Tahoe.com Staff, 10:11am, 8/22/2012

Lake Tahoe is packed full of trails, meadows and country roads. It’s the perfect location for horse-friendly folk, cowboy-style dinning and horse-riding outfitters. Check out five of our favorite horseback riding spots.

Aston Lakeland Village Resort

In the summer, this hotel offers a kid’s camp with beach and lake activities including kayak and paddle boat rentals. Enjoy horseback riding just beyond our picturesque property or lounge poolside for a relaxing mountain experience any time of year. With transportation from Reno-Tahoe International Airport available through South Tahoe Express and our complimentary private in-town shuttles, your vacation is care free and there is no need for a car. Learn More

Zephyr Cove Stables

Zephyr Cove Stables offers recreation for the whole family: Explore the North Sierra wilderness on scenic high mountain trails and find amazing views of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Trail guides and staff are friendly, courteous cowboys who welcome all families and groups. Learn More

Camp Richardson Corral

The Camp Richardson Corral, first opened in 1934, is a year-round operation that offers horseback riding and wagon rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter. The corral is located off Hwy 89 N. South Lake Tahoe, between Historic Richardson Resort and Fallen Leaf Lake Rd. Among their many riding packages they off a unique “Steak Ride” that includes a one or two hour guided ride through the wooded trails, mountain meadows or Fallen Leaf Lake. Then return to a steak BBQ dinner.

Piping Rock Equestrian Center

Nestled in the beautiful North Tahoe Truckee region, Piping Rock Equestrian Center offers premier horseback riding facilities and amenities. This summer, Piping Rock’s equestrian camp will give children the opportunity to connect with horses and nature under the supervision of a CHA certified trainer. Give your children a comprehensive understanding of horses through an array of un-mounted activities, including grooming, hoof care and lunging. An optimal ratio of instructors to campers ensures plenty of individualized attention while on horseback.  Whether novice or expert, there is a group suited to each camper’s level. Learn about their summer camp

Tahoe Rim Trail: Spooner Summit to Mount Rose

For experienced riders with their own horses, try the Spooner Summit to Mount Rose section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Park off Hwy 50 at the top of Spooner Summit, about 10 miles out of Carson City. Expect a good climb and spectacular views. The Tahoe Rim Trail is  165-mile long-distance hiking trail that forms a loop around Lake Tahoe. Contact Tahoe Rim Trail Association for more details on horse-friendly sections of the trail.