Riding at a ranch on Rocky Mountain vacation--advice?

[equito]

Hi all!

My family is planning a trip to Estes park in the Rocky Mountains. While it won’t be the same as taking my thoroughbred out for a ride, I’d love to see the mountains on horseback and have been looking into signing up for a trail ride for Mom and I at one of the barns in the area.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with the ranches by Estes park and what COTHers would suggest. I’m mostly interested in somewhere that takes good care of their horses and has relatively small groups.

I’d also love it if the place does rides with some trot or canter, or matches more experienced riders with more challenging horses, but since I think I heard that only walking is allowed in the park that’s not too much of a big deal.

Some of the ranches I’ve been considering:

• National Park Gateway Stables
• Sombrero Ranch
• SK Horses
• Hi-Country Stables
• O’Dell’s Horseback Riding at Elkhorn Lodge

Ideas?

[Heart_s_Journey]

I did a bunch of rides in Wyoming and rode up to 12,000 feet. To get up high you ride on narrow trails on the side of the mountain, so walking is as fast as you could safely go. When you reach meadows on lower levels, there is usually room to go faster. Keep in mind that you can only go as fast as they will let you and what the level of the riders will allow.

You should see tons of wildlife, lots of waterfalls, and wildflowers. Its beautiful country out there. Have a great time.

[Curb_Appeal]

I have no advice on trail stables, but you are going to LOVE Estes Park! Downtown is beautiful (Ed’s Cantina has good eats) and the views all around are absolutely stunning. “Elk jams” are something I never thought I’d experience. I’ve been up for a few day trips. Hope to save for a weekend stay at The Stanley Hotel this fall.

[spurgirl]

Rode at Sombrero Ranch I think, some years ago (8) when visiting a friend in CO. We went on what is called a late afternoon “steak ride”, it is a trail ride into the foothills, and you dismount and take a break, have a steak dinner, then return.

This is a nose to tail WALK ONLY trail ride, about 20 people to a ride. Can’t remember the other ranches we checked out, but three others were the same. It would not surprise me if certain trails are “walk only”, due to wear and tear on the trails.

I suggest calling each place you are interested in…most places that you can ride at different speeds/terrains are private ranches, and send out small groups.

Despite having to walk, the scenery is very pretty, the dinner was pretty good, and it was fun.

Estes park is nice for shopping, strolling, and eating out. I HIGHLY suggest taking a day trip to Rocky Mt. National Park. GO EARLY and bring binoculars. You will have a better chance of seeing the animals out in the AM foraging before it gets too hot. There are many pull offs to park at and check out yonder mountain meadows, we picked out several Bighorn sheep foraging and mock fighting in a meadow using binoculars. Spectacular!! Saw lots of Elk, Mule Deer, etc. The gift shop at the top of the road is nice also.

Have a great time, I’d LOVE to go back some day!!

[coolmom]

My daughter worked at Sombrero Ranch a couple years ago. Very nice people and outfit. No trotting or jogging as the trails can be narrow and rocky but the scenery is lovely. I highly recommend them. You have multiple ride options and they have a breakfast or steak ride. We did a dinner ride and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

[SportArab]

Rode at a Colorado ranch several years ago. I believe it was in Grant. Loved the place… the other riders, not so much.

Large number of insufferable idiots who had no riding experience but thought they knew everything. E.g., rider complains that her horse keeps flipping his head up and down. Rider is told that she is keeping the reins too short. She insists this is not the problem and continues to whine as the horse continues to make his opinion of her riding clear. Ugh.

Still, the food was excellent and the scenery wonderful. I believe a lot of the rides were up at 10,000 ft.

[csaper58]

The Lane Guest Ranch is wonderful! I remember being able to trot and canter on the trails when the terrain was flat. www.laneguestranch.com/index.php

[acoustic]

I think it was sombrero ranch that I rode at. Same experience as everyone else. Narrow mountain trails, walk only, but BEAUTIFUL country. I am in love with the Rocky Mountains. Estes park is the gateway to the national park and you must go! Even if you can’t hike any trails, take the drive through, it’s breathtaking.

[Kwill]

Riding in the West is just the coolest thing ever, even if you are walking. I rode in Montana and will never forget it. Have fun!

[BasqueMom]

Estes Park is one of my favorite areas in Colorado (former resident). Spend time exploring the time and the park is beyond words!