This is Saddling South
Step into traditional ranch life, little changed since the time of early Spanish settlement. Let our local guides lead you into the spectacular mountains of Old California—a landscape of colorful cactus gardens, lush palm oases, and deep canyons that cradle the spirit of Baja.
Ride mule-back into the heart of the peninsula, where you'll meet the warm-hearted families who live on roadless ranches and visit ancient World Heritage rock art sites
For over 300 years, the only way to travel these mountains was on horseback.
It still is.
Since 1988, Saddling South has been offering small-group journeys into the desert outback—authentic, unforgettable trips into the soul of Baja’s ranching culture.
For more than 30 years, we’ve followed dusty trails deep into Baja’s wild canyons—riding mules, sharing stories, and sleeping under stars beside painted caves.
Now, we are entering a new chapter—one guided by the hands and hearts of local women who’ve grown up on this terrain.
Grab your sombrero and join us
Our Tours
Sierra San Francisco
Multi-Day
Ride into Baja’s painted canyons.
Mule-pack expeditions into the remote Sierra de San Francisco take you to World Heritage rock art caves, past generations-old ranches, and through some of the most spectacular desert scenery in North America.
Multi-day trips into the Great Mural zone, sleeping under stars, sharing meals with ranch families, and walking into cliffside caves filled with ancient paintings.
Sierra La Giganta
Multi-Day
Sierra to sea. Hidden oases. Wild beauty.
La Giganta, where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. These quieter, less-traveled routes wind through freshwater springs, cactus canyons, and sleepy ranch communities. This is where Saddling South began—and where our deepest roots remain.
Ride off to discover the back roads and trails into Baja’s hidden oases, visit remote old historic sites, working ranches, share meals of homemade fare, and relax around campfires enjoying the desert sounds and silence.
Sierra la Giganta
Day Trips
Short on time, big on heart.
We offer single-day rides and cultural excursions near Loreto — perfect meeting the mules, ride a trail, learn and get hands on with ranch traditions, or share lunch at a working rancho.
Great for families, short-term visitors, or folks who want a taste of ranch life without packing an overnight bag.
Every trip tells a story
Here’s what our guests have to say after riding into Baja’s backcountry.
All in all an amazing trip. Beautiful country, really impressive vaqueros, great food, excellent guidance, terrific traveling companions. At least 18 stars out of a possible 10. You oughta try it.
— David Y, (Painted Caves Loop, 2025)
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Todo el viaje fue un sueño hecho realidad. Las chicas se nota que aman y saben lo que hacen. Convivir con ellas fue lindísimo: muy platicadoras y agradables, nos compartieron anécdotas de otros viajes que te dan ganas de regresar y conocer más.
La convivencia con ellas hace que las partes complicadas del viaje se pasen volando. Ya estoy platicando sobre mi experiencia, alborotando a personas para que se animen a ir la próxima temporada. Gracias por todo—¡ya quiero regresar!
— Nadia L. (Canyon Santa Teresa, 2025)
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All of the guides were incredibly friendly and helpful—and worked so hard cooking and taking care of us. The trip felt real and personal, not touristy at all.
I think the girls are going to lead many amazing tours. I’m excited to see this new generation of guides grow.
— Solveig S. (Canyon Santa Teresa, 2025)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Some things folks tend to wonder before they saddle up
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Not at all. Our trips are designed for both first-timers and experienced riders. We teach basic skills on day one and offer guidance throughout the journey for anyone who wants to improve.
We often start with shorter ride days (2–3 hours), then gradually build up (to 4–6 hours). There are plenty of breaks, and you can always hop off and walk if needed. Some guests hike part of the route or share a mount with a partner.
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It depends on the route. Some camps are more developed, with pit toilets, fire rings, and rustic shelters. Others are pure backcountry—we pitch tents in beautiful wild spots, sometimes cook over the fire, and fall asleep under the stars.
You might also stay at local ranches, camping in old orchards and sharing meals with the families who live there. It’s simple, flexible, and part of what makes these trips special.
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It depends on the route, but we’ve worked with a wide range of ages and experience levels. Riding uses muscles most folks aren’t used to, which is why we start gently and build up. We stop often, stretch, and take care of each other.
In the Sierra de San Francisco, many of the cave sites are accessed on foot. Trails can be rocky or steep in places, so bring hiking poles if you normally use them.
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Most trips start in Loreto or San Ignacio, Baja California Sur. Loreto has an international airport with direct flights from Los Angeles, Tijuana, Calgary, and several cities in Mexico.
San Ignacio is about 4 hours north of Loreto, plus another 2 hours to the trailheads. Some guests drive the peninsula; others fly to San José del Cabo and travel north from there.
Need help planning? We’re happy to send travel tips.
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Most of our pack trips are capped at 8–9 guests. Smaller groups make for a better experience—with more room for real connection.
Solo traveler? No problem—you’ll have your own tent and plenty of trail company. Some trips run with just a few people, and custom tours can start with as few as two.
Want nature all to yourself? We can make that happen—just know solo trips come with extra costs.
