Horseback Riding, Wagon, & Hayrides
Horseback riding in Colorado is one of the best ways to get out into the backcountry. There are an abundance of opportunities throughout Winter Park and the surrounding valley to go for a trail ride and admire our mountain landscape from horseback. Choose from one of our top companies below with expertly guided trail rides to help you find your "inner cowboy."
More of a spectator? Check out our local summer rodeos.
Horse Boarding & Camping
Strawberry Creek Ranch 9N
Just north of Winter Park, Strawberry Creek 9N is home to an Equestrian Center featuring horse boarding facilities, and indoor and outdoor arenas. An onsite trainer offers lessons in horsemanship including groundwork, roping and more. Whether you are searching for a place to board your horse overnight or exercise for the day, this 300-acre ranch offers wide-open space and numerous amenities for the avid equestrian. Address: 2690 Co Rd 60, Granby, CO 80446
South Fork Campground
An alternative to horseboarding facilities is the South Fork Campground in the Williams Fork Valley. A couple hours’ drive from Winter Park, this campground is the only site in the area offering horse camping. The grounds feature a small corral suitable for one to two horses. A water pump is available; however, there are no watering troughs. The horse camping site offers convenient access to nature trails for horseback riding. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and additional sites can be reserved here.
Address: Co Hwy 30, Parshall, CO 80468
Horseback Riding Trails
Doe Creek Trail
Located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, the Doe Creek Trail is an easy 3.5-mile loop with little elevation gain. This lightly trafficked trail is ideal for a short horseback ride through open meadows and aspens. Ride this nature trail during the fall to experience the changing foliage.
HIGH LONESOME TRAIL
For a longer horseback ride through the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the High Lonesome Trail is a great option. The trail is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and features breathtaking panoramic views. This lightly-trafficked trail is 12 miles starting at Junco Lake Trailhead. During the summer, an abundance of wildflowers makes this horseback ride even more enjoyable.
BOTTLE PASS TO BYERS PEAK TRAIL
The Byers Peak Wilderness area near Fraser features numerous trails open to horseback riding. The Bottle Pass to Byers Peak Trail is a 9.6-mile, lightly-trafficked trail leading up to panoramic views from Byers Peak. This challenging trail features beautiful wildflower viewing opportunities during the warmer months.
