Corral West Horse Adventures
Corral West Horse Adventures
5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Horse Rental Service, Horseback Riding Service, Trail Rides, Sunset Dinner Rides, Wagon Rides, and more! Corral West Horse Adventures at White Tanks Ranch located near Phoenix, AZ offers the best in family horse and wagon guided adventures in Arizona. Our gentle horses and friendly guides will show you the desert landscape, Arizona wildlife, and unique flora in White Tanks Park
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
165 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
1
FunLovingLife
Phoenix, AZ20 contributions
Dec 2020
Our Horseback Ride with "Corral West" was a highlight of our Christmas Break!
It was a gorgeous way to see the Sonoran Desert & feel like a real cowgirl out in the wild west! Our Tour Guides were very knowledgable about the area, the types of cacti & answered all of our questions. The Estrella Mountains & Saguaro Cactus were absolutely breathtaking & well worth the drive out to see from the city. The horses were very well behaved... especially with we "City Slickers". LOL! Cait & her trusted staff made us feel like part of the Corral West Family with their warm hospitality & you could tell they love & care for their horses....as part of the Family also! We highly recommend Corral West for your Horse Riding Adventures in the Goodyear Arizona Area!
It was a gorgeous way to see the Sonoran Desert & feel like a real cowgirl out in the wild west! Our Tour Guides were very knowledgable about the area, the types of cacti & answered all of our questions. The Estrella Mountains & Saguaro Cactus were absolutely breathtaking & well worth the drive out to see from the city. The horses were very well behaved... especially with we "City Slickers". LOL! Cait & her trusted staff made us feel like part of the Corral West Family with their warm hospitality & you could tell they love & care for their horses....as part of the Family also! We highly recommend Corral West for your Horse Riding Adventures in the Goodyear Arizona Area!
Written January 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sahalee2015
Sammamish, WA20 contributions
Mar 2021
Our daughter and 2 grandchildren (ages 7 and 8) were visiting and we wanted a fun and unique activity.....this was definitely it!
Everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa, had a wonderful time. Our guide was knowledgeable and reassuring. When we finished our Granddaughter asked if we could do it every day. We highly recommend Corral West.
Everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa, had a wonderful time. Our guide was knowledgeable and reassuring. When we finished our Granddaughter asked if we could do it every day. We highly recommend Corral West.
Written March 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie S
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
I can’t say enough wonderful things about our tour!! I was a little nervous with this being my first time but Jeanie and Austin helped me feel confident on the horse almost immediately. Ginger my horse was sweet, and followed great direction. If you are in the Goodyear area, be sure to check this out! And PS, bring some cash for a tip ... you won’t regret your decision, and you will want to be sure to tip your tour guide!
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DM
2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
My family has a great sunset ride with Erik as our fantastic trail guide. I recommend this for a family outing to do something really unique and natural. The horses were calm and you can tell they were very well treated and loved.
They deserve five +stars.
They deserve five +stars.
Written December 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evermoorempg3
Peoria, AZ2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
Had a friend visiting from out of town. Last time I had friends in, we went to the trail rides out by Lake Pleasant. This time I wanted to ride at the White Tanks as I thought it would be a beautiful ride. Booked for a sunset 1.5 hour ride.
There were only four of us on the ride. Before getting on our horses the guide, Alex, asked if anyone was nervous. My friend raised her hand as it was her very first time on a horse. The other couple, the lady also raised her hand. Then he asked who has ridden before and I raised my hand along with another rider. I did not state I was a rodeo star. I said I have rode a horse before.
