Riders enjoy the picturesque rocks of the Texas Canyon area

On the set for the original movie 3:10 to Yuma and High Chaparral.

Picturesque rocks of the Texas Canyon area, right to left: Doug Rinke, Mary Theis, Lee Rinke and Linda, trail guide

Headed up the trail, right to left: Linda (trail guide), Lee Rinke, Mary Theis, Doug Rinke, Paul Bailey and Rebecca Williams

Rebecca Williams overlooking the formation called “Stonehenge”

Mounted up and ready to ride, right to left: Doug Rinke, Rebecca Williams, Don Williams and Paul Bailey

Right to left: Don Williams, Mary Theis, Paul Bailey, Rebecca Williams, Doug Rinke and Lee Rinke

Rebecca Williams

The SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group headed a little farther out of town to the picturesque Texas Canyon area for a horseback ride at the Triangle T Guest Ranch. Set among the giant granite boulders of the Texas Canyon, the Triangle T is a frequent site for movies, TV shows and commercials. Scenes from such favorites as the original movie 3:10 to Yuma and High Chaparral were shot there. More recently scenes from Ambush at Dark Canyon starring Kix Brooks were also filmed there. This area was also winter home for Apache Indian chief Cochise and served as a Japanese internment camp during WWII.

The winding trail took riders around many of the huge boulders that form interesting formations. One natural formation was called “Stonehenge” due to its similarity to its namesake. Many of the boulders perch in precarious positions yet a wrangler who has lived there for many years said that despite the severity of the angles he has yet to see any of the rocks fall.

The next ride is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Colossal Cave Mountain Stables. Located within Colossal Cave Mountain Park, this stable has recently reopened. The area was once the location of a stagecoach stop from Tucson to Bisbee. This is one of the group’s favorite trail rides. The ride is a bit over one hour and is $50/person, plus tip.

The group’s final ride of the season is Saturday, April 30, at Pusch Ridge Stables in Oro Valley. This trail winds through parts of the Catalina State Park and allows riders to see some nearby scenery in a more “up close and personal” way.

Any resident of SaddleBrooke Ranch is welcome to join the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group. There is no obligation to attend all the rides offered. Riders simply let the secretary know if they want to attend a particular ride. Car pools are generally arranged for those interested.

If you are interested in receiving more information on the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group, please contact the group secretary, residents Don and Rebecca Williams, at [email protected].