Horseback Riding in Phoenix-Scottsdale

More than two dozen stables and equestrian-tour outfitters in the Valley attest to the saddle's enduring importance in Arizona—even in this auto-dominated metropolis. Stables offer rides for an hour, a whole day, and even some overnight adventures.

Cowboy College (30208 N. 152nd St., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 480/471-3151 or 888/330-8070. www.cowboycollege.com) has wranglers who will teach you everything you need to know about ridin', ropin', and ranchin'.

MacDonald's Ranch (26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale. 480/585-0239. www.macdonaldsranch.com) offers one- and two-hour trail rides and guided breakfast, lunch, and dinner rides through desert foothills above Scottsdale.

OK Corral & Stable (2655 E. Whiteley St., Apache Junction. 480/982-4040. www.okcorrals.com) offers one-, two-, and four-hour horseback trail rides and steak cookouts as well as one- to five-day horse-packing trips. Ron Feldman, an authority on the history and secrets of the Lost Dutchman Mine, is the guide for historical pack trips through the Superstition Mountains.