So he gives us basic instructions on how to steer the horse where we want them to go and all that. We get on our horses....which I must say needed a good grooming.....and started to ride off. Mine kept wanting to stop and eat. No matter how much I pulled on the horse.....wouldn't stop munching on all the greenery. The guide proceeded to yell at me like a child. When I still could not get the horse to stop eating.....he proceeded to jump down off of his horse. He stomped his feet over to me yelling that he thought I said I've ridden before and if I am going to continue to let the horse have an all you can eat buffet.....that the ride wouldn't be any longer than a 45 minute ride...and it would be all my fault. He was so rude and hot headed yelling, that I truly just shut down after that. My friend was appaulled at the way he acted and embarassed. We had our ride and I kept thinking that if there were children on our ride.....they would not have been able to stop the horse from eating and would probably have been crying by the time he got done yelling at them. He seriously needs anger management if he wants to continue in a business like this! I'll go to Lake Pleasant next time! I might also add....mine was not the only horse that kept stopping to eat!!!
There were only four of us on the ride. Before getting on our horses the guide, Alex, asked if anyone was nervous. My friend raised her hand as it was her very first time on a horse. The other couple, the lady also raised her hand. Then he asked who has ridden before and I raised my hand along with another rider. I did not state I was a rodeo star. I said I have rode a horse before.
So he gives us basic instructions on how to steer the horse where we want them to go and all that. We get on our horses....which I must say needed a good grooming.....and started to ride off. Mine kept wanting to stop and eat. No matter how much I pulled on the horse.....wouldn't stop munching on all the greenery. The guide proceeded to yell at me like a child. When I still could not get the horse to stop eating.....he proceeded to jump down off of his horse. He stomped his feet over to me yelling that he thought I said I've ridden before and if I am going to continue to let the horse have an all you can eat buffet.....that the ride wouldn't be any longer than a 45 minute ride...and it would be all my fault. He was so rude and hot headed yelling, that I truly just shut down after that. My friend was appaulled at the way he acted and embarassed. We had our ride and I kept thinking that if there were children on our ride.....they would not have been able to stop the horse from eating and would probably have been crying by the time he got done yelling at them. He seriously needs anger management if he wants to continue in a business like this! I'll go to Lake Pleasant next time! I might also add....mine was not the only horse that kept stopping to eat!!!
Written March 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Patricia-
Thank you for your feedback on multiple platforms. You did not ride at my location, but I will happily address your concerns:
The horse you rode, Spur, is one of our best. We have had many beginners (no “rodeo stars”)...including small children on him. When guests tell us they have ridden before, we do our best to put them on a horse that is going to require a little more attention than nose-to-butt for a better, more stimulating experience. The other guests on your ride, who had never ridden before, had no issues with their wrangler or controlling their horses...I made sure to follow up with them after reading your review(s).
Our guides are responsible for the safety and experience of all guests but our horses’ safety is paramount. When they are allowed to eat the desert vegetation outside of their typical diet, they can suffer from colic and die. When the horses realize their rider is going to let them eat, they will take advantage of that, and turn a 1.5 hour ride into a 2+ hour ride. This winter has been one of the most wet in AZ history, making the weeds (and gorgeous flowers which we normally don’t have this early in the season) along our beautiful green trails all the more enticing.
Additionally, for everyone’s safety, we have to be back to the ranch before dark per our insurance. Horses can spook easily (as someone who had ridden before, I’m sure you are aware), particularly after dusk/dark as they are prey animals. All of our wranglers, especially Alex, take safety of horse and rider seriously.
As a small business, we always welcome feedback and as business owners, all of our customers book directly through us giving you access to our cell phone numbers and personal emails to let us know if your expectations are not met so we can rectify the situation immediately. We never heard from you directly, merely received your feedback, so we had no idea you were dissatisfied.
EVERYTHING we do is for the safety of our animals and our guests.
We appreciate your business and hope you enjoy your ride at Lake Pleasant.
Sincerely,
Caitlin
Written May 19, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CanadaCass
Canada2 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Overall had a good experience here but this year is exceptionally hot in Phoenix - up to 91 today. However, there is no shelter or shade for the horses Just dusty corrals or the desert trails.
I would return and feel much better about riding here (and another stable nearby) if the horses were provided simple shade relief from the hot sun. Hopefully Corral West is doing something about this -- or the government that leases the property could require shade.
