Arizona Horse Drive
Experience a horse drive in Arizona and spend time on the trail moving cattle through open landscapes. Read below to see how this event works and what to expect during your ranch vacation.
Spring Horse Drive Adventure
Each spring, the changing season brings one of the most meaningful traditions of life on a working Arizona guest ranch. Sprucedale horses graze open pastures year-round, spending their summers at the main ranch and their winters at the Lower Ranch near Lyman Lake. When spring arrives, it is time to move the horses home. This journey covers roughly fifty miles of rugged terrain, crossing mountain country, forested trails, and juniper-dotted high desert before reaching Sprucedale. It is a tradition rooted in horsemanship, teamwork, and respect for the land, and guests are invited to take part in this authentic experience during our Spring Horse Drive weeks.
The Changing Seasons
When spring arrives, it is time to move the horses home.
The Spring Horse Drive is a hands-on, real-world cattle and horse drive that unfolds over four full days in the saddle. Riders help gather the horses at the Lower Ranch and guide them across changing landscapes toward their summer pastures. Each day involves extended time on horseback, with long stretches of riding that require confidence and stamina.
From Eager to Big Lake
The most demanding day climbs from Eagar to Big Lake and typically involves at least six hours in the saddle. This experience moves at a purposeful pace, and riders should be comfortable posting and riding for extended periods. A minimum of forty hours of prior riding experience is required to ensure safety and enjoyment for both riders and horses.
The Horse Drive Journey
Lodging during the horse drive reflects the working nature of the experience, with nights typically spent in tents along the trail and cabins once the group returns to the ranch; however, camping may or may not occur depending on current forest conditions, in which case the group will return to the ranch each night. Sprucedale provides the horses, tack, meals, tents, and cabin accommodations, allowing riders to focus fully on the journey and the work at hand. Participation is intentionally limited to a small group to ensure safety and preserve the authenticity of the experience. At the end of this week, each rider will get a buckle to remember their time.
Daily Schedule for Spring Horse Drive
Sunday
- 2:00 PM – Check-In
- 5:00 PM – Hors D'oeuvres
- 6:30 PM – Dinner at Sprucedale
- 10:00 PM – Lights Out
Monday
- 8AM - Breakfast at Sprucedale
- 10AM-1:00PM - Ride
- 1PM - Lunch
- 2PM-5PM - Ride
- 5PM - Hors D'oeuvres
- 6:30PM - Dinner at Sprucedale
- 10PM - Lights Out
Tuesday
- 8AM - Breakfast at Sprucedale
- 9AM - Drive to Haws Park, Unload Gear
- 10AM-12PM - Wrangle Horses At Lyman lake
- 12PM - Lunch
- 1PM-5PM - Move Horses To Red Lake
- 5PM - Hors D'oeuvres
- 6:30PM - Dinner & Camp At Haws Park
- 10PM - Lights Out
Wednesday
- 8AM - Breakfast at Haws Park
- 9AM-1PM - Drive Horses From Lyman Lake To Rudd Knoll
- 1PM - Lunch At Cinder Knoll
- 5PM - Hors D'oeuvres
- 6:30PM - Dinner & Camp At Haws Park
- 10PM - Lights Out
Thursday
- 8AM - Breakfast at Haws Park
- 9AM-1PM - Drive Horses From Rudd Knoll To Big Lake
- 1PM - Lunch At Big Lake
- 5PM - Hors D'oeuvres
- 6:30PM - Dinner at Sprucedale
- 10PM - Lights Out
Friday
- 8AM - Breakfast at Sprucedale
- 9AM-1PM - Drive To Big Lake; Drive Horses From Big Lake To Sprucedale
- 1PM - Lunch At Mortzy's Place
- 5PM - Hors D'oeuvres
- 6:30PM - Dinner at Sprucedale
- 10PM - Lights Out
Saturday
- 8AM - Breakfast at Sprucedale
- 10AM - Check-out
*Please note that times & places may change, and seasonal activities will vary. Please be flexible.*
New! Spring Horse Drive Pre-Ride!
For those who want to be part of the tradition but prefer a slightly different pace, Sprucedale also offers the Spring Pre-Ride. This experience allows guests to help prepare the horse drive route by riding the trail in advance, clearing fallen trees, and ensuring safe passage for the herd. The Pre-Ride offers meaningful time in the saddle, a deeper understanding of ranch operations, and a strong sense of contribution to the success of the full horse drive. It is an excellent option for experienced riders who enjoy purpose-driven riding and want a behind-the-scenes look at how a working ranch prepares for seasonal transitions.
Guests participating in either spring experience are encouraged to review the full packing guide in advance to ensure comfort and readiness for changing weather and long days outdoors. A detailed list of what to bring can be found on our What to Pack page.
Spring Horse Drive FAQ
How many days will we camp on the horse drive?
We may camp 1-2 nights during the spring horse drive. We do not camp on the fall horse drive. This may be subject to availability or weather conditions.
What will the weather be like?
Spring can get a little warm and Fall a little cold. There is a chance of rain or a random snowstorm. Layers, outerwear, and sun protection are suggested. We encourage you to check the weather prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. Our gift shop has t-shirts, hoodies and hats available for purchase.
Do I have to ride every day?
No. You are welcome to ride all of the days or just a few. Unfortunately, there is no discount if you choose not to ride on all of the days.
How well do I have to ride to qualify to participate?
You need to be an intermediate rider who has ridden at least 40 hours and be physically fit and in good health.
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