Horseback Riding in Colorado offers a unique experience, often including river crossings and stunning mountain views.
Colorado has some of the most beautiful backcountry in the United States – and it’s even more incredible when explored on horseback.
Roam through Rocky Mountain National Park along the shores of Alpine lakes, take in breathtaking panoramas from expansive valley overlooks or saddle up for easy trail rides in Durango.
Horseback riding in Colorado is one of the most memorable experiences for most visitors.
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Best Places for Horseback Riding in Colorado
Horseback riding in Colorado offers a wealth of incredible opportunities.
Whether you want to explore wide open valleys, lush green meadows or majestic mountains, there is a perfect destination for every type of horse enthusiast.
From solo rides to guided tours and half-day trips to multi-day excursions, Colorado provides riders with an abundance of beautiful options.
Here are the best horseback riding destinations in Colorado.
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Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods Park, located in Colorado Springs, is the best destination for on a memorable horseback riding adventure in Colorado.
Its unique rock formations and panoramic views of Pikes Peak make it a top choice for riders.
The Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Trail Loop as well as Buckskin Charlie Trail Loop are popular for horse riding.
You can view the horseback riding trail map here.
Don’t have your own horses?
Academy Riding Stables offers a variety of tours that let you explore the fascinating landscape at your own pace.
They provide 1 hour and 2 hour long guided tours that allow riders to soak in the beauty of the park’s natural features.
These specialized tours are available for riders older than 8 years of age and allow each person to enjoy the riding experience at their own pace and skill level.
You will receive detailed orientation and safety instructions before the ride.
The horses are gentle and the road is beautiful with stunning views, allowing you to soak in the beautiful scenery.
They also have pony rides for younger kids.
Enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s landscape from a new perspective, atop a horse, as you navigate the pathways of Garden of the Gods.
The horse rides are active year round, which means you can also enjoy the beauty of Garden of the Gods with a dusting of snow from the comfort of your horse.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Renowned as one of Colorado’s majestic landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park presents horseback riders with a spectacular journey through diverse terrains.
The park provides expansive open spaces, stunning mountain vistas, and an abundance of wildlife, creating an immersive equestrian experience.
Over 250 miles of established trails within the park allow horses; they also let burros, mules, and even llamas on the trails.
You will also find designated overnight equestrian campsites in the park.
Hi Country / Glacier Creek Stables, located within the park, offers guided tour options, providing riders the chance to explore scenic trails under expert guidance.
Rides range from quick two hour rides to extended full-day journeys, suitable for beginners to experienced riders.
The 2-hour family-friendly tour will take you to Sprague Lake and Glacier Basin Campground while the 3 hour tour, good for older teens, will take you to the stunning East Portal Overlook.
The longer 5 hour tour is recommended for you only if you are an experienced rider and will take you to Bierstadt Lake and Hallett Peak.
Trails loop through various parts of the park, each presenting unique landscapes and wildlife sightings that are mostly inaccessible to car visitors.
The national park is your best bet to go horse riding and enjoy marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains without the crowds.
Estes Park
Estes Park provides a unique opportunity for horseback riding experiences in Colorado.
This charming town serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, making it an excellent location for equestrian activities through dense forests and alongside clear mountain streams.
One of the popular companies in the area is National Park Gateway Stables.
They provide guided trail rides for different skill levels, ranging from one hour to a full day.
The guides are well-versed with the local area, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride along scenic trails.
Another popular choice is Elkhorn Stables, known for their private, guided rides that provide an intimate experience of the Colorado wilderness.
They also feature sunset rides for a unique, unforgettable experience.
Jackson Stables is another notable mention, especially celebrated for its family-friendly environment and their commitment to high safety standards.
Sombrero Stables and Estes Park Outfitters are other great choices.
Each of these companies provides a distinct perspective of the natural beauty Estes Park has to offer, ensuring an excellent equestrian experience.
Maroon Bells
Did you know that horseback riders can also enjoy the iconic views of Maroon Bells peaks?
Maroon Bells is the most photographed place in Colorado and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The views are even more incredible when seen from a horseback.
You can book guided tours offered by Maroon Bells Guide & Outfitters.
They provide an unforgettable experience with trained guides who offer insight into the area’s history and geology while you ride through lush aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and along the scenic Maroon Creek.
This ride is especially pretty in the fall when the aspens turn golden.
The tours range from one hour to full-day excursions.
They also have lunch and dinner rides, where you can enjoy a delicious gourmet meal in the great outdoors.
