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The Best Horseback riding trails around Denver, Colorado -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Jan 13, 2023 8 min read
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The Best Horseback riding trails around Denver, Colorado -

Colorado is famous for being one the best locations for horseback riding in the US, with many traveling across the country and worldwide to experience the unique landscape and mountain air from the back of a horse. There are options for renting a horse with numerous stables offering Colorado horseback riding experiences. These horses are typically excellently trained and familiar with the terrain the state provides. Alternatively, there are also many options for those wishing to bring their horse with them and immerse themselves in Colorado’s landscape at a pace that suits them.

Denver is highly popular for horseback riding, and there are many options, from beginner trails to those for the more experienced rider. Horseback riding in Denver invariably requires travel outside of the city, but we promise that any trip is worth it for breath-taking scenery, the wind on your back, and a level of horseback riding to meet your needs. Here at Kenna Real Estate Group we aim to provide a summary of the very best trails that Denver has to offer to prospective home buyers that own horses or may rent a horse from a local horse boarding in Denver. We will detail the most notable trails to help equestrian lovers identify what Denver can provide. Read on for the details.

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Bear Creek Stables

This family-friendly stable located in Morrison (approx. 18 miles from Denver) offers a range of options for horseback riding in Denver. They can offer small or large group riding across an area spanning 2600 acres. They offer trails for beginners, those with experience, and everything in between. The owner has over 20 years expertise of providing trail rides and riders are sure to encounter a professional experience in stunning parkland.

12 Mile Stables

Located in Aurora, approximately 17 miles from Denver, 12 Mile Stables offers horseback trails within Cherry Creek State Park. They provide family adventures on horseback with access to 3300 acres with over 27 miles of trails available. Their experienced wranglers can provide families with an exciting horseback journey, tapping into Colorado’s history with a guided, in their words, “authentic Western adventure.” The stables are open all year round making it accessible for all seasons, and they also offer day camps, horse boarding, and a variety of riding lessons.

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Bear Mountain Stables

Adults and children over nine years (4ft) can participate in horseback riding trails around Denver at Bear Mountain Stables. Based in Conifer, which is around 17 miles from metro Denver up Highway 285 south. These stables can provide spectacular scenic trail rides. Bear Mountain is better suited to experienced riders who expect trails of around 1.25 and 1.5 hours in length. Guided rides occur through the conifer pine forest; the stables are famous in the area.

A&A Historical Trails

Based in Central City, which is further out of Denver than some on our list at around 40 miles, the unique experience makes it worth the journey. A&A Historical Trails provide guided and unguided trail riding in locations like gold mines, old cemeteries, casinos, etc. The offering is diverse, and even if none of those locations appeal, riders can ask for a personalized ride where they are in charge of the end target – perfect for those with the ambition to ride somewhere as unique as possible.

Stable on White River – Sombrero Stables

Around 40 miles from Denver Sombrero Stables has an impressive legacy since 1959 for offering guided and unguided horse trails in Colorado. Based in Estes Park, Rocky Mountain ranch land riders can expect well-trained horses, spectacular scenery, and excellent staff to help make for a genuinely memorable horseback riding experience.

Glazier Creek Stables

Being the only stables that can claim to being directly within the Rocky Mountain National Park makes these stables worth the 70+ mile trip. The vast and beautiful landscape can be enjoyed here –all while being 8688ft up. The stables offer 2, 3, and 5-hour trails rated at Easy, Medium, and Advanced so that beginners and experienced riders alike can enjoy what Glazier Creek provides. The stables also guarantee riders a parking spot and times entry to Rocky Mountain National Park and Bear Lake Corridor. Like many Colorado horseback trail stables the season typically opens in May each year and Glazier Creek also adopts this timescale.

Continental Divide Ride

Glazier Creek may also be able to offer riders a unique and challenging riding experience on the infamous Colorado Continental Divide Ride. The route navigates through the Rocky Mountain high county of 26 miles with a vast range of landscape to cover from grass to rock-covered slopes. The weather only makes this route feasible during August, so checking with the stables in advance is paramount to avoid disappointment, especially if it is a bucket list wish.

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

SK Horses – National Park Gateway Stables

Also, it is approximately 70 miles from Denver. As the name suggests, SK Horses is situated at the gateway
of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The stables provides trails for all riding abilities and all ages within either the Rocky Mountain National Park or the Roosevelt National Forest. SK Horses offers guides with a vast knowledge of the area, and there is a trail to suit all types of riders – horses are matched to rider ability, and the stables are an option for families or groups to get together and enjoy a scenic ride. Various rides are available from 30 minutes up to full-day rides. The stables are at the Fall River Entrance, right by the Fall River’s Visitors Centre & Gateway Store.

Rides for Solo Riders in Colorado

Horseback riding opportunities are plentiful in the state for equestrian lovers who want to travel to Colorado for a vacation or those who may be looking to relocate to Colorado. Even if you live in Denver, there would still be many chances to take your horse with you on out-of-town adventures close enough. We would always recommend that anyone setting out on an unguided horseback trail in Colorado lets someone know their plans when to expect them to return, etc. Also, it is essential to research beforehand to know what to expect. Even the most seasoned rider could encounter difficulties, especially for those new to the state.

For example…

Rocky Mountain National Park

Undoubtedly, the Rocky Mountain National Park should always be noticed on the list of the top horseback adventures in Colorado. The park offers something for everyone: stunning scenery and a landscape that the solo rider can journey through safely. Riding by the rivers will set you a reasonable distance to cover. It is truly a unique experience being part of such an impressive and vast space – riding the Rocky Mountain National Park on horseback – is there anything more authentic Colorado than that?

Maroon Bells

Perhaps the most famous image of Colorado is the Maroon Bells and who wouldn’t want to brag
that they had seen them in person let alone with their favorite steed as well? The peaks are worth the ride and an excellent challenge for both horse and rider.

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Chatfield State Park

Some of the finest horseback riding in Denver can be found in Chatfield State Park so we couldn’t not mention this in our list of the best places for riders in Colorado. There are options nearby for guided trails, but those who are more experienced may prefer a more extended trip to Waterton Canyon. There is no better place than Colorado for horse trails – uninterrupted views, tranquillity everywhere, no traffic or drama and the opportunity to step out of the busy daily grind. More and more people are coming to live or vacation in Colorado. Denver is increasingly popular as a destination city that people want to live in. One of the biggest attractions is the outdoors and the opportunities that brings in the state. Backpacking, biking, climbing, camping, hiking, skiing, and horseback riding are all well-established here. There is something to suit the majority, especially equestrian lovers, as the industry is thriving with many excellent stables providing a full range of opportunities to ride.

Explore Horse Property for Sale in Colorado>>>

Colorado Cowboy Culture

The cowboy culture that is inherent in the culture of Colorado is still present in the community now
and it is that connection to history that Colorado visitors can experience. Even those who are looking to move to Colorado from out of state quickly find themselves immersed in the friendly and laid-back air that Colorado folks tend to have.

For more information about buying property in Colorado or moving to Denver with horses, wewould be delighted to help you. Our years of experience and knowledge of the area means that wecan help you find the best balance between relocating to Denver and having access to thestunning riding territory within a reasonable distance.

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Contact Us at Kenna Real Estate Group if you are Buying or Selling Horse Property in Colorado

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.

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