What an unforgettable birthday celebration! Riding horses, exploring the movie set, and actually getting to step into a real prop room felt like something out of a dream. Clyde, Clint, and the whole crew were fantastic — friendly, attentive, and full of great energy. We can't wait to come back!
Ride Into the Real West
Not a tour. Not a trail ride. A real Western experience — on historic land, with real cowboys, 20 minutes from Santa Fe.
Please Note
We own the 6666 brand in New Mexico, registered with the New Mexico Livestock Board. We are not affiliated with or connected to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas.
Horseback riding through New Mexico and a real movie town — only at Mortenson Ranch.
250+ film productions. One buffalo named Clyde. An experience you will not find anywhere else in the Southwest.
Your Day at the Ranch
Here's What to Expect.
01
Drive Out to the Ranch
Leave Santa Fe behind and head out into the New Mexico landscape. The ranch is just 20 minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza — about 50 minutes from Albuquerque. The drive itself starts to set the mood.
02
Meet Your Cowboy or Cowgirl
You will be greeted by Jason or Mollie — real working ranch hands who know this land, these horses, and the stories behind every acre. They will walk you through everything before you ride.
03
Walk the Ranch & Meet Clyde
While the horses are being saddled and everything is made ready, take a walk around the ranch and meet its residents — including the world-famous Clyde the Buffalo. This alone is worth the trip.
Clyde has appeared in dozens of film and television productions. He is remarkably calm and endlessly memorable.
04
Learn the Ropes
Your cowboy or cowgirl will show you through how to feel comfortable in the saddle. Ask all your questions here. No experience is required and there is no rush.
We offer both horseback riding and carriage rides — so everyone rides, regardless of age or ability. All experience levels welcome.
05
Ride Out to the Movie Ranch
Head out across the iconic Mortenson Ranch landscape — the same terrain that has served as the backdrop for over 250 film and television productions. Your guide shares stories about the land and its history as you ride. Take it all in.
Chisum. The Cowboys. Silverado. Lonesome Dove. Wyatt Earp. These roads were ridden by legends long before you.
06
Arrive at the Movie Town
You ride into Eaves Movie Ranch — a fully intact Western movie town that has hosted over 250 productions. Walk the saloon, the hotel, the jail. Take the kind of photo you will be showing people for years.
07
Walk Around & Take Photos
Hop off your horse and spend time exploring the movie town on foot. Walk through the saloon, the hotel, the old jail. Take the legendary photo — the one you will be showing people for years.
This is the moment. Get the family photo, the couple shot, the solo portrait. The backdrop does not get more iconic than this.
08
Ride Back to the Ranch
Slowly make your way back to the ranch, taking in the quiet and the New Mexico landscape as the experience settles in. Dismount, ask your last questions, and say goodbye to your cowboy or cowgirl.
09
Visit the Mercantile & Saddle shop
Drive back into the world feeling something most people never find on vacation — a genuine connection to a place, a history, and a way of life. Ready for whatever comes next.
Saddles built on-site. Western goods you will not find anywhere else.
10
Leave Restored
Drive back into the world feeling something most people never find on vacation — a genuine connection to a place, a history, and a way of life. Ready for whatever comes next.
Your Guides
Real Cowboys.
Real People.
Jason
Ranch Guide & Horseman
Jason
Ranch Guide & Horseman
Jason is a seasoned horseman and one of the most trusted guides at Mortenson Ranch. He has matched hundreds of riders to the right horse, led rides through the desert and the movie set, and has a deep knowledge of the land and its history. Calm, patient, and genuinely passionate about the West.
Mollie
Ranch Guide & Cowgirl
Mollie
Ranch Guide & Cowgirl
Mollie brings warmth, precision, and genuine cowgirl expertise to every ride. Whether you are a first-timer who needs reassurance or an experienced rider looking for the full experience, Mollie reads her guests well and makes every ride feel personal.
Included With Every Ride
Meet Clyde.
World-Famous Buffalo. Ranch Legend.
Before you ride out, you will come face to face with Clyde — the beloved Mortenson Ranch buffalo who has appeared in numerous film and television productions. Clyde is one of the most talked-about parts of the entire experience. Along with Clyde, the ranch is home to a family of animals that make this visit feel like something far beyond a standard horseback ride.
Clyde the Buffalo
Ranch Horses
Longhorn Cattle
Ranch Dogs
Please Note Clyde is a working buffalo — he’s occasionally off-property for film shoots, photo work, and travel commitments. While we can’t guarantee he’ll be on the ranch the day of your visit, the rest of our animals — horses, longhorn cattle, ranch dogs, and more — are always here to greet you.
