Looking for some peace and quiet? If so, consider a horseback ride in ponderosa pine country with Mountain Joe’s Trail Rides in the nearby La Sal Mountains.

Beginning late spring and lasting until the first snowfall in November, rides are staged at Wolf Springs Ranch in Old La Sal, about 45 miles southeast of Moab.

“We have the whole side of the mountain to ourselves; it’s a quiet area to ride in,” owner Joe Storland (aka Mountain Joe) said.

When the mountains are inaccessible for horseback riding due to snow, Storland leads riders on the alternate route, on state lands near the turnoff of Looking Glass Arch, approximately 20 miles south of Moab. His wife and co-owner Marjorie Storland helps stages the rides.

The mountain rides are at 7,500- to 8,000-feet elevation – perfect for warm weather riding, yet cooler than Moab’s high summertime temperatures. Both areas have several trails from which to choose, depending on the riding skills and interest of guests, said Marjorie.

Storland grew up with horses and six years ago began fulfilling his dream of sharing his love for horseback riding. He leads rides for both individuals and small groups.

Standard rides are one or two hours, although clients can also choose longer rides of three to four hours. Trotting, cantering, and even galloping is allowed – whatever the customer’s comfort level is, Storland said. “You can also just walk your horse,” he added.

For families with small children, and more gentle rides, Mountain Joe’s Trail Rides stages one-hour rides at Wolf Springs Ranch

“Some outfits don’t allow kids – that’s where we shine,” by allowing children to accompany their parents on these gentler horse options, Joe said.

“Safety is our number one concern,” he said. “I have gentle, safe horses.”

Wolf Springs Ranch is a separate business, where people can spend the night in cabins, have their weddings, and host family reunions. Some guests choose to go horseback riding while they are staying there.

Horseback riding rates are $75 for one hour, per horse.

The alternate route near Looking Glass takes riders through sagebrush country with magnificent views overlooking canyon country.

“We try and get people the best riding experience they can get,” Storland said. “It brings happiness to people, the quality of the rides. It’s a western ride experience.”

For more information or to book a ride visit: mountainjoestrailrides.com, email: mountainjoestrailrides@gmail.com. Or, call or text: 435-669-6585.

Check out Wolf Springs Ranch here: www.wolfspringscabinrentals.com