Black Butte Ranch wraps many facets of Central Oregon into its property, located near Sisters. While some may think of Black Butte Ranch’s 36 holes of golf, others know it’s a great horseback riding destination — no horse required. Black Butte Stables has offered a variety of horseback riding options for riders of all abilities since it opened in 1988. These horses are healthy, kind and experienced on trail rides, said stable owner Cody Koch.

There are a number of options for horse riding.

On “Parent-powered lil’ buckaroo” corral rides, children between 3 and 6 ride horses in a corral led by parents or adult guardians. Another beginner option, where the pace is never faster than a trot, is the guided Big Loop Ride along Indian Ford Creek.

Trail rides for more experienced riders include the intermediate rides through old-growth forests and meadows.

Advanced equestrians can opt for an adventurous half-day ride on the Reata Trail or the “Black Butte Posse All-Day Adventure.” This ride, along with all others except for the corral rides, happen in the Deschutes National Forest, which abuts Black Butte Ranch. All rides are led by experienced guides.

Intermediate and advanced trail rides range in price from $55 to $225.

Contact: 13899 Bishops Cap, Sisters; blackbuttestables.com or 541-595-2061.

No. 2: Deschutes National Forest

No. 3: Brasada Ranch

Honorable mentions: Oregon Badlands Wilderness and Flyspur Ranch