Best Horseback Riding in Colorado: Our Favorite 小径 & 牧场

Once warm weather rolls around, locals and visitors alike can access hundreds of miles of pine-lined horseback riding trails ranging from lonesome saunters through the sage to epic climbs into the rugged Rockies. 作为一点指导, here are some spots and tips for the best horseback riding in Colorado found right in 大县.

A group of people riding horses on a trail in the mountains.

Top 小径 for Horseback Riding in Colorado

1. EAST INLET TRAIL, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

理想的: 的 Rocky Mountain National Park experience

Located on the eastern side of Grand Lake, the 东入口小径 for this popular path is easy to find, and has a quick reward. 不到四分之一英里, you'll find the tumbling Adams Falls, where you can wander around and uncover new perspectives on the rushing waters. After you lope near the rushing falls, the trail offers more solitude, passing several more waterfalls, and eventually climbing past Lone Pine Lake to the spectacular, forested shoreline of Lake Verna.

请注意: Horses are prohibited beyond Lake Verna.

2. MONARCH LAKE TRAILS, INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS

理想的钓鱼者和湖泊爱好者

在马背上鞍 君主湖小径 and then ride around this tranquil body of water, keeping an eye open for nesting osprey in the tall pines that line the shore. At the lake's inlet, you can cast a line for sparkling brook, brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Or stay in the saddle and climb into a high-alpine cirque in the rugged Indian Peaks 荒野, 就在驯鹿山口的下面.

3. BYERS PEAK TRAIL, BYERS PEAK WILDERNESS

理想的: Vista views and lots of quiet

Looking for genuine solitude among the Rockies? Odds are good you'll find it in the 拜尔斯峰荒野, a little-known protected area southwest of 弗雷泽. 的 拜尔斯峰径 is a great day ride, climbing through tall stands of forest to the high elevations of Byers Peak. 在那里, crystal-clear craggy views of the Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park cap off a peaceful ride.

4. PARIKA湖 & BAKER GULCH TRAIL, NEVER SUMMER WILDERNESS

理想的野生动物与孤独

Want in on a little Colorado secret? 的 没有夏天 荒野. Hugging the western boundary of the national park, this lightly used area is home to some of Colorado's largest trees, a healthy population of moose and elk, and a unique perspective of Rocky Mountain National Park's signature peaks. Aptly named, the area is often locked in with snow late into the summer. But once it’s clear in late June, the trail to Parika湖 via the Baker Gulch Trail 是一颗真正的宝石. 的 trailhead is in the national park, which you exit on the trail.

请注意: During busy seasons, Rocky Mountain National Park visitors may require 时间输入许可证. Ensure you have your reservation ready before entering the park.

Horseback Riding Lessons in Colorado

If you are new to the horseback riding, we strongly urge that you learn the basics in 大县 with a qualified outfitter or dude ranch. Some popular options within two hours of Denver include:

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