If you plan a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park, you will want to include Estes Park horseback riding in your itinerary. Here are 9 pictures that will leave you wondering why you haven’t already booked this outdoor activity.
Estes Park horseback riding is an activity you won’t want to miss when visiting this town in northern Colorado. There is nothing more relaxing than trotting through Rocky Mountain National Park on horseback. Listen to the sounds of nature and soak up the beautiful views around you. These photographs are from a trip to Estes Park with a group of friends. There are amazing photo ops that result from horseback riding in Colorado. I hope you enjoy it!
These 9 photos will inspire your next trip to Estes Park by showing you where I booked my horse ride, tips for new riders, and photo opportunities to consider.
This post is all about Estes Park Horseback Riding
#1: Best Horseback Riding in Estes Park
SK Horses offers the best experience for Estes Park Horseback riding. Book a guided tour that departs every hour between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from National Park Gateway Stables. Female-owned and managed, SK Horses has more than 45 years of experience in business of horse guided tours. The stables sit at the base of the Rocky Mountains, where a dozen gentle, well-cared-for horses drink water and wait to greet their next rider.
#2: Estes Park horseback riding tours – cost for popular tour
As soon as you pull into National Park Gateway Stables, you are experiencing their genuine Western Hospitality and cowboy culture. The cost of the two-hour tour into Rocky Mountain national park is 80 dollars per person, and this is their most popular tour. The website asks that you call ahead of time to book a tour. They will take your name and party size for the reservation, but no payment is taken until the tour day.
#3: Estes Park Horseback Riding Stables – western hospitality
You want to let the staff at the stable know who from your group has experience riding horses and who does not. The horse wranglers pair you up with the horse you are best suited to handle. All of their horse are well behaved, but the added touch of selecting your horse is a nice detail.
I told her I had some experience, and she paired me with Chico. She said this horse tended to wander off the trail, but she trusted me to reel in Chico when needed. She also placed me at the back of the line, which was a good spot because I could slow down when I wanted to snap a picture without holding back other riders.
#4: Estes Park Horse Ride – what to wear
Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes when riding horses. Jeans are an excellent option for protecting your legs. I also recommend you take a breathable shirt and a light jacket on top if it gets cold. I started my tour at 9 a.m., and I found that I did not need a sweater on the ride because you were exposed to warm sunlight throughout the time. These horseback riding pictures were taken in early September, a great way to spend the last days of summer.
I highly recommend the 9 a.m. tour time. A gentle horseback ride through the Rockies is one heck of a way to start the day.
#5: Rocky Mountain National Park Horse Back Riding – scenic views
Horseback riding is a heritage of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s also the best way to get the most incredible views of these breathtaking mountains. You will be surrounded by lush green trees as you travel around the park. You will reach remote areas that only a horse can maneuver through.
#6: Estes Park Horse Trail Rides – fun and safe
This horse’s name is Flirt! I think they call him that at SK Horses because he kept turning back to give me this inviting look. If you are a new rider like my friend pictured here, there is nothing to be nervous about. All of the horses walk at a very comfortable pace at National Gateway Stables.
You will most likely book a guided tour. AT SK Horses, the tour guide occasionally stops the riders to check on everyone. Tour guides come around to ensure that your straps are secure; they check in on the horse and point out points of interest.
I could not hear the tour guide when she was talking to the people upfront. I was at the very back of the line. It’s a good thing I brought a Bluetooth speaker. I was able to play music quietly as I rode through the Rocky’s on my horse, Chico.
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#7: Horseback Riding Colorado
Experiencing Rocky Mountain National Park on horseback gives you the ability to cover more ground than hiking. From my experience, hiking can become a tiring, all-day excursion. But horse riding tours are two hours, six hours, or an all-day (eight to nine hours) activity. You decide! One thing is sure, you will end your horse ride with a smile on your face. When it comes to Estes Park, this is one of the most beautiful areas of Colorado.
If you plan a group trip, share this with your friends to get everyone excited for Estes Park Horseback Riding.
