Brasada Ranch Horseback Riding in Central Oregon

Are you searching for a horse-riding vacation near Bend, Oregon? Brasada Ranch horseback riding in Central Oregon offers year-round outdoor adventure.

Brasada Ranch, located approximately 16 miles from Bend, Oregon, is not a dude ranch vacation. It’s a family-friendly resort in Powell Butte, Oregon that will fit the needs of equestrians, as well as non-riders.

What to expect at Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte, Central Oregon

My husband knew what to expect at Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte, Oregon. He’s an avid golfer. He much prefers golf over horseback riding. He thinks the course is aptly named as there are many canyons and with five tees, the course plays to all skill levels.

I want to go trail riding every day of my vacation. Brasada Ranch met both of our desires.

The 4-star luxury resort sits on 1,800 acres. Once home to a sheep ranch, the high desert property is now home to high-end cabins, bungalows, ranch suites and private homes. Offering outstanding views of the Cascade Mountains, guests may expect to see 10 peaks on a clear day in Central Oregon.

Brasada Ranch lodging options

My husband and I opted for a Sage Canyon 2-bedroom cabin. There are currently 65 cabins at Brasada Ranch with plans for expansion. Families and those traveling with pets will select from 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom cabins. Each cabin includes a self-contained kitchen for dining in. You’ll want to bring your own food or pick up grab-and-go options at the General Store. There are several restaurants on property – more on dining options below.

Our Sage Canyon cabin is ideal for couples, families and romantic escapes. Our cabin includes a private hot tub with views of the 9th tee of Brasada Canyons golf course.

Looking for something more exclusive? Check out the adult-only Cascade Bungalows. These 16 bungalows feature modern Scandinavian design and come with their own Range Rover golf cart. Situated next to the Cascade adult pool, I’d come back to Brasada Ranch just to try the complimentary breakfast basket delivered to the room.

There are 8 Ranch House suites in the main building. Redesigned in 2025, these adult-only rooms offer Cascade views, access to the Ranch House hot tub, firepit and Cascade adult pool.

Central Oregon horseback riding at Brasada Trails

While Brasada Ranch is not a luxury dude ranch, the resort is increasing its focus on all things equestrian at Brasada Trails. My first day I experienced the Oregon Outback Ride. This 1-hour horseback ride is a walking only scenic trail ride. Guests, ages 8 and up, ride in the Central Oregon wilderness by lava rock formations and through sage and Juniper.

“If it’s been a while since you’ve been back in the saddle, consider the Foundations of Riding experience,” says wrangler Ian Maupin. “A private lesson will set you up for success on your next ride.”

Trails and Treats is a 3-hour horseback ride to the famous Spirit Rock. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Brasada Ranch and the high desert in Powell Butte, Oregon. The ride is offered year-round and rewards cowboys and cowgirls with s’mores, hot chocolate and cowboy coffee.

A Day in the Life of a Wrangler is a 1-hour experience for ages 5 and up. You’ll help feed the horses, muck a paddock, learn to halter a horse, groom and saddle a horse. This program is geared toward those who enjoy being around horses, but don’t necessarily want to trail ride.

Finally, the 15-minute Pony Ride Experience is perfect for buckaroos 8-years-old and under. I plan to try this with my grandson when he’s old enough to sit in the pony saddle.

Brasada Ranch activities

Guest activities range from Brasada Canyons golf and Brasada Spa, to axe throwing, archery, pickleball, hiking, biking or splashing in 1 of 3 outdoor heated pools. There’s also a large indoor athletic facility next to the Sundance swimming pool.

Wild Rye and Ranch House Restaurant dining

While I confess that I was won over with a gourmet s’mores kit, I was pleased with our dinner at Wild Rye restaurant. Chef Karl Holl created his signature juniper braised lamb shank with rye risotto, winter vegetables and huckleberries. As a lamb connoisseur, this dish is a winner. The Alaskan halibut was tasty, as well.

We didn’t dine at Ranch House restaurant. However, I’m told the pizza is good. Breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, small bites and dinner are available, as well as a bar on site. We visited early April so the seasonal Sundance Bar & Grill were not open yet, nor was Outpost Food Shack at Brasada Canyons.

Brasada Ranch is pet-friendly, with an additional fee. The resort offers several electric and Tesla power plug ins for vehicles. The resort’s night sky experience is one of the darkest in the United States.

If You Go:

Brasada Ranch (866) 373-4882

Powell Butte, Oregon 97753

Brasada Ranch horseback riding in Central Oregon review, YouTube video and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Brasada Ranch & Brasada Trails for review purposes. All opinions are my own.