As a Colorado resident, when I think of Steamboat Springs the first things that come to mind are champagne powder and skiing cowboys. As the name suggests skiing is not the only attraction. In addition to hot springs, there is also plenty of horseback riding in Steamboat Springs. So, be sure to pack your jeans, boots and come ready to see this spectacular landscape from a different perspective.
While Steamboat Springs Colorado may be known for skiing and hot springs, it is also home to several guest ranches. From pack trips to trail rides, you are sure to find a horseback riding adventure here that is just your pace.
Header photo courtesy Steamboat Springs Chamber/ C. Kopischke.
Horseback Riding in Steamboat Springs
Located in the Yampa Valley of northern Colorado just over 150 scenic miles from Denver, Steamboat Springs plays host to three area hot springs: Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Hippie Hot Springs, and Old Town Hot Springs.
So whether you decide to visit in the beautiful summertime and enjoy a hike before a relaxing soak or you arrive in the cold, winter months and need to warm up, Steamboat Springs has a unique opportunity to enjoy your visit year round!
What better way to explore the local scenery in the summertime before melting the sore muscles away in the hot springs than by horseback riding! See the terrain the way early settlers would have and not only see beautiful sights but observe local wildlife as well.
Here are a few local ranches that offer horseback riding for all ages:
Saddleback Ranch
A family owned and operated ranch for four generations, you’ll find a unique opportunity that will fit your interests at Saddleback Ranch. Whether you visit in the warm summer months or the snowy winter months, there is something to do here year round.
Offering not only traditional horseback rides (in one or two hour increments), but cattle drives (where nothing is staged, so you get a genuine experience taking care of the cattle for the morning), dinner wagon rides (a 30-minute wagon ride to the lodge for dinner and then a sunset ride back), or horseback dinner rides (the same experience as the wagon dinner ride, only you’re on horseback), summertime is full of opportunities to see the beautiful Yampa Valley landscape.
In the winter, you can book horseback rides that are up to two hours long or a sleigh ride and dinner.
Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch
Another ranch that provides both summer and winter activities, Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch offers seasonal trail rides as well as incredible camping opportunities. In the summer, you can opt for a one or two hour horseback ride, a half day ride, or a full day ride (both the half and full day rides include lunch).
If you want a one-of-a-kind adventure, the pack trip is full service! They provide your tents, meals, pack and saddle horses, a guide, and a cook, so you can look forward to a real Colorado wilderness experience with a lot less of the work of packing. Hunting trips are also available.
C R Summit
Whether you’re a visitor or a local to Steamboat Springs, C R Summit provides the opportunity to create your adventure. Riders of all levels can explore the riding center and the surrounding acreage or experience the mountain terrain and take in the beauty of the natural landscape.
If you desire riding lessons in a true western atmosphere or a trail ride to enjoy the view, C R Summit offers a variety of options to fit your schedule and riding level.
Why don’t you list Mystic Valley Farm for riding lessons? One of the best equestrians in the valley runs the place and gives private, group, western and English styles. Oh, and she’s been here for over twenty years.