Saddling up for rides May 15, 2026

Trail Rides

You're already in some of the most breathtaking mountain country in the world. The question is how you want to experience it.

A guided horseback trail ride with McKenzie's Trails West puts you right inside the Coral Creek Valley, one of the most scenic stretches of backcountry in the Alberta Rockies, located between Jasper National Park and Banff. By horseback, you'll ride through mountain canyons, take in views of towering peaks, and cover ground that can't be reached on foot or by road. It's the kind of afternoon in the Rockies that stays with you.

Whether you only have time for a quick adventure on the trails with our 30-minute rides or you want to immerse yourself in the wilderness with our 4-hour trail rides, choose the ride that best fits the adventure you want. Trail rides depart daily and are designed for all experience levels: from your very first time in the saddle to riders who know their way around a mountain trail.

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Page Summary
  • Guided horseback trail rides explore the Alberta Rockies’ canyons and valley views.
  • Choose 30-minute, 1-hour, 3-hour lunch, or 4-hour half-day horseback adventures.
  • Matched horses and experienced guides. First-time riders welcome.

Choose Your Trail Ride Adventure

The Greenhorn Ride

30 Minutes | $50/rider + tax

The perfect first step into the saddle. The Greenhorn takes riders on a relaxed forest ride with open views of the surrounding area. Your horse may even stop for a drink in Whitegoat Lake. Short, easy, and a great way to get comfortable on horseback in the Alberta Rockies.

  • Departures: Daily at 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM 
  • Suitable for: 6 years and older, and all experience levels 
  • Best for: First-timers, young riders, or anyone who wants a taste of trail riding before committing to a longer ride

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The Stelfox Trail Ride

1 Hour | $85/rider + tax

The Stelfox trail ride offers a satisfying mix of terrain: forest, open views, and a striking view of Mount Stelfox and the Coral Creek Valley below. It's the perfect introduction to horseback riding in the Rockies and a favourite with guests exploring this rugged area between Banff and Jasper for the first time.

  • Departures: Daily at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 5:00 PM 
  • Age requirement: 6 years and older 
  • Experience required: None 
  • Physical condition: Moderate health required

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The Canyon Lunch Ride

3 Hours | $190/rider + tax

This ride climbs to the top of Coral Creek Canyon and opens up to some of the most spectacular mountain views in Alberta. You’ll be immersed in the canyon walls, the valley floor below, and the wilderness stretching in every direction. A saddle bag lunch is included; choose from ham, beef, or veggie sandwiches.

  • Departures: Daily at 11:00 AM 
  • Age requirement: 8 years and older 
  • Experience required: Some riding experience recommended; discuss suitability with our team if unsure 
  • Physical condition: Moderate fitness and good stamina required 
  • Includes: Saddle bag lunch

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The Half Day Ride

4 Hours | $240/rider + tax

The most immersive of our daily trail rides. After passing through Coral Creek Canyon, riders continue deeper into the valley. You head down a long canyon descent, look up at towering peaks, and cross crystal clear creeks that make this a real backcountry horse trek. Guests who have spent time in the mountains between Banff and Jasper consistently say this is where the Alberta Rockies reveal their full scale.

  • Departures: Daily at 10:00 AM 
  • Age requirement: 10 years and older 
  • Experience required: Some riding experience is an asset; discuss with our office if you're unsure 
  • Physical condition: Good fitness and stamina required 
  • Includes: Saddle bag lunch

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What to Expect on a Guided Horseback Ride

Horseback riding in the Alberta Rockies is a physical experience. Longer rides involve uneven terrain, elevation changes, and creek crossings; it’s all part of what makes them memorable, but can also make the ride challenging. Here's what guests commonly want to know before they arrive:

No experience?

The Greenhorn and Stelfox rides are specifically designed for first-timers. Our guides will walk you through the basics before you head out.

What to wear

Long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel. Layers are a good idea because mountain weather shifts quickly.  Helmets are mandatory for kids under 18. All other riders are strongly encouraged to wear one. Helmets are supplied by McKenzie's Trails.

Group size

We work to ensure your experience isn’t overwhelmed by a crowded trail, and every rider gets the attention they need.

Booking

Daily rides can be booked directly online.

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Your Horse. Your Guide.
Your Trail.

We take pride in our horses. Each is carefully matched to the rider. Nervous beginners get paired with a patient, steady horse. Experienced riders can choose a mount that keeps things interesting. Our guides know these trails inside and out, and they bring genuine enthusiasm for the land, the animals, and the people in their care. Questions on the trail are always welcome.

Where Our Trail Riding Experiences are Located

McKenzie's Trails West is located in the Bighorn Recreational area of the Alberta Rockies, between Jasper National Park to the north and Banff National Park to the south. It's a stretch of backcountry that most visitors to the Rockies never reach, which is exactly what makes it worth the drive.

Our basecamp is located 45 km southwest of Nordegg, Alberta, on Highway 11. We’re just across the highway from the David Thompson Resort.

Daily Trail Rides Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is needed for the Greenhorn or Stelfox rides. For the 3-hour Canyon Lunch Ride and 4-hour Half Day Ride, some riding experience is recommended. Our team is happy to help you choose the right ride for your comfort level.

The Greenhorn Ride and the Stelfox Trail Ride require riders to be 6 or older. The Canyon Lunch Ride is for 8 and older, and the Half Day Ride is for 10 and older.

Our guided trail rides depart from our base camp in the Cline River Valley, located in the Alberta Rockies between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. The basecamp is located 45 km southwest of Nordegg, Alberta, on Highway 11. We’re just across the highway from the David Thompson Resort. For international guests, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest major international airport. From there, the roughly three-hour drive takes you northwest along the edge of the Rockies, through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Canada.

The Canyon Lunch Ride (3 hours) and Half Day Ride (4 hours) both include a saddlebag lunch with your choice of ham, beef, or veggie sandwiches. Your guide and horse are always included.

Long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel are recommended. We recommend dressing in layers as temperatures in the Alberta Rockies can change throughout the day.

Kids under 18 are required to wear helmets. All other riders are strongly encouraged to wear one. Helmets are supplied by McKenzie's Trails.

Start the Adventure. Book Your Trail Ride.

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