Crested Butte, Colorado, is a fantastic destination for horseback riding, thanks to its stunning mountainous landscapes and scenic trails. The area surrounding Crested Butte offers a variety of trails suitable for riders of different skill levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians. Horseback riding is a popular outdoor activity in the region, and it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Gunnison Valley.
Here are a few reasons why Crested Butte is a good place for horseback riding:
Scenic Trails: Crested Butte is surrounded by the picturesque Rocky Mountains, and there are numerous trails that provide breathtaking views of alpine meadows, forests, and mountain vistas. Riding through this stunning scenery is a memorable experience.
Experienced Guides: Outfitters in the area offer guided horseback riding tours. These tours are often led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the local flora, fauna, and history, providing an educational and enjoyable experience.
Diverse Terrain: The terrain around Crested Butte offers a diverse range of riding experiences. You can find trails that wind through forests, open meadows, and along mountain streams, providing a variety of environments to explore.
Seasonal Riding: Depending on the time of year, you may have the opportunity to experience horseback riding in different seasons. Summer offers wildflower-filled meadows, while fall brings vibrant foliage, creating unique and beautiful riding experiences.
Options for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, you can find horseback riding options that match your skill level. Outfitters typically have horses suitable for riders of varying abilities.
Before planning your horseback riding adventure in Crested Butte, it’s advisable to check with local outfitters to inquire about trail conditions, availability, and any specific requirements. Additionally, consider making reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot for a memorable horseback riding experience in this scenic mountain town.
Outfitters:
Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures
Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures, located at Mount Crested Butte, offers a variety of horseback riding through the mountains and valleys of the Colorado back-country.
Their specialty is trail rides (1.5 and 2.5 hour) on Snodgrass Mountain from their stables in Mt. Crested Butte.
This ride has a little bit of everything you look for on a mountain trailride. Ride through wildflower fields, cross streams, pass beaver ponds and wind though aspen groves while climbing the mountain.
The 2.5 hour ride includes all of the 1.5 hour ride with an additional loop that take you higher on the mountain to a break spot with an incredible view.
For those who would like a little more adventure we can load the horses in a trailer and head out for a wilderness adventure, like their Oh-Be-Joyful Wilderness Adventure and Rustler’s Gulch Wilderness Ride later (August) in the season.
Fantasy Ranch’s experienced wranglers and horses can show you the time of your life. Your high-mountain horseback fantasies are sure to be fulfilled here.
Web: Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adverntures
Where: 935 Gothic Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81225
Phone: (970) 349-5425
Harmel’s on the Taylor
Harmels on the Taylor is proud to offer Harmels horseback riding. Harmel’s riding program is based on developing your riding skills. They do this by separating guests by age and riding skill whenever possible, then matching them up with one of our experienced horses. Each day Harmels offers six regularly scheduled rides organized by skill level; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The rides vary in length; one hour, two hour, half-day or all-day. Horsemanship lessons are also available.
Every trail ride is through the magnificent and rugged Taylor Canyon and into the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area on some of the same trails used over one hundred years ago by the original pioneers and of course the local wildlife.
Web: Harmels on the Taylor
Riding Details: Here
Where: 6748 County Rd 742, Almont, CO 81210
Phone: (970) 641-1740