Is it safe to trail ride in the desert in summer?

Only in the early morning. Daytime ground temperatures and the lack of shade put horses at serious heat-stress risk by midday, so summer rides start at dawn and wrap before the heat builds, or move to higher, cooler elevations.

When is the best time to trail ride in the desert Southwest?

October through April, with November through March the standout. The cool months bring dry trails and comfortable temperatures, some of the best riding in the country while much of the rest of it is frozen.

Is spring a good time to ride in the high desert?

Yes. Spring brings wildflowers and warm, dry footing across the high desert, making it one of the most pleasant stretches before the dangerous midsummer heat sets in.

Best time to go · Desert Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, TX, OK)

Desert Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, TX, OK)

The desert flips the usual calendar: the cool months are prime and high summer is the off-season. From October through April, dry trails and comfortable temperatures make for some of the best riding in the country. By July, midday heat is genuinely dangerous for horses, so locals ride at dawn or trailer up to cooler high country.

See it month by month

Month by month

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When to go & why

November–March: the desert’s best riding, when the rest of the country is frozen
Summer rides happen at sunrise, heat and dehydration are real risks for horses
Spring brings wildflowers and warm, dry footing across the high desert

Notable months

January: Prime desert riding, cool and dry and easy on horse and rider
July: Dangerous midday heat, so ride at dawn or head to high country

Plan your Desert Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, TX, OK) trip with a local operator

Browse stables & guest ranches who know the seasons and can book your dates.

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Common questions

Is it safe to trail ride in the desert in summer?: Only in the early morning. Daytime ground temperatures and the lack of shade put horses at serious heat-stress risk by midday, so summer rides start at dawn and wrap before the heat builds, or move to higher, cooler elevations.
When is the best time to trail ride in the desert Southwest?: October through April, with November through March the standout. The cool months bring dry trails and comfortable temperatures, some of the best riding in the country while much of the rest of it is frozen.
Is spring a good time to ride in the high desert?: Yes. Spring brings wildflowers and warm, dry footing across the high desert, making it one of the most pleasant stretches before the dangerous midsummer heat sets in.