Daily Horseback Trail Rides
Horseback Riding Trail Rides Near Fort Collins, CO
Looking for unforgettable horseback riding trail rides near Fort Collins, CO? Sundance Trail Guest Ranch offers guided rides through the stunning Roosevelt National Forest, just a short drive from Fort Collins.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to horseback riding, our ranch provides the perfect setting for your next adventure.
Year-Round Horseback Riding Trail Rides
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch is your go-to destination for horseback riding trail rides near Fort Collins, CO. We offer guided day horseback riding near Fort Collins year-round, so you can experience the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness in any season.
Whether you’re seeking a serene winter horseback ride or a summer trail adventure, our rides are perfect for experiencing the natural beauty of Colorado in every season.
Flexible Scheduling: Choose from morning or afternoon rides, with departures at 10 am and 2 pm (riders new to the ranch will need to arrive one hour early for safety orientation).
Small Group Sizes: Enjoy a personalized experience with group sizes limited to 7 riders per wrangler.
Customized Rides: For those wanting a longer excursion, we offer extended trail rides tailored to your preferences.
Preparation for New Riders
If you’re new to horseback riding trail rides at the ranch, we’ve got you covered. New riders should plan for about an hour of preparation before hitting the trails.
When you arrive, you’ll participate in our “Dreaded Dreadful Safety Lecture,” a once-in-a-lifetime discussion on horse instincts and communication that ensures you’re ready for your ride. You’ll also practice starting, stopping, and steering your horse in the arena to make sure you’re comfortable before leaving for the trail.
This preparation time is complimentary—you’re only billed for your trail riding time.
Family-Friendly Horseback Riding
Looking for a horseback riding in Colorado that the whole family can enjoy? Our ranch welcomes riders of all ages, ensuring that children can safely participate in our trail rides. We prioritize safety and provide helmets at no extra cost.
- Safety First: We carefully assess each child’s readiness for trail riding and offer an introductory session to ensure they’re comfortable.
- Quality Time Together: Share unforgettable moments with your kids as you explore our scenic trails.
Affordable Rates for Horseback Trail Rides
You might be wondering, “how much does horseback riding cost?”
If you’re searching for affordable horseback trail rides near Fort Collins, Colorado, look no further than Sundance Trail Guest Ranch.
Rates start at just $70 per person for the first hour, and $60 per person, per hour for each additional hour.
Returning guests enjoy a special rate of $60 per hour.
Horseback Trail Riding Safety
- Please dress properly. Long pants and closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes are ok, sandals are NOT! Hiking boots with big waffles can get stuck in the stirrup).
- Wear sun block!
- Bring your water bottle!
- We do not take backpacks, purses, etc. on the trail.
- Cell phones must be put in silent during the duration of your horseback ride.
- We do not “pony” horses (an adult riding one horse while leading another carrying a child).
- We do not allow “double riding” on one horse (for the same reason we now use seat belts in cars).
- We do not ride when winds are >20 mph, temperatures less than 30 degrees, or during thunderstorms.
- We do ride in light rain and snow.
- All rides are led by a qualified wrangler who has attended (and is certified by) the Dude Rancher Association Wrangler Safety Program.
- All of our wranglers are expert photographers and will be happy to take pictures of you and your horses.
Horseback Rider Size
- We have a limited number of “plus size” horses who are comfortable carrying plus sized people.
- We do not have strict restrictions or rules, but do recognize the rider:horse body weight standard of 20%.
- This is both a question of weight and a question of athleticism, skill, core strength, balance and reflexes.
- We understand that BMI tables do not tell the whole story.
- At the same time we have a moral obligation to protect our horses health and well being, and reserve the right to decline riders who are too big for the horses available.
- If we decline, the rider will be offered a full refund of your deposit.
Children on Horseback
To ride outside the arena, children must be mature and large enough to safely control their horse on the trail — we look at the child’s size, coordination, and attitude on horseback
We provide helmets for our young riders at no charge, and we strongly encourage parents to helmet their children.
Riding “double” is extremely dangerous, and is not practiced here.
We do not have hard and fast rules for children by age. We assess the child’s size, coordination and attitude.
- Almost all girls at age 10 are ready to control their 1,000 pound animals.
- About half of boys at age 10 are ready.
- Most, but not all 11 and 12 year old boys are ready.
- If you bring children in this age bracket, who are not ready, we will refund your deposit or ride inside the arena, as you prefer.
Horseback Trail Riding Rates:
- New Guests (First Ride): Enjoy one or two-hour rides at $70.00 per hour per person.
- Return Guests: Benefit from our loyalty discount with one or two-hour rides at $60.00 per hour per person (15% off).
Cancellation Policy
If we cancel your reservation because of weather (or any other reason), you may either receive a full refund of your deposit or keep your deposit on account for a future date or convert your deposit to a Trail Riding Gift Certificate.
If you cancel before your scheduled ride, you may:
- Request refund of your deposit less a 10% nuisance fee or
- Keep your deposit on account for a future date
- Convert your deposit into a Horse Riding Gift Certificate.
No Show: In the event that you do not show. You will be billed the full rate for your reservation.
A portion of our sales is shared with Homeward Alliance to help empower individuals who face homelessness to survive, move forward, and thrive.
We are an equal family dude ranch vacation opportunity employer and provider, authorized by special use permit on the Roosevelt National Forest.