I would return and feel much better about riding here (and another stable nearby) if the horses were provided simple shade relief from the hot sun. Hopefully Corral West is doing something about this -- or the government that leases the property could require shade.
Written March 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi CanadaCass-
It looks like you reviewed Corral West before we took ownership, but I wanted to address your concerns as they reflect poorly on us as new owners and portray our operation slightly inaccurately:
All of our horses are snowbirds, meaning they arrive in late October every year and depart for cooler, summer pasture in late April - the warm AZ temperatures are much better than standing in 4’ of snow all winter. Additionally, all of our horses are slaughterhouse rescues and have all 6 months of summer break off to graze in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. I can assure you this is not the industry standard and we pride ourselves on their care above all else. While they are in Arizona they have automatic waterers, quality alfalfa and grain and multiple days off a week - again, not the norm.
I would encourage you to return and ride with us again, we would love to show you around our new facility.
Thank you,
Caitlin
Owner
Written May 19, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jennadeeaz
Phoenix, AZ17 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Did a horseback ride with a group of friends at Corral West and highly recommend it for all types of groups! Our group was a mix of novice and experienced riders alike, and we ALL enjoyed our time on the trail. Corral West is located in Estrella Mountain Regional Park and the scenery is GORGEOUS. We did a sunset ride but they offer many options for your family, small group, or even large group. Pricing was reasonable and as an Arizona native, I plan on doing another ride in the near future with Corral West! The team running the show is extremely experienced and I'd trust them with any of my friends and family. Loved our experience and can't wait to visit them again!!
Written November 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Britt K
Oregon, WI137 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
I booked a sunset trail ride for my family and I, which was supposed to be the highlight of our trip to Arizona. It was the one thing that every single family member was excited about. The result was a big let-down.
First, the good. The horses were beautiful, calm, and obviously well cared-for. They were clean and groomed and muscular, and each of us was given a horse that was appropriate for our size and riding ability. The trail itself was really pretty, and the views were nice.
Now the disappointments. I had tried to book online, but for some reason, it did not work. Then I called, and Deb told me that was not an uncommon problem. I called to complete the booking and to add two adults to our ride: my mom and older sister. Deb and I had a friendly and somewhat lengthy conversation about this, including her recommendation that my mom and sister may want to take some ibuprofen starting the day before the ride to alleviate the soreness they were sure to feel, as both are over 60 and inexperienced riders. They dutifully followed her suggestions.
It took us 45 minutes to drive out to the starting location, and emotions were high. We had all looked forward to this, it was the one big outing in Arizona that we were all going to do TOGETHER. When we went to check in, however, we were informed that our reservation was only for 2 adults and 2 kids. My mom and sister were left off of the reservation. I spoke directly with Deb, reminding her of our conversation two days earlier, but she would not budge because they "didn't have enough horses". She was somewhat apologetic, but did not offer an acceptable solution. She ended up giving mom and sis cards to allow them a ride in the future. She totally did not get that the whole point was for us to ride TOGETHER, as a family. We live in Madison, Wisconsin. When were the two of them going to go back to Corral West on their own? It honestly ruined the ride for me and for my children, leaving them behind. We went anyway, at their urging, because they didn't want the kids to miss out. She should have offered to discount our ride.
I should mention that, as we were discussing what to do, another family was being told that they did not have a reservation, and they left, very disgruntled. My husband asked what the story was, and they said that they had made a reservation "a long time ago" online, and they were also turned away. This is not acceptable.
The ride itself was a bore. Our guide, an older gentleman, was silent as the moon. He did not offer one single bit of information about the flora or the desert, although my children were very curious, as they had never been to AZ before. *I* ended up answering their questions and giving them what little information I could about what they were seeing. He literally did not speak except to ask us if we were okay and to answer an insistent question or two from me. He was nice, but he was not much of a guide. He didn't even offer to take any photos of us, so all of our photos were taken by my husband, who is in none of them.
