Step into traditional ranch life, little changed since the time of early Spanish settlement. Let 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 California Sur.
Ride mules and pack burros 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.
This is Saddling South
Since 1988, Saddling South has been offering small-group journeys into the desert outback, where we strive to make everyone feel like part of the family and create unforgettable trips into the soul of Baja’s ranching culture.
For more than 30 years, we’ve followed the trails deep into Baja’s canyons; riding mules, sharing stories, and getting to know the local families, while exploring ancient rock art and colonial history.
Now, we are entering a new chapter, guided by the hands and hearts of local women who’ve grown up on this land and want to share it with you.
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, camping in the canyons sharing meals with ranch families, and exploring the painted caves of a lost people.
Sierra La Giganta
Multi-Day
From the Sierras to sea and the oases in between
La Giganta, where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. These quieter, less-traveled routes wind through desert oasis, cardón canyons, and quiet ranching 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 historic mission sites, working ranches, share homemade meals, enjoy the desert sounds and silence.
Sierra la Giganta
Day Trips
Short on time, big on heart.
We offer single-day rides and cultural excursions in and near the village of San Javier — perfect for meeting the mules, riding a trail, learning ranch traditions, and/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.
The scenery and the authenticity of the guides/vaqueros made this one of the best group backcountry trips that I have been on.
Oh, the cave paintings were spectacular, too. It was extraordinary to have Trudi Angell providing history and insights.
— Saddling South client (Canyon Santa Teresa, 2026)
“
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)
“
This is such a unique and authentic experience that I hope it is able to continue in the future. I like that it is giving back to the community and helping them to be able to sustain their way of life. It is tourism you can feel good about, which is a priority for me.
— Saddling South client (2026)
“
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)
“
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)
“
This was one of the best experiences of my life and I plan to reserve a spot next season. The people, the trail, the environment; everything was perfect! The possibility that visiting these families will help their way of life survive is the capstone to one of the best weeks I’ve ever spent.
— Saddling South client (2026)
“
Frequently Asked Questions
Some things folks tend to wonder before they saddle up
-
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.
-
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 spots, sometimes cook over the fire, and fall asleep to burro bells.
We might also stay at local ranches, camping in old orchards and sharing meals with the families who live there.
-
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.
-
Most trips start in Loreto or San Ignacio, Baja California Sur.
Loreto has an international airport with direct flights from Los Angeles, Tijuana, Calgary, Dallas, Phoenix, and several other 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 choose to hire a taxi or take public transport.
Need help planning? We’re happy to send travel tips.
-
Most of our pack trips are capped at 8–9 guests. Smaller groups make for a better experience—with more room for personal connections.
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.
A few glimpses from the trail
Real adventure, real experiences
