whether the price aligns with what you’re looking for in a short horseback adventure.

All in all, this tour provides a good way to spend a couple of hours outside, soaking in the sights and sounds of Ensenada, and creating some lasting memories along the coast.