Horseback · 1:15 HOUR
The Classic Ride
$150per person
- Ride through the historic Eaves Movie Ranch terrain
- Sweeping New Mexico landscape views across 130 acres
- Guided by an experienced wrangler
- Great for first-timers and families
- Photo opportunities throughout
Ideal for: first-timers, families, Santa Fe day-trippers
Book This RideMost Immersive
Horseback · 2 Hours
The Deep Ride
$250per person
- Everything in the Classic Ride
- Extended ride deeper into the Mortenson Ranch landscape
- More time in the movie set town
- Deeper connection to the land and culture
- Best photo opportunities on the ranch
- The full Mortenson Ranch experience
Ideal for: couples, enthusiasts, those who want the full West
Book This Ride
Carriage · All Ages & Abilities
The Carriage Ride
$150per person . 1:15 HR
- Minimum 2 Max 6 guest
- Experience the ranch and terrain from a classic carriage
- Fully accessible — no riding experience needed
- Perfect for young children, seniors, and guests with mobility needs
- All the same views, stories, and atmosphere
Ideal for: families with young kids, seniors, anyone who prefers a carriage
Book This Ride
Horseback + Carriage · Groups
Mixed Group Ride
- Part of your group rides horses, part rides the carriage
- No one gets left behind — everyone rides together
- Great for multi-generational families and large groups
- Flexible options available — contact us to arrange
Ideal for: families with mixed ages and abilities, group outings
Book This RidePrefer a Slower Pace?
Looking for something a little more relaxed? Explore the ranch on foot with our guided walking tour.
Walk the movie set, meet the animals, and hear the stories — no saddle required.
Our First Priority
Safety Is Always the First Ride.
Every ride begins with a full safety briefing. Horses are matched to riders by skill level. Pace is set by the guide. You will feel prepared, confident, and comfortable before you leave the gate — whether you have never been in a saddle or have ridden for years.
Pre-ride briefing for every guest
Horses matched to rider level
Carriage available for all abilities
Helmets available on request
Experienced guides at all times
Before You Ride
Your Questions, Answered.
No need to call — here's everything most guests want to know before they ride.
About 20 minutes. The drive takes you out of the city and into open high desert — close enough for a morning activity or half-day experience, far enough to feel like a completely different world.
If you get nervous, that’s completely normal. We have some of the best horses you could ask for, steady, experienced, and carefully chosen for each rider. Our trusted guides will walk you through everything before the ride, match you with the right horse, and stay with you every step of the way. Most nervous riders settle in quickly once they realize how calm and well-trained our horses are.
Both rides access the ranch and the movie-set terrain. The 2-Hour ride goes deeper into the backcountry, gives you more time in the saddle, and creates a fuller connection to the land. If you want the complete experience, the 2-Hour ride is the one.
Yes. Every ride begins with a safety briefing and basic instruction. Horses are selected to match your experience level, and our guides are experienced at helping first-timers feel comfortable and confident in the saddle.
Yes, all ages are welcome at the ranch. Guests must be 8 years or older to ride a horse. For younger children, older guests, or anyone who prefers not to ride, we offer carriage ride options that are great for all ages, from 3 months to 100 years old.
Yes. Our horseback riding weight limit is 250 lbs. For guests who need a different option, we also offer carriage rides so they can still experience the ranch comfortably.
Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Jeans with boots or sturdy hiking shoes are ideal. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and water are highly recommended in the New Mexico desert. Please check the weather before you arrive and dress accordingly.
All private to your group
Yes. The historic movie-set terrain is a core part of the Mortenson Ranch ride. Your guide will share stories about the productions filmed on the property throughout your time on the ranch.
Absolutely. The landscape, the horses, and the movie-set surroundings make for extraordinary photography. Bring your phone or camera — just keep it secure when you're in the saddle.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled ride. This gives you time to get settled, meet your horse, and hear the safety briefing before heading out onto the trail.
New Mexico weather can shift quickly. If conditions are unsafe for riding, we will work with you to reschedule. Contact us as soon as possible if you have concerns about the weather on your ride day.
Bookings can be made directly through this website. Cancellation policies are clearly stated at checkout. If you have questions before booking, reach out and we will walk you through everything.
What Guests Are Saying
Five Stars.
Every Time.
I stumbled across this hidden gem while planning a long weekend in Santa Fe. It did not disappoint. Where else can you go on a horseback ride to an active movie ranch? Jason was a gracious and knowledgeable horseman, Sarge my horse was very gentle, and Clint Mortenson is a class act. One of the best experiences I have had.
We had an awesome time with Clint, Jason, and Clyde! A truly unique and amazing experience exploring the old Western set on horseback. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a real Western experience in Santa Fe.
Epic afternoon! Clint and Jason are fantastic. We rode into the old movie town, toured the saloon, hotel and jail. Got some great pics with their movie props. Then rode back to meet Clyde the Buffalo. Definitely recommend!
We recently celebrated my birthday here and it was truly an amazing experience! From the moment we arrived, Clint and Jason made us feel right at home. The horses were so calm and Jason picked each one perfectly. The highlight was riding out to the movie set and trying on Western gear. We felt like we were in a real live Western.
Life at the Ranch
The West Is Waiting.
Book your Mortenson Ranch experience. Just 20 minutes from Santa Fe Plaza — and a world unlike anything else.
20 min from Santa Fe
~50 min from Albuquerque
1-Hr & 2-Hr Horse Rides
Carriage Rides Available
All Experience Levels
250+ Film Productions