I have been on another horse trail ride in AZ (near Cave Creek), and our guide was chatty and informative and got off of his horse to take photos of our group and of pairs of us. This did not compare.
First, the good. The horses were beautiful, calm, and obviously well cared-for. They were clean and groomed and muscular, and each of us was given a horse that was appropriate for our size and riding ability. The trail itself was really pretty, and the views were nice.
Now the disappointments. I had tried to book online, but for some reason, it did not work. Then I called, and Deb told me that was not an uncommon problem. I called to complete the booking and to add two adults to our ride: my mom and older sister. Deb and I had a friendly and somewhat lengthy conversation about this, including her recommendation that my mom and sister may want to take some ibuprofen starting the day before the ride to alleviate the soreness they were sure to feel, as both are over 60 and inexperienced riders. They dutifully followed her suggestions.
It took us 45 minutes to drive out to the starting location, and emotions were high. We had all looked forward to this, it was the one big outing in Arizona that we were all going to do TOGETHER. When we went to check in, however, we were informed that our reservation was only for 2 adults and 2 kids. My mom and sister were left off of the reservation. I spoke directly with Deb, reminding her of our conversation two days earlier, but she would not budge because they "didn't have enough horses". She was somewhat apologetic, but did not offer an acceptable solution. She ended up giving mom and sis cards to allow them a ride in the future. She totally did not get that the whole point was for us to ride TOGETHER, as a family. We live in Madison, Wisconsin. When were the two of them going to go back to Corral West on their own? It honestly ruined the ride for me and for my children, leaving them behind. We went anyway, at their urging, because they didn't want the kids to miss out. She should have offered to discount our ride.
I should mention that, as we were discussing what to do, another family was being told that they did not have a reservation, and they left, very disgruntled. My husband asked what the story was, and they said that they had made a reservation "a long time ago" online, and they were also turned away. This is not acceptable.
The ride itself was a bore. Our guide, an older gentleman, was silent as the moon. He did not offer one single bit of information about the flora or the desert, although my children were very curious, as they had never been to AZ before. *I* ended up answering their questions and giving them what little information I could about what they were seeing. He literally did not speak except to ask us if we were okay and to answer an insistent question or two from me. He was nice, but he was not much of a guide. He didn't even offer to take any photos of us, so all of our photos were taken by my husband, who is in none of them.
I have been on another horse trail ride in AZ (near Cave Creek), and our guide was chatty and informative and got off of his horse to take photos of our group and of pairs of us. This did not compare.
Written April 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Britt,
Thank you for your honest review of your experience with us. It was my fault and I take full responsiblity for the booking error(s). Yes, we have been struggling with our on-line booking but that does not excuse what happen with the overbooking. We are very careful about not booking more horses than we have but I unknownly was in error that day. I wish I could of waved a magic wand and made enough horses for the rest of your family. I made a mistake, I know that doesn't change your experience and for that I am truely sorry. I gave the guests that were unable to come free ride certificates, my apologies and I will work at doing a better job for my clients who are so very important to us.
Written April 16, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heidi W
Bloomington, IL31 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
We were in Phoenix area / Buckeye Surprise visiting family and my daughters wanted to go horseback riding. I read the reviews here and decided that this outfit was exactly what we were looking for. They could handle novice riders and the scenery was reported to beautiful.
I should begin by saying that this is out of my comfort zone. I am not interested in horseback riding, I am not comfortable horseback riding, and I would not have searched out this activity if not for my insistent and excited daughters. My girls have had a handful of lessons but have never been on a trail ride. I have not been on a horse in over 30 years and I do not have fond memories. However, the reviews were top notch for novice riders, so we gave it a try.
There is a Groupon out there, but I called directly to Corral West and was offered a better deal than the online Groupon.
We chose the scenic hour and a half trail ride for 5, including my daughters aged 9 and 12, me, and my active parents aged 72.
You access Coral West Horse Adventures through the Estrella Mountain Regional Park entrance located at 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338. There is a $6 charge to enter the park. (Do not load Coral West in to the GPS b/c it won't take you to the park entrance, which is where you have to enter.)
