By Anne Groebner

Photos submitted

If I could pick one person who I would trust to take me on a trail ride, sitting on top of a large horse, across rocky terrain, through forested mountain trails, I think I would choose Robert Pablo of AZ High Mountain Trail Rides. He is incredibly knowledgeable about anything pertaining to horses. He should be. His Dad has had him working for the family business since he was 16. He has worked as a wrangler all over Arizona and even in Jackson Hole, Montana. His calm and easy demeanor sets the pace for the scenic, slow and peaceful trail ride through a Ponderosa, aspen and pine forest on trails such as the Navajo Springs Trail and even along section 29 of the Arizona Trail.

AZ High Mountain Trail Rides provide horseback rides there for the last four years. They are open May 1st and plan to provide trail rides at the Mormon Lake Village through September 30th. They also own and operate Koli Equestrian Center, located in Chandler, Arizona, which is open year-round.

Mormon Lake’s history includes the construction of the Mormon Lake Lodge about 80 years ago. Originally known as “Tombler’s Lodge”, it is a remembrance of the booming ranching and logging days in Northern Arizona. The lodge burned in 1974 but was reconstructed by volunteer local ranchers. The ranchers burned their branding irons into the walls and, if you visit the lodge, you can still see them. Mormon Lake Village hosts several rodeo events in their arena and there are many hiking trails, surrounding lakes and many campgrounds. Of course, the best way to see the area is on top of a horse. 

AZ High Mountain Trail Rides is working hard at keeping everything sanitized and disinfected. I would say it is the “ultimate outdoor social distancing activity available.” They spray down every helmet, saddle and any other item that is used. There is more than six feet between riders, and it all happens in the great outdoors.

Their horses are very well trained and, although they are perfect for beginner riders, they also offer an amazing experience for any level of horse enthusiast. The scenic ride includes history, and an amazing mountain forest adventure in average temperatures around 70-80 degrees. They have horses for every sized rider including smaller horses for children, older horses for beginners and draft horses for larger riders. 

The best way to book a ride is online at HighMountainTrailRides.com or by calling TroyScott at 928-354-2359 (office) or 602-791-3283 (cell) — especially for groups larger than 10 so he can give you the best group discount. They can take walk-ins if there are wranglers and horses available. They are open every day except Wednesday but, if you call with a group, they are happy to open that day too. They offer 30, 60 and 90 minute rides for 7 year-olds and older. Their hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

They are located at 2040 Mormon Lake Road, in Mormon Lake Village, approximately 30 minutes south of Flagstaff on FH3 (Lake Mary Road). Coming from Payson, we took AZ Route 87 through Pine and Strawberry, just past Clint Wells and took a left onto FH3 to Mormon Lake Road.

Go to outdoorssw.com for more pictures and maps.