What this ride actually is.
Five days, six camps, one trail — and 80 years of doing it the same way.
+What is the Desert Caballeros Ride?
A men's invitational trail ride out of Wickenburg, Arizona. Five days through the high Sonoran Desert and into the Bradshaw and Weaver Mountains — the two ranges that flank the Hassayampa River — with the same six camps every year. Around 150 riders make the trip.+When is the next ride?
April 12–16, 2027 — the 80th annual ride. Future dates: April 10–14, 2028 and April 9–13, 2029.+How long has it been going?
Since March 26, 1947. COVID is the only thing that's stopped it: the official 2020 ride was cancelled (a few riders went anyway — the Ghost Ride), and there was no ride in 2021. That makes 2027 the 80th ride.+Where does it start and end?
Riders leave downtown Wickenburg on Monday and ride back into Wickenburg on Friday — one big loop. Camp moves along the way, so you're not riding out from the same base camp every day.+Is it really men only?
Yes. The ride itself has been a men's invitational since 1947. Spouses and families are part of the weekend events that bracket the ride, but the week in camp and on the trail is riders only. Women who want a week on the trail should look at Las Damas, Wickenburg's women's trail ride.+Who runs the ride?
A volunteer board of officers — El Presidente, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary — and at-large directors drawn from every camp on the ride. They set the route, run the application process, manage the budget, and answer the mail. Meet the board. The DC Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) with its own board of trustees.
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How to get on the ride.
Three rider categories, one application window, and a board that places you.
+When do applications open and close?
Applications open in the fall and typically close in mid-March. For the 2026 ride the deadline was March 15. For 2027 we'll publish exact dates here as soon as they're set.+What are the rider categories?
Nuevo — your first or second ride. Sponsor required.
Amigo — third ride and beyond, $150 annual dues. No sponsor required.
Caballero — third ride and beyond, full member of your camp, $150 annual dues. No sponsor required.
At the start of your third year you choose between Amigo and Caballero.+How do I apply for my first ride?
Start by writing the board on the contact page and choose “I’d like to ride for the first time.” We’ll get to know you and line up a sponsor. Once you’re approved, we’ll email you an invite to the members area, where you register for the ride online.+I've ridden before. How do I register?
Online, in the members area. Sign in with the email the club has on file, open the upcoming ride, and click Register. You can pay by card, Zelle, or check, and add your annual dues in the same step.+Can I apply on paper instead of online?
Yes. Print the application for your category and the waiver from the paper applications page, then mail them to the board with your payment, or scan and email them to admin@desertcaballerosride.com.+I want to ride but I don't know any current Caballeros. Can I still apply?
Yes. Write the board through the contact page and we’ll help you find a sponsor — usually someone in your area or with a similar background.+How are riders placed into camps?
Mostly by geography. If you came in without a sponsor, we’ll usually attach you to a camp with members who live near you.+Can I switch camps later?
It’s rare, but yes — if another camp invites you and your current camp is good with it, switches do happen.
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What it runs you.
Fees vary by category and whether you rent a horse. Plus the personal gear you bring or buy your first year.
+What's the member fee?
For the 2027 ride:
Nuevo 1 & 2 — $2,325
Amigo — $2,225
Caballero — $2,025
Fees are reset each year. The member fee covers all food and beverage for the full week on the trail. Amigos and Caballeros also pay $150 in annual dues.+What does horse rental cost?
It varies year to year — for 2026 it was $1,100. The rental covers the horse, all tack, and helps pay the wranglers who care for the horses through the week.+What other costs should I plan for?
- First-year gear — bedroll, duffel, cowboy hat, boots, riding shirts and pants, socks, etc.
- Hotels in Wickenburg for the weekends bracketing the ride.
- Tips for the wranglers and bat boys at the end of the week.
- Annual dues — $150 a year for Amigos and Caballeros.
- Annual camp dues — each camp collects a small amount to cover camp-specific supplies.
- Travel — airfare and baggage if you’re flying in from out of state.
+Can I get a refund if I have to drop?
Yes — if you can’t make the ride, you can get a refund. Let the board know as early as you can so we can backfill the slot.
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Bring your own or rent.
The ride supplies hay and water. The wranglers handle daily care for rentals.
+Do I have to bring my own horse?
No. You can either bring your own horse or rent one through the ride’s rental partners. Plenty of riders — especially Nuevos — go the rental route.+How does horse transport work for rentals?
The rental companies haul the horses into Wickenburg and have them prepped and ready before the ride starts. You don’t need to arrange transport for a rented horse.+Is there a vet on the ride?
Yes — a vet rides with us all week.+What about feed and water in camp?
The ride supplies hay and water at every camp. You don’t need to bring or arrange your own.+What about Coggins, vaccinations, and other health requirements?
There are health requirements for personal horses but they’re set year to year — please contact the board for the current list before you haul in.
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Food, comms, and the day-to-day.
+What's the food like?
Three catered meals a day — ribeye, halibut, filet with lobster, country-fried steak, full breakfast bar, salad bar at every dinner, and dessert nightly. The menu is fixed but has plenty of options for any dietary restriction.+I have a dietary restriction. Will that be a problem?
No. The menu is fixed but built so there are good options for every common restriction. If you have a serious allergy, flag it on your application so the kitchen knows.+Will I have cell service?
Intermittent. Out on the trail, mostly no. In camp you’ll usually have at least some signal at night, but it depends on the location.+Are there rules about photos or social media during the ride?
No. Post what you want, when you want. Bring a camera if you have one — riders make some of the best gallery contributions.
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How we look out for you.
Full medical support travels with the ride.
+What medical support is on the ride?
Paramedics, EMTs, and helicopter-evacuation insurance for everyone on the ride. Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies also volunteer with us each year.+What if there's a serious injury or emergency?
The medical team handles immediate care; the helicopter-evacuation coverage means anyone needing a hospital can be flown out from anywhere on the route.+Are there safety rules every rider should know?
Yes — the camps drill their newcomers on the basics: check your cinch often, mount with your horse pointed back up the trail, give space on steep climbs and descents, tie up with the lead rope (never the reins), use your stampede strap when it’s windy, and ask for help. There are no stupid safety questions out here.+Is a liability waiver required?
Yes — every rider signs a liability and insurance release before the ride. The form is part of the application packet.
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The ride gives back.
+What's the DC Foundation?
A separate 501(c)(3) tied to the ride that funds ranch help, agricultural and vocational education, and the Western Heritage Access Endowment. See the Foundation page for the full picture.+When and where is the silent auction?
Sunday evening before the ride, at the El Presidente Party in Wickenburg. In-person only — no online or remote bidding.+Where do auction proceeds go?
Part of every auction goes to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum as a donation for the use of Boyd Ranch. The rest defrays ride expenses — keeping riders’ dues from going up while still letting us improve the quality of the ride year over year. (The best part is the fun everyone has bidding on the western items themselves.)+How do I donate an item to the auction?
Email Tom Armstrong: tarmstrong7709@gmail.com.
Drop us a line.
If your question isn’t here, the board reads everything that comes through the contact form.