Circle Bar B Stables · Refugio Canyon · Est. 1939
Horseback riding in Santa Barbara, in a private coastal canyon.
Guided trail rides out of Refugio Canyon, from ninety minutes to a half day at the summit. Beginners are welcome, and riders seven and up can come along.
9:00 amThe first strings head out.
The morning belongs to the canyon.
A private coastal canyon on the Gaviota Coast, creek to ridge and corral to summit. These trails are private ranch land, and the only way onto them is in the saddle.
Down along the creek
Into Indian Canyon, past the creek crossings and the waterfalls. The stretch most first-timers meet the ranch on.
Up through the trees
The longer rides gain close to 2,000 vertical feet, through sycamore and manzanita and a rare stand of madrone.
Out to the view
At the summit of Refugio Canyon the view runs from the Santa Ynez Mountains out past the coast to the Channel Islands.
All dayDepartures, saddle to saddle.
The day's rides.
Every ride is guided. Rates are per rider, and one call books the whole group.
1.5-hour rideMost popular
Down into Indian Canyon and back, with the creek crossings and the waterfalls.
2.5-hour ride
Higher up the canyon, through the sycamore and the manzanita, with fewer people on the trail.
Half-day ride
Three and a half to four hours, close to 2,000 vertical feet, all the way to the summit of Refugio Canyon.
Private rides
Your group, your guide, your pace. Two-rider minimum, at 1.5-hour, 2.5-hour and half-day lengths. Times are arranged around you when you book.
Gratuity for your guide is appreciated and is never included in ride rates.
MiddayThe barn between strings.
Five generations, one canyon.
The Brown family has run it out of the same canyon for five generations. The guides match horses and pace to every group that shows up at the gate.
3:30 pmThe last string of the day heads out.
The light gets good on the way home.
Book the 3:30 and you ride back through the best hour the canyon has.
On the drive homeWhat riders say.
Nearly 800 reviews in, the word is out.
"The ride wound through forests, over streams… these folks were the kindest group of people I've met in a long time."Steve T. · TripAdvisor
"…the best price in the area."Google review
Averaged across nearly 800 reviews on Yelp, Google and TripAdvisor.
Read the reviewsBefore you saddle upEvery first-timer asks.
Never ridden before? Perfect.
Every ride is guided, and the guides match horses and pace to your group.
Do I need to have ridden before?
No. Every ride is guided, and the guides match horses and pace to your group.
Can I bring kids?
Riders 7 and up are welcome. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian signs the release form. If a rider under 18 is coming without a parent or legal guardian, a parent or legal guardian fills out the riding release ahead of time, prints it and sends it along. Grandparents can't sign it.
Download the riding release (PDF)Is there a weight limit?
Up to 265 lbs on the 1.5-hour ride, and up to 235 lbs on the longer rides.
How do I book?
Call 805-968-3901. Last-minute riders are welcome when space allows.
What should I wear?
Close-toed shoes and a snug hat, ideally one with a chin string. In winter, a light jacket is a good idea. Leave purses and backpacks in the car or your room.
How do I pay?
Credit card or cash, and you pay after the ride.
When are you open?
Seven days a week, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, all year.
GroupsBring the whole outfit.
Bring the whole crowd.
Families, birthday parties and reunions ride out together on a private group ride, and the ranch can take care of the rest. Call ahead so the stables can take good care of your group.
EveningThe other half of the ranch.
Stay, and the day doesn't have to end.
The Circle Bar B Guest Ranch shares this address with the stables, and the same family has been putting people up in this canyon since 1939.
Cottages & cabins
18 guest rooms, cottages and cabins, a short walk from the barn.
Dinner, then quiet
Breakfast and dinner are included in the standard rate. After the ride: pool, hot tub, game room, saloon-style bar.
8:00 pmThe gates close. Tomorrow they open at 7:30.
Rides get booked by phone.
805-968-3901One call books the ride, picks the time, and matches your group to the right horses. Last-minute riders are welcome when space allows.
Hours
Open 7 days a week
7:30 am to 8:00 pm, all year
Where
1800 Refugio Road
Goleta, CA 93117
Get directions
Also here
The Circle Bar B Guest Ranch
Stay the night
stables@circlebarb.com