TA Tidbits # 72 Yippee Ki-Yay!
- Mark L. Johnson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Went on a 2-hour horseback ride in the Tortolita Preserve (TP) last Saturday! I have been wanting to do this for some time, and so glad I did it. My horse was Trisha, and she was fabulous. On this horseback ride, you can really experience the wild, wild west. Just like it was 175 years ago when the pioneers traveled through our beautiful Sonoran Desert. What a treat!
The horseback trip was sponsored by the Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR). This winter, MPR offers this event on the first Saturday of each month (January, February, March & April). You can find out more about the next ride at this link below:
Horses and guides were provided by Tucson Mountain Stables. The horses are well-trained and easy to ride. Gloria and Devin were excellent guides.
The group met at the Moore Road Trailhead and got some basic training from Gloria and Devin before we got in the saddle. We took the TP trail (clockwise) and turned east at the Wild Burro Wash, traveled up the wash, and hooked up with the TP trail where it crosses the wash near the railings. Traveling clockwise again, we took the bypass (skipped the Highlands panhandle) and rode back to the Moore Road Trailhead. The total distance was about 5 miles. See the short video and photo collage below
If you do decide to go on this trip, make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen and bring some water. Your butt will be sore for a few days, but it is worth it!
TA 2026 Fundraiser Reminder
Every 2-3 years, TA conducts a fundraiser to help offset our $3,500 annual operating expense. TA has worked hard over the last 6 years to protect the Tortolita Preserve (2,400 acres) and keep our members informed on a variety of topics. Your financial support will help TA immensely. If you have not done so already, please consider making a donation by clicking on the following link.
