Knob Hill Ranch is a boutique horse ranch tucked into California’s high desert, offering intimate trail rides and ranch stays on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Seasoned wranglers guide guests along 253 miles of secluded eq...
Knob Hill Ranch is a boutique horse ranch tucked into California’s high desert, offering intimate trail rides and ranch stays on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Seasoned wranglers guide guests along 253 miles of secluded eq...
This is the only licensed horseback operation inside Joshua Tree National Park, and it's clear why they've earned such a stellar reputation. The horses consistently impress visitors with their calm temperaments and obvious excellent care, while the guides and wranglers bring genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the area's flora, fauna, and geology. Owner Madeline gets frequent shout-outs for her warm hospitality and attention to detail, making everyone feel like valued guests rather than just customers. The riding experience itself seems magical regardless of your skill level. Complete beginners and experienced riders alike report feeling safe and comfortable on well-matched horses, with trails offering breathtaking desert scenery you simply can't access any other way. The ranch also offers special experiences beyond basic trail rides, including private sunset rides, romantic dinners, and celebration packages that reviewers describe as unforgettable. Multiple guests mention still feeling sore a couple days later from longer rides, but nobody seems to regret it. The guides handle unexpected situations (like rattlesnakes during fire season) with impressive professionalism, and little touches like retrieving a lost hat or organizing perfect proposal moments show the level of care throughout.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Knob Hill Ranch. I surprised my mom (a lifelong rider, now almost 70) with a 2 hour private ride through the national park. Firstly, the staff and the hospitality cannot be beaten. We were welcomed by Madeline and Michael and their adorable dogs the second we pulled up to the ranch. The facility and grounds are not only stunning but also clearly cared for and maintained impeccably. What stood out most to me was the way they treat and care for their horses. They took the time to reach out to us ahead of time to see if we could ride earlier in the day to beat the unseasonable heatwave in March for the safety and wellbeing of the horses. We said absolutely. The horses were tacked and ready for us when we arrived. They are clearly so loved and well taken care of. Their needs a priority. They had great feet and just overall you could tell they are loved dearly. Michael took us out on an almost 3 hour ride through the national park and answered every single question we had and shared with us his passion and knowledge for horsemanship. The views and scenery were unbeatable. Absolutely breathtaking and stunning. My mom cried because she didn’t want it to end. Jack (my noble steed) was the very best boy. He loves to snack (as he should, he’s a chonky boy) but he also was so sure footed and lovely to ride. I just can’t say enough great things. This was my second time visiting knob hill ranch (the first in 2014) and I can confidently say that I will 10000% be back in the future and will recommend to absolutely everyone I meet. How lucky are we. Thank you Michael and Madeline!!!! You guys are the very best of the best.
Emmy Gorman
March 26, 2026
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Knob Hill Ranch. I surprised my mom (a lifelong rider, now almost 70) with a 2 hour private ride through the national park. Firstly, the staff and the hospitality cannot be beaten. We were welcomed by Madeline and Michael and their adorable dogs the second we pulled up to the ranch. The facility and grounds are not only stunning but also clearly cared for and maintained impeccably. What stood out most to me was the way they treat and care for their horses. They took the time to reach out to us ahead of time to see if we could ride earlier in the day to beat the unseasonable heatwave in March for the safety and wellbeing of the horses. We said absolutely. The horses were tacked and ready for us when we arrived. They are clearly so loved and well taken care of. Their needs a priority. They had great feet and just overall you could tell they are loved dearly. Michael took us out on an almost 3 hour ride through the national park and answered every single question we had and shared with us his passion and knowledge for horsemanship. The views and scenery were unbeatable. Absolutely breathtaking and stunning. My mom cried because she didn’t want it to end. Jack (my noble steed) was the very best boy. He loves to snack (as he should, he’s a chonky boy) but he also was so sure footed and lovely to ride. I just can’t say enough great things. This was my second time visiting knob hill ranch (the first in 2014) and I can confidently say that I will 10000% be back in the future and will recommend to absolutely everyone I meet. How lucky are we. Thank you Michael and Madeline!!!! You guys are the very best of the best.
Emmy Gorman
March 26, 2026