Horseback Riding in Bodega Bay, California

Gaze at the scenic views of the Sonoma Coastline and the Pacific Ocean as you ride high on the back of a handsome horse. Walk or trot your horse on the white sand beach as the sun lowers in the horizon amid a kaleidoscopic display of fiery orange, yellow and red. Enjoy a thrilling guided horseback ride through grassy meadows and coastal dunes, or along lofty mountain tops that offer sweeping coastal scenes. Spend a leisurely day on a real western horse ranch, watching the poetic beauty of horses at work and at play.

The wonderful Chanslor Ranch in Bodega Bay is where all these unforgettable equine memories (and more!) are made. This is a full service working horse ranch with numerous activities for horse lovers of every age and ability. In addition to the guided horseback rides along the picturesque Sonoma Coast, the ranch has many miles of trails that experienced horseback riders can explore on their own.

Guided trail rides are really the best way to explore and enjoy the splendor of the Bodega Bay coastline. Chanslor Ranch offers guided Bodega Bay horseback rides ranging from short 1/2 hour jaunts to longer 1-1/2 hour rides. Their most popular is the “Beach Ride,” which follows trails through State Park sand dunes towards the beach and includes a scenic ride up the coast with breathtaking views.

Other Bodega Bay horseback rides offered by Chanslor Ranch are the “Eagle’s View,” a scenic jaunt along the Sonoma Coast. This one-hour ride is suitable for beginning riders and children; The “Wetlands Ride” is a must for nature lovers, and suitable for beginners and kids. This relaxing half-hour horseback ride puts you up close and personal with nature as you travel through the Wetlands Wildlife Preserve. The “Salmon Creek Ride” is a one-hour Bodega Bay horseback excursion that follows Salmon Creek Canyon and then heads into the hills where views of the coast and western Sonoma County are awe-inspiring.

For the young inexperienced buckaroos, there are delightfully tame pony rides. Little ones straddle the gentlest horses and are hand-led around the ranch pasture areas where they might get to see Black Tail deer, the Great Blue Heron and a variety of other Sonoma Coast wildlife. Hay wagon, trail, and pony rides make a memorable birthday celebration for all ages.

Chanslor Ranch also offers affordable riding lessons for all ages. Lessons are ideal for beginners who wants to get a good foundation in horsemanship or for more experienced riders who wish to brush up on their skills.

For equine fanciers who want more than one day of horseback riding along the gorgeous Sonoma Coast and Bodega Bay, overnight accommodations are available at Chanslor Ranch’s charming Bed & Breakfast.

Chanslor Ranch is open daily year-round. They are located 65 miles north of San Francisco on the beautiful Sonoma County Coast, one mile north of Bodega Bay on Coast Highway One. For horseback riding reservations or more detailed information about the horse services offered, call the ranch at 707-875-3333 from 9:00AM to 5:00PM Pacific Time. The weather in the coastal area of Bodega Bay is moderate year-round, but it may be foggy and/or windy, so dress in layers and don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a light windbreaker.

A Bodega Bay horseback ride along the magnificent Sonoma Coast will be etched in your memory for a long, long time-possibly forever!