When we arrived there were some basic consent and assumption of risk forms that needed filled out. Anyone under the age of 12 has to wear a riding helmet, over the age of 12 can choose if they want to wear one or not. There is a restroom on site. Once the forms were filled out, we were matched with our trail guide, Jed. He gave us a thorough walk through on how to handle a horse, how to turn, how to stop, how to hold on. Then they led out the horses one by one and helped each rider mount. The youngest of our group was in front, closest to our guide, and the oldest in back.
The horses were well behaved. The riding lesson was more than adequate, even for me to feel comfortable! Once on the trail the horses know their place in line and knew to follow and stay on the trail. I never once was concerned for my safety. Our guide stopped us a few times if we got too spread out. He also stopped us for a great photo op at the top of the mountain, as well as for a nice talk about the area, the plants and cacti in the area, and the history of the area.
Each and every person in our group said they would do this again. The hour and a half was the perfect length. The scenery was as beautiful and peaceful as expected, the guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and overall this was a GREAT experience!
I should begin by saying that this is out of my comfort zone. I am not interested in horseback riding, I am not comfortable horseback riding, and I would not have searched out this activity if not for my insistent and excited daughters. My girls have had a handful of lessons but have never been on a trail ride. I have not been on a horse in over 30 years and I do not have fond memories. However, the reviews were top notch for novice riders, so we gave it a try.
There is a Groupon out there, but I called directly to Corral West and was offered a better deal than the online Groupon.
We chose the scenic hour and a half trail ride for 5, including my daughters aged 9 and 12, me, and my active parents aged 72.
You access Coral West Horse Adventures through the Estrella Mountain Regional Park entrance located at 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338. There is a $6 charge to enter the park. (Do not load Coral West in to the GPS b/c it won't take you to the park entrance, which is where you have to enter.)
When we arrived there were some basic consent and assumption of risk forms that needed filled out. Anyone under the age of 12 has to wear a riding helmet, over the age of 12 can choose if they want to wear one or not. There is a restroom on site. Once the forms were filled out, we were matched with our trail guide, Jed. He gave us a thorough walk through on how to handle a horse, how to turn, how to stop, how to hold on. Then they led out the horses one by one and helped each rider mount. The youngest of our group was in front, closest to our guide, and the oldest in back.
The horses were well behaved. The riding lesson was more than adequate, even for me to feel comfortable! Once on the trail the horses know their place in line and knew to follow and stay on the trail. I never once was concerned for my safety. Our guide stopped us a few times if we got too spread out. He also stopped us for a great photo op at the top of the mountain, as well as for a nice talk about the area, the plants and cacti in the area, and the history of the area.
Each and every person in our group said they would do this again. The hour and a half was the perfect length. The scenery was as beautiful and peaceful as expected, the guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and overall this was a GREAT experience!
Written March 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaime K
Saint Louis, MO12 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
Lovely horse trail ride and campfire with BBQ afterwards! The staff was great with one of our kids when she was initially hesitant to ride the horse. Staff did a great job matching each person to the right horse. The wagon ride back was fun too. Highly recommended. Liked that helmets were available for kids too.
Written December 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can small children that can’t ride pet the horses?
Written September 9, 2018
Absolutely!
If you’d like to bring carrots (just watch kiddos’ fingers), you’re more than welcome to, too!
Written September 10, 2018
Hi George-
Thanks so much for your query. Unfortunately, kids must be 6 or older per our insurance requirements to do a trail ride, but we would be happy to take them for a pony ride before or after a regularly scheduled ride with us. The park also offers great hiking and an air conditioned nature center with some critters inside. Additionally, there is a playground within the park boundaries if someone would like to take any young kids to play while others ride. Of course, you are also welcome to bring apples or carrots to feed the horses before or after rides as well. Please let me know if we can answer any other questions you may have.
Thank you!
Cait
Written February 7, 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing