Fall in the Ozarks,
From the Saddle

Ride under changing leaves, splash through clear creeks, and take in ridge-top views on our seasoned trail horses. Authorized National Park Service outfitter in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

🍂 Journey: 2 hrs · $125🐎 Adventure: 4 hrs · $200

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Rides & Pricing

⚠️ 💵 $50 non-refundable deposit per person, paid online at booking. Balance due on arrival in CASH ONLY — no checks or credit cards.
Riders on a wooded trail

"Journey" Ride

2 Hours · $125

Our classic ride. Climb Ozark ridges, wind into quiet hollows, and soak up fall color.

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Horses crossing a river

"Adventure" Ride

4 Hours · $200

Our half-day ride. Go deeper into the backcountry with ridge views, valley trails, and creek and river crossings (weather permitting).

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Prices are per rider. Every horse comes fully tacked and every ride starts with instruction.

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On the Trail

Trail ride photoTrail ride photoTrail ride photoTrail ride photoTrail ride photo

No Experience Needed

Small groups of six, seasoned trail horses, and real Ozark backcountry. Just bring your boots and your sense of adventure.

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FAQ & Policies

Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Book online ahead of time; fall weekends fill up fast.
Deposit?
💵 $50 non-refundable deposit per person, paid online at booking. Balance due on arrival in CASH ONLY — no checks or credit cards.
Age & weight?
Minimum age 10. Maximum rider weight 240 lbs.
What to wear?
Closed-toe shoes or boots (required) and layers. Fall mornings are crisp! Helmets provided.
Arrival?
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
💵 REMEMBER: BALANCE DUE IS PAID IN CASH. NO CHECKS. NO CREDIT CARDS.
Rain?
We ride in light rain. If conditions are unsafe, we'll contact you to reschedule. No-shows and non-weather cancellations forfeit the deposit.
Waiver?
Required for every rider before arrival. Sign it here.
Group size?
Six riders per slot. Ask us about larger or private groups.
Riders crossing a creek

Make It a Vacation

Fall cabin at Old Desperado Ranch

Pair your trail ride with a cabin stay at Old Desperado Ranch, minutes from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Float the river, fish, hike, and end the day around the campfire.

🍂 Winter Special: book 2+ nights, get 1 night FREE — Nov 1 – Feb 28. Book 2+ nights, then text 573-915-8970 to claim. Winter rates also apply!

View Cabin Rentals

Liza's Trail Adventures

Children's books by Lisa Johnson, who leads the trail rides here at Eminence Trailrides.Las aventuras de Liza en el sendero · bilingual series in English & Spanish

Ride along with Liza, her mare Fancy (in her turquoise halter and saddle blanket) and Carl the cat as they explore real horse-friendly spots on the Current, Jacks Fork and Eleven Point rivers and the Ozark Trail around Eminence. Each book introduces a new Ozarks animal, asks little readers questions right on the pages, and ends with a glossary of horse words in English and Spanish.

Liza's Trail Adventure cover (English)La aventura de Liza en el sendero cover (Spanish)
Book 1 · Out now

Liza's Trail AdventureLa aventura de Liza en el sendero

A clue-finding ride along the Ozark trails: hoof prints, a horseshoe, the Jacks Fork and Current rivers… and the wild horses of Shannon County!

Liza and the Lost Raccoon cover (English)Liza y el mapache perdido cover (Spanish)
Book 2 · Out now

Liza and the Lost RaccoonLiza y el mapache perdido

A lost baby raccoon on the trail by the Jacks Fork. Follow the clues to help Little Bandit get home to his mama.

Liza and the Rainy Day Ride cover (English)Liza y el paseo bajo la lluvia cover (Spanish)
Book 3

Liza and the Rainy Day RideLiza y el paseo bajo la lluvia

A summer storm rolls in! In an old trail barn by the Jacks Fork, Fancy and a little box turtle named Pebble learn you can be scared and brave at the same time.

📅 Coming soon · Próximamente
Liza and the Missing Horseshoe cover (English)Liza y la herradura perdida cover (Spanish)
Book 4

Liza and the Missing HorseshoeLiza y la herradura perdida

Clink, clink… uh-oh! Fancy loses a shoe by the Jacks Fork, and the clues lead to Button, a clever crow with a hidey-hole full of treasures.

📅 Coming soon · Próximamente
Spring at Alley MillBook 5 · Now writing
Book 5

Liza and the Spring at Alley MillLiza y la primavera en Alley Mill

Springtime by the Jacks Fork: deep blue Alley Spring, the big red Alley Mill, and someone wrinkly peeking out from under a rock…

✏️ In progress

Paperback $11.99 · Kindle $3.99 · on Amazon

See the Series on AmazonSerie en español

⭐ Follow Lisa Johnson on Amazon to get an email each time a new book comes out.

Contact

Eminence Trailrides

at Johnson's Old Desperado Ranch
Eminence, MO 65466

📞 573-915-8970

👍 Find us on Facebook

🏡 Make it a weekend: book a secluded cabin at Old Desperado Ranch

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Old Desperado Ranch