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History

Rooted in Catalina’s Legacy, inspired by adventure

Horses have played an integral role in Catalina Island’s history for over a century. Originally, they were brought to the island in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to support ranching, transportation, and tourism. The Wrigley family, who purchased much of the island in the 1910s, introduced horses for both practical use and leisure riding. Over time, guided horseback tours became a popular way for visitors to explore the rugged terrain and enjoy breathtaking views of the island.

Catalina Island has always been a place where nature and adventure converge. For generations, visitors have marveled at the island’s stunning geography, from its rolling hills to its sweeping ocean views. But those who experienced it on horseback knew that Catalina offered something even more—an intimate connection to its land, history, and wild spirit.

Inspired by this legacy, Catalina Island Horseback Adventures was born to revive and reimagine the tradition of horseback riding on Catalina. We set out to create a new chapter in the island’s story, one where both locals and visitors can reconnect with the land in the most authentic way possible—through the eyes of the pioneers, ranchers, and adventurers who came before us.

Today, horses remain an essential part of Catalina’s cultural heritage. Local horse enthusiasts work diligently to maintain ethical equestrian practices and ensure the well-being of the horses on the island. At Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, we continue this tradition by offering guests a chance to experience the island’s beauty in the most authentic way—on horseback.

An Adventure Like No Other

At Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, we believe that the journey is as important as the destination. That’s why we designed our experiences to immerse you fully in the island’s natural beauty and history. From the moment you saddle up, the world slows down, and the adventure begins.

Our guided tours wind through iconic trails, taking you high above and around Avalon Canyon. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, lush valleys, and rugged cliffs that showcase Avalon Harbor and look dramatically out to the sea. As you ride, you’ll encounter Catalina’s diverse wildlife that may include mule deer, the Channel Islands fox, and an array of bird species—each a reminder of the island’s natural wonders.

Connecting Past and Present

While our trails offer unparalleled access to Catalina’s landscapes, they also offer a bridge to its past. Our tours are designed to share not just the sights, but the stories of the island. You’ll hear about the explorers who first set foot on these shores, the Native American Tongva people who called the island home for thousands of years, and the visionaries like the Wrigleys who helped shape Catalina into what it is today.

As you ride along the same trails that once carried ranchers and settlers, you’ll feel the echoes of the past underfoot. You’ll be riding through a landscape that has witnessed generations of change yet remains as wild and captivating as ever.

Sustainability and Stewardship

Catalina Island Horseback Adventures is more than just a horseback riding company. We are stewards of the land, committed to preserving its natural beauty for future generations. We believe that true adventure is rooted in respect for the environment, and every ride we offer is conducted with attention to sustainability and conservation.
Our tours are designed to minimize impact on the island’s ecosystems, ensuring that Catalina’s rare and fragile habitats remain protected. We work closely with the Catalina Island Conservancy to ensure that our practices align with the island’s conservation efforts, so that the natural wonders you experience today will be here for many tomorrows.

Key Features

Historical Context

Early Spanish Influence

Catalina Island’s equestrian heritage is deeply intertwined with the island’s development and its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. Catalina Horseback taps into this rich history to offer a modern experience that honors the past while embracing the island’s future as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
The history of horseback riding on Catalina Island dates back to the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. In 1542, the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish flag, became the first European to land on Catalina Island, naming it “San Salvador.” Later, in 1602, the Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno renamed the island “Santa Catalina” in honor of Saint Catherine.
Though the island did not become a major hub for Spanish settlers, the Spanish influence can still be felt in the island’s architectural style, agricultural practices, and connection to horses. Horses became essential for transportation and ranching as they were introduced to the island and the broader Southern California region by Spanish settlers and missionaries.

The Wrigley Family’s Impact on Catalina Island and Horseback Riding

The modern history of horseback riding on Catalina Island began with the Wrigley family, owners of the Wrigley chewing gum empire, who purchased the island in 1919. William Wrigley Jr. was instrumental in developing Catalina as a recreational and tourist destination, but it was his son, Philip Wrigley, and his wife, Helen, who made horseback riding a cornerstone of the island’s identity.

In the early 1930s, the Wrigley family established El Rancho Escondido, also known as “The Hidden Ranch,” as a working Arabian horse ranch. Located 12 miles from Avalon, the ranch became the home of a world-class Arabian horse breeding program. By the 1950s, the Wrigleys were breeding champion Arabian horses, which were showcased in exhibitions and competitions across the United States. This era solidified Catalina Island’s reputation as a hub for horseback riding and equestrian culture.

Ranching and Recreation

In addition to being a world-renowned horse ranch, El Rancho Escondido became a major Catalina Island attraction. Visitors to the island would make the journey to this hidden valley to witness horse exhibitions and experience life on a working ranch. The ranch was not only a place for breeding champion horses but also a place to enjoy the natural beauty and serene landscape of Catalina Island’s interior.

Horseback riding evolved from a necessary form of transportation for ranching into a beloved recreational activity. Trails that once served as practical routes for ranchers became scenic paths for tourists to explore the island’s rugged terrain and panoramic views.

A Journey Rooted in History

Catalina Island has always been a place where nature and adventure converge. For generations, visitors have marveled at the island’s stunning geography, from its rolling hills to its sweeping ocean views. But those who experienced it on horseback knew that Catalina offered something even more—an intimate connection to its land, history, and wild spirit.
Inspired by this legacy, Catalina Island Horseback Adventures was born to revive and reimagine the tradition of horseback riding on Catalina. We set out to create a new chapter in the island’s story, one where both locals and visitors can reconnect with the land in the most authentic way possible—through the eyes of the pioneers, ranchers, and adventurers who came before us.