Saddle Up for Ancient Peaks

Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. And there’s no better way to get an elevated view of this wild landscape than by horse, at one of California’s most historic ranches.

Saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, home to the vineyards of the esteemed Ancient Peaks Winery.

Whether it’s your first time on horseback or your second (come on, we’re just horsing around!), you’re going to feel comfortable and confident; horses are carefully selected to fit your experience level, and riding routes are tailored much the same way.

The horses know the drill, and you’ll learn a few yourself, like which way to move the reins to get your horse to stop or make a gentle turn.

Your guide’s right there to help too, as you embark on a journey through old oak trees and up to vast panoramas of the galloping landscape at Santa Margarita Ranch. Grasslands sway in the foreground like a lion’s mane in a gentle breeze, and in spring wildflowers like lupine and owls clover color the hills. It’s all backed by the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, common in this area. Other wildlife includes golden eagles, bobcats, turkeys, wild pigs, badgers, and even the occasional bear.

One of the viewpoints features a beautifully appointed sundial, the vision of Karl Wittstrom, one of Ancient Peaks’ founders and a dedicated sundial aficionado; he’s traveled the world exploring them. Whatever vantage you reach, you’ll be privy to an unparalleled view of a landscape graced by unique microclimates (the ranch is just 14 miles from the ocean), and vineyards nurtured by five distinct soils: ancient sea bed, rocky alluvium, shale, volcanic, and granitic. The beauty is enough to make you giddy(up).

FOOD & DRINK BONUS: After your riding adventure, head just a few miles to downtown’s Ancient Peaks Winery for farm-to-table food and, of course, wine. The tasting room is surrounded by a cozy outdoor patio, ideal for sipping selections from Ancient Peaks’ historic Santa Margarita Ranch, one of California’s oldest cattle ranches in continuous operation.

Grapes were first planted at the ranch in 1780, and in 2000 Margarita Vineyard was planted by the Robert Mondavi family, who correctly assessed that the five distinct soils here—coupled with a climate enhanced by proximity to the ocean—would result in outstanding wines. Indeed, the philosophy worked out brilliantly.

Ancient Peaks is beloved by locals and visitors for its welcoming hospitality and its Peaks Collection, from the crisp Sauvignon Blanc to the complex Cabernet Sauvignon and the adventurous Renegade (red). Be sure to order some food; the Margarita Burger and Truffle Parmesan Fries are lip-smacking tasty. Ancient Peak's Winery is both kid and dog friendly.

Central Coast Trailrides are by appointment only. Rides vary in length and experience levels, and routes change depending on the season. Custom rides are also available.