What is the minimum age for riders?

Family rides are open to children 7 years and older, with private rides available for younger children.

Are helmets provided?

Yes, helmets are provided for all riders and their use is strongly encouraged for safety.

Can I trot or gallop during the ride?

Uphill trotting is allowed within reason on this ride, adding excitement while maintaining safety.

Is prior horseback riding experience required?

Basic riding ability and comfort on horseback are recommended, but beginners can join with the guided group ride.

What should I bring on the ride?

Bring long pants, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Helmets and hats are provided.

How do I get to Vail Stables if I’m not driving?

A shuttle service is available from the Vail Transportation Center; texting ahead can arrange pickup.

Mountain Horseback Rides with Vail Stables

Located in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Vail Stables offers a standout 2-hour group horseback riding experience that immerses riders in dynamic alpine landscapes rarely matched in accessibility or beauty. Set along trails thick with towering Cow Parsnip—whose broad leaves and white flower clusters rise above the horses—the ride threads through forested pockets dotted with vibrant wildflowers, including patches of rare Monkshood that thrive only here. The course balances gentle uphill trots with steady, scenic stretches, granting riders a chance to feel the rhythmic pulse of horse and mountain.

This guided ride is designed for ages 7 through 99, making it perfect for family groups or outdoor enthusiasts seeking a moderate yet invigorating adventure. Beyond the trail itself, riders are treated to lookout points where the panoramic views extend across alpine meadows, beetle-killed tree stands, and pockets of fresh regrowth—offering a striking contrast between nature’s cycles of destruction and renewal. These vistas are an irresistible call to photographers eager to capture the rugged tranquility of the Rockies.

Vail Stables provides helmets and even loaner cowboy hats for a touch of western flair, complementing the hands-on staff who guide the ride with safety and local knowledge at the forefront. The operation’s location in Vail, Colorado, situates it perfectly for visitors based in this renowned mountain destination.

What sets Vail Stables apart is its dedication to providing authentic mountain horseback riding that goes beyond typical trail rides — including allowed uphill trotting within reason, and no two trips sharing the same route. The result is an unmatched outdoor experience blending physical engagement with moments of quiet contemplation amid one of America’s most treasured landscapes.