"There is nothing better for the inside of a man," observed the late great American cowboy philosopher Will Rogers, "than the outside of a horse." Indeed, horseback riding offers an incomparably soul-satisfying way to experience the world, sitting astride one of nature's most magnificent and noble creatures as you move through unspoiled landscapes.

It's no wonder then that Santa Catalina Island has a long and colorful history of horses and horseback riding. In 1930, Philip K. Wrigley, the only son of island developer and champion William Wrigley Jr., established an Arabian horse ranch in the heart of the island, still in operation and a memorable stop on one of the land tours available to island visitors. During Hollywood's golden age, when movie stars flocked to Catalina as a welcoming haven from their hectic flashbulb-punctuated lives, Western film greats like Tom Mix and John Wayne loved to explore the island interior on horseback. Perhaps most notable of all, the great cowboy novelist Zane Grey especially loved the island, building a hillside home here above the Casino that endures as a secluded hotel and often heading out on horseback to commune with its rugged nature.

That's precisely the sort of experience that present-day visitors to Catalina can enjoy, thanks to Catalina Stables. Set on Avalon Canyon Road past the Catalina Island Golf Course, an easy walk, or pedal cab or Avalon Trolley ride from downtown Avalon, the stables offer visitors a comprehensive program of expertly guided trail rides ranging from half an hour to overnight in length and from simple Avalon-area sightseeing to exciting inland adventures.

Whatever trail ride you choose, expert wranglers will guide you and ensure that you have the most enjoyable experience possible. You'll hear stories of Catalina's history as you follow trails originally blazed by Native Americans, explorers, trappers, and even pirates; see up-close the indigenous flora and fauna; and be led to some of the most breathtaking views of land and sea, many not accessible to visitors any other way than by horseback.

You'll return having had the Catalina Island adventure of a lifetime. And, no doubt, you'll be more than ready to agree wholeheartedly with Will Rogers's wise words.

Taking a Ride from Catalina Stables
Catalina Stables is located at 600 Avalon Canyon Road and is easily accessible from downtown Avalon by foot or via the Avalon Trolley or catch a pedal cab ride. It's a good idea to book your trail ride in advance. Telephone 310-510-0478 for reservations and information.

Available trail rides vary in length and destination, and are suited to riders with a range of ability and experience. The shortest and easiest ride, which is nonetheless memorable, is the "Avalon Scenic" trail ride, a half-hour inland tour on horseback that leads you to some of the best views of Avalon Bay. The one-hour-plus "Catalina Experience" takes you further inland still for breathtaking vistas of both the island's interior and the surrounding waters. The "Island Skyline" trail ride, which lasts about 1 3/4 hours, is better suited to intermediate-level or experienced riders, following trails through high, rugged mountain terrain. Prices vary with the length of the ride, with half hours at around $40 per person; 1-hour trail rides at around $60 per person; and 1 3/4-hour trail rides at less than $80 per person.

If you're visiting Catalina with friends, family, or business associates, consider calling in advance to arrange a custom or group trail ride. Catalina Stables will organize half-day, day-long, or even overnight horseback tours tailored to your group's experience level and interests, for an incomparable taste of the real Santa Catalina Island.

Whatever ride you take, dress in comfortable clothes, including rugged long pants such as jeans and sturdy shoes. Wear a hat, too–whether Western-style, baseball cap, or sunhat–to shield your face from the elements. Sunscreen is a good idea, too!