THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Garden of the Gods on horseback with Academy Riding Stables’ guided 1-hour scenic ride. Perfect for first-timers and veteran riders alike, this journey reveals Colorado’s dramatic rock formations and wildlife up close.
Discover Garden of the Gods on horseback with Academy Riding Stables’ guided 1-hour scenic ride. Perfect for first-timers and veteran riders alike, this journey reveals Colorado’s dramatic rock formations and wildlife up close.
Book with Academy Riding Stables LLC
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Academy Riding Stables LLC · Colorado Springs, Colorado
Perched on the edge of Colorado Springs, Academy Riding Stables LLC offers a one-hour horseback ride that threads through one of the American West’s most striking natural landmarks: the Garden of the Gods. This stunning public park is famed for its towering sandstone rock formations, sculpted over millennia, rising fiery red against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peak. Known for its dramatic vertical spires and balanced rocks, Garden of the Gods presents an outdoor playground rich with geological history and sweeping panoramas.
The 1 Hour Scenic Ride is a standout opportunity for riders of all skill levels to experience this rugged beauty under the guidance of seasoned cowboys who bring the landscape to life with stories of local flora, fauna, and the park’s cultural heritage. From the moment you mount your horse at Academy Riding Stables, located at 4 El Paso Blvd in Colorado Springs, you embark on a journey that blends the spirit of the West with accessible, family-friendly adventure.
The ride winds along well-maintained trails that pass iconic formations such as the Kissing Camels, Cathedral Spires, and Balanced Rock. Along the way, riders may glimpse mule deer and red-tailed hawks, showcasing the vibrant ecosystem thriving amid the rock faces and Ponderosa pines. The stable’s commitment to safety and education means riders receive helmets and a thorough briefing, ensuring a smooth experience whether it’s your first ride or your tenth.
As a local fixture, Academy Riding Stables enriches visitor appreciation of Garden of the Gods by providing a unique equestrian perspective. With regular rides year-round and flexible scheduling, it’s an ideal outdoor outing that suits beginners to seasoned riders. This ride isn’t just a trip through a remarkable landscape—it’s a chance to connect with Colorado’s wild heart in a way few other tours offer.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most fitness levels; riders should be able to sit upright and hold reins comfortably.
No prior riding experience is required; the tour is suitable for beginners and guided by experienced cowboys.
Yes, helmets are provided and required for all riders for safety.
Riders must be at least 4 feet tall to join the ride.
Yes, minors are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Yes, a $2.75 per person park fee applies in addition to the ride cost.
Wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and dress in layers appropriate for the season.
Garden of the Gods was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971 and has historic significance to the Ute Native American tribe.
Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails to preserve fragile sandstone formations and native plants.
Academy Riding Stables LLC operates guided horseback rides and riding lessons centered on the Garden of the Gods. The stable offers a range of experiences: a two‑hour scenic ride led by experienced cowboys, a one‑hour scenic ride suitable for all skill levels, lead-line pony rides for ages 2 to 7, and private horseback riding lessons focused on riding technique and horse care. Each guided scenic ride follows routes that highlight the Garden of the Gods' rock formations, native flora and fauna, and historical points of interest. Experienced cowboys lead groups with attention to safety, mounting instructions, and comfortable pacing for riders and horses. The two-hour ride provides extended time for photography and exploration; the one-hour ride delivers a concise introduction to riding and landscape viewing. The lead-line kids pony ride is designed specifically for young children aged 2 to 7, with handlers controlling the pony to ensure safety and a positive first riding experience. Private horseback riding lessons cover essential riding techniques, use of various tack, grooming, leading, and building a partnership with the horse under instructor guidance. Academy Riding Stables LLC emphasizes rider safety, horse care, and clear instruction. The business uses experienced staff and structured lesson plans to help beginners gain confidence and provide families with memorable outdoor experiences in a protected, scenic environment. Rides accommodate beginners and experienced riders alike, allowing participants to enjoy interpretive commentary, wildlife viewing, and measured pacing while following established stable procedures and recognized animal welfare practices for safe, educational outdoor experiences together.
Book with Academy Riding Stables LLC