One of Colorado’s top destinations, Rocky Mountains National Park, is packed with things to do in its soaring peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. But you might struggle to reach everything on the hiking trails, and that’s where horseback riding comes in.
Horseback riding allows you to reach out-of-the-way spots at a slower pace so you can soak in the scenery. This guide to horseback riding in Rocky Mountain National Park will share everything you should know to get started.
Book your stay at Winter Park House, then read on to learn how you can saddle up and explore.
Where To Go Horseback Riding in Rocky Mountain National Park
The National Park Service allows horseback riding and other pack animals, such as llamas and burros, throughout the park’s 415 square miles. If you travel with horses, check out the National Park’s full guide for information on pack trails, trail closures, and much more. You can board your horses at several high-quality stables around the Rocky Mountains, including Estes Park Outfitters.
But if, like most of us, you’d rather leave the planning to the pros, book a horseback riding trip with one of the stables below.
Hi Country Stables at Glacier Creek
- 1000 Sprague Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO
- Open from 6:30 am to 5 pm, seven days a week
- rockymountainhorserides.com
The only stable and horse riding outfitter within the national park, Hi Country Stables at Glacier Creek offers guided rides ranging from two to six hours in length. Your choice will depend in large part on your skill level, as the shorter rides are best for those with less riding experience. The 2-hour rides are their most popular choice, especially for those with younger kids, but the 3-hour rides provide a closer look at the Rocky Mountain backcountry.
No matter which option you pick, you’ll get to enjoy some incredible scenery along the way. Plus, your ride reservation includes a free Timed Entry pass to get through the national park’s gates, so you could spend even more time exploring the rest of RMNP after your ride. One caveat: Since this is the one and only stable inside the national park, you’ll have to book well in advance to secure your trip dates. Hi Country Stables’ services can be in high demand.
National Park Gateway Stables
- 4600 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO
- Open from 8 am to 4 pm, seven days a week
- skhorses.com
A stone’s throw from the Fall River entrance, National Park Gateway Stables also puts you in close proximity to the national park’s many stunning trails. Ride options range from short pony trots, perfect for little ones, to full-day rides that take you deep into the national park to view high-elevation lakes. You could also opt for a dinner package that features a two-hour ride capped off by a meal at the nearby Trailhead Restaurant.
Like Hi Country Stables, you’ll want to book your ride here as soon as possible to secure availability for your trip dates. If you hope to reach a specific landmark during your ride, check out National Park Gateway’s specialty ride offerings, which run to the Wind River Trail, Lumpy Ridge, and more. Rides go out rain or shine, so you don’t have to worry about the fickle Rocky Mountain weather interfering with your plans.
Jackson Stables
- 9500 2515 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park, CO
- Open from 7:15 am to 6 pm, seven days a week
- jacksonstables.com
Linked to the historic YMCA of the Rockies, Jackson Stables has pony rides for little ones and horseback rides for kids five and up, so the whole family can enjoy a day in the saddle. Trail rides head right into Rocky Mountain National Park, going to Glacier Basin, Wind River, Moraine Park, and other top destinations. More experienced riders can set out on longer guided trips, like a full-day excursion into the park’s remote, rugged backcountry.
Look into Jackson Stables’ custom, guided rides for a more personalized trip. Regardless of your choice, you’ll participate in a time-honored tradition by riding here, as the YMCA Livery dates back to 1911. Though the Livery has since been moved from the national park to its current location, the more-than-century-long history of these stables will fascinate visitors of all ages.
Sombrero Stables
- 1895 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO
- Open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week
- sombrero.com
Don’t want to deal with the crowds inside Rocky Mountain National Park? Book with Sombrero Stables, a 66-year-old company that runs everything from 30-minute horseback rides to a full-fledged cowboy experience. You can even skip the group rides in favor of a private, guided trip on the trails of Estes Park.
Different rides will take you throughout the area, with views of Estes Valley, the Continental Divide, Big Thompson Canyon, and much more. You won’t enter the national park, but the scenery and quietude available at Sombrero Stables will more than make up for it.
Best Time to Go Horseback Riding in Rocky Mountain National Park
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park will depend on your preferences. Most visitors arrive during summer, drawn by our typically sunny weather and higher temperatures. Naturally, summer is a hugely popular season for horseback riding in the park since all trails and roads are typically open at this time of year.
However, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall have their own charms. There will be fewer crowds and less competition to book a guided horseback ride, and you might see spring wildflowers and new greenery or the aspens changing color in fall.
Winters, meanwhile, are obviously very fierce at high-elevation Rocky Mountain National Park. This can lead to potentially dangerous riding conditions, and most outfitters and stables close during the winter. So, unless you’re an experienced rider with your own horses and gear, try to plan your trip for warmer months.
What to Know Before You Go
Though your packing list will depend on exactly when you plan to go horseback riding in Rocky Mountain National Park, you should bring along a few essentials. First, comfortable clothes that won’t chafe you in the saddle are a must, as are closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended, and if you’re going for a long ride, you may want to pack a water bottle and some snacks.
To prepare for our mercurial mountain weather, throw a raincoat or jacket in your suitcase—you don’t want to be caught unprepared in a downpour. As for non-essentials, consider binoculars and cameras to get a closer look at the national park’s famed scenery. You might just spot some wildlife while you’re on the mountain trails.
If you’ve booked a horseback riding trip with an outfitter, double-check their recommendations for any items we may have missed here.
Stay Near the Best Horseback Riding
Ready to ride horses in Rocky Mountain National Park? Whether you’re seeking an overnight trek, a relaxing day ride, or just a short jaunt down the trails, there are numerous options to explore one of America’s greatest national treasures on horseback. Keep an open mind and your cameras ready – there’s no telling what you might see out here.
For a stay close to all the excitement, book your trip at Winter Park House. Our rental properties are a short drive away from the national park and assorted stables, so you won’t be far from the fun.