Horseback riding in Breckenridge can be the greatest summer adventure of all. Having a good ride, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, depends entirely on the stable you choose, and the route they take you on.
BRECKENRIDGE STABLES
Breckenridge Stables opens for the summer in mid-May and their season lasts until the end of September. They have over 100 horses, meaning that they can easily match riders and horses based on the rider's ability and age. Their 1.5-hour trail ride takes riders along the Tenmile Range with unparalleled views of the Continental Divide. Breckenridge Stables also offers dinner rides where riders take a 1.5-hour ride to an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet that's complete with live musical entertainment. If you just want to become more accustomed to horseback riding, the stables offer private lessons, too.
ASPEN CANYON DUDE RANCH
At the Aspen Canyon Dude Ranch, located in Silverthorne, riders can opt for 2-hour or full-day rides. These trips travel along the Williams Fork River to the top of Saddle Mountain. Guests can also request a mid-day ride which lasts 3 hours and includes a lunch picnic. The full-day rides last 6 hours and include lunch and an afternoon snack.
RUSTY SPURR RANCH
Sitting on over 2,000 acres in Kremmling (about an hour drive from Breckenridge), the Rusty Spurr Ranch offers several different options for riders. Those interested in a trail ride can opt for 1- to 3-hour rides where, instead of riding nose to tail for the entire ride, guest can ride next to one another or out and about on open terrain. If you want a true dude ranch experience, you can take part in a cattle drive. It involves about 3.5 to 4 hours of riding as you gather and drive the herd across undeveloped land and return to a homemade meal. If you want to make your trip even more exciting, choose the Saddle and Paddle option. In the morning, you'll take a 2-hour trail ride and after, you'll enjoy lunch. Then, you and a guide will head down the Upper Colorado River for a half-day rafting trip.