Their gentle horses are suitable for all ages and levels of experience, even for those who are nervous about getting up on a horse.
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs, located just an hour from Denver, is a great place to explore on horseback.
This old mining town offers scenic mountain views and historic mines that you can ride by.
Saddle up at the Georgetown Loop Railroad and enjoy breathtaking views as you follow the Clear Creek Trail through miles of beautiful forests and valleys.
A & A Historical Trails Stables offers guided horse riding tours that guide you through the historical sites and hidden gems of Georgetown and Idaho Springs.
Their knowledgeable guides provide you with an educational experience, revealing the secrets of the mining town.
You will be entertained with fun facts about the area’s history, flora, and fauna as you ride through the scenic landscapes.
They also offer private rides for intimate groups seeking a more personalized experience.
The company has gentle and calm horses that ensure a delightful experience.
The guided tours range from one hour ride to full-day excursions, perfect for a day trip from Denver.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a premier destination for outdoor activities, including horseback riding.
The wide-open spaces and beautiful landscapes make it an ideal location for equestrian adventures.
Saddleback Ranch is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, offering guided horseback rides through their private ranch located at the base of the Elk River Valley.
Choose from one or two-hour trail rides that take you through the river valleys, rolling hills, and scenic vistas.
Saddleback Ranch also offers dinner rides where you can enjoy a delicious meal under the starry sky after your ride.
Another great option is Steamboat Stables.
They offer guided tours through their stunning ranch, featuring panoramic views of mountains, forests, and valleys.
Their horses are gentle and well-trained, making them suitable for riders of all levels.
Steamboat Springs also has several ranches that offer multi-day horseback riding adventures, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes.
Colorado Springs
Step back in history as you ride the Old Stage Coach to the mining town of Cripple Creek on an unforgettable adventure.
This surreal Wild West experience is also accompanied by plenty of gorgeous scenery and interesting anecdotes.
Old Stage Riding Stables in Colorado Springs offers horseback riding tours that are fun for the whole family.
These horseback riding tours evoke the essence of the Old West, taking riders on a unique journey towards the historic mining town.
They set the perfect stage for an unforgettable journey back in time in the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs area.
The tours are not only an immersive historic experience, but they also provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The tours provided by Old Stage Riding Stables are suitable for the entire family, making them an excellent choice for group activities.
They prioritize safety for their riders, providing all necessary instructions and equipment to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
The horses are well-trained and gentle, making them suitable even for those who have never been horseback riding before.
To reach the stables, you need to drive a 4WD vehicle along a dirt road with steep cliff drop-offs – be sure to take your time and drive carefully.
Once there, you can also pet the farm animals that roam around the stables including a pig, cat, and chicken.
Engaging in horseback riding with Old Stage Riding Stables lets riders appreciate the subtle beauty of Colorado Springs’ landscape, filled with open vistas and striking views.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a charming, historic Colorado small town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
It offers a horseback riding experience unlike any other.
At the forefront of this equestrian adventure is Breckenridge Stables, a renowned establishment offering guided trail rides throughout the magnificent Ten Mile Range.
Riders, both novice and experienced, can enjoy the unique thrill of river crossings, dense forests, and awe-inspiring views as they navigate the changing terrain on horseback.
The gentle trot along a sun-dappled forest trail is a memorable experience for all ages.
But the equestrian adventures don’t just stop at horseback rides.
During winter months, Breckenridge Stables also offers enchanting sleigh rides.
Dashing through the snow in a decorated sleigh through the snowy Colorado backcountry is a quintessential Christmas experience in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Why go horseback riding in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its stunning views of mountains, forests, valleys, and rivers, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities such as horseback riding.
Colorado also has a rich history and culture that can be experienced on horseback.
Horseback riding allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Colorado and appreciate it from a different perspective.
The state is also home to many experienced and knowledgeable horseback riding guides who can provide educational insights into the area’s history, geology, flora, and fauna during your ride.
Horseback riding is also a great way to disconnect from technology and enjoy some quiet time in nature.
This ultimate of all wildlife tours is suitable for all ages and levels of experience, making it a perfect activity for the whole family or a group of friends.
Horseback riding in Colorado is not just about the destination, but also the journey – one that is filled with narratives of the past and the silent whispers of the wild Colorado wind.
No matter what area you explore, there’s no denying that Colorado makes for an unforgettable horseback ride!
What are your favorite areas to explore on horseback in the Centennial State? Let us know below.