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Discover a magical holiday horse-drawn ride through scenic meadows and a Christmas tree forest in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Cozy up with cookies, cocoa, and a bonfire at The Claus Cookie Hut and meet Santa himself!
Discover a magical holiday horse-drawn ride through scenic meadows and a Christmas tree forest in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Cozy up with cookies, cocoa, and a bonfire at The Claus Cookie Hut and meet Santa himself!
Book with Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides · Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Located in scenic Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the Santa Ride offers a unique holiday experience that brings outdoors lovers and families together for a festive journey through winter’s quiet beauty. This horse-drawn ride travels across a picturesque meadow and winds through an enchanting Christmas tree forest, creating a memorable seasonal adventure that stands out in the San Juan Mountains region.
What sets this trip apart is its charming blend of natural beauty and festive spirit. As you settle under provided blankets and set off on the gentle clip-clop of the horses’ hooves, you’ll be immersed in the calm of snow-dusted evergreens and crisp mountain air. The route navigates a classic Colorado outdoor scene: open meadow spaces dotted with frost-covered grasses and towering, fragrant firs. This peaceful ride offers a refreshing contrast to traditional winter activities, letting you savor the quiet magic of the forest in holiday garb.
The destination, The Claus Cookie Hut, heightens the enchantment with warm hospitality. Mrs. Claus greets riders with freshly baked cookies and steaming hot cocoa by a cozy bonfire, making it perfect for warming up after your outdoor journey. There’s also a special moment to meet Santa Claus himself, with photo opportunities to capture the joy and wonder of the season. This combination of festive interaction and outdoor calm makes the Santa Ride an exceptional option for visitors craving an outdoor experience wrapped in seasonal warmth.
Pagosa Springs offers a rare mountain town blend of outdoor adventure and welcoming small-town charm. While famous for its hot springs and hiking trails, the inclusion of holiday-themed experiences like the Santa Ride deepens its appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts staying nearby. This event is not only a seasonal highlight but also a heartfelt way to connect with Colorado’s winter landscape without requiring advanced skills or high exertion.
Whether you’re local or traveling through Southwestern Colorado in winter, the Santa Ride creates timeless family memories set in the vibrant outdoors. With group-friendly scheduling, blankets provided for warmth, and a scenic route accessible even to riders new to horses, it stands as a uniquely cozy winter adventure.
For travelers staying in Pagosa Springs looking to add a festive twist to their outdoor itinerary, this ride is an ideal pick. It combines recreational calm, meaningful holiday moments, and the enduring charm of Colorado’s forested winterlands into a one-hour journey worth experiencing each holiday season.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; no riding experience needed
No, the ride is horse-drawn and guided, so riders do not need any prior horseback riding skills.
There are no strict age limits, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Santa Ride continues rain, snow, or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Yes, blankets are supplied to keep guests warm throughout the hour-long experience.
Cookies and hot cocoa are included at The Claus Cookie Hut as part of the experience.
No, drivers rely on tips; cash or Venmo gratuities are appreciated but not mandatory.
Pagosa Springs sits within the ancestral lands of the Ute people and has been a mountain destination since the late 19th century.
The Santa Ride supports low-impact tourism by limiting group size and keeping natural areas pristine during winter activities.
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is a Pagosa Springs, Colorado-based operator offering horse-drawn wagon and carriage experiences on a private ranch setting. The business provides a range of guided experiences: one-hour Public Scenic Rides, Public Wagon Rides, Private Scenic Rides and Private Carriage Rides; a seasonal Colorfest Breakfast Ride paired with breakfast at Elk Trace Bed and Breakfast; a Sweetheart's Special for Valentine’s Day; and a 1.5-hour Campfire Roast family social. Rides pass through mountain vistas, meadows, ponderosa pine forests, and lakes, as described in each trip summary. Guests meet and interact with draft horses and the driver before departure. Many tours include a warm or refreshing beverage, and some evening rides feature special lighting for enhanced atmosphere. Private Scenic Rides can accommodate groups of up to 20 guests. Colorfest offerings include a morning ride and a breakfast at Elk Trace Bed and Breakfast, with live piano or other live music included in certain events. The Sweetheart's Special combines a scenic ride with charcuterie and sparkling beverages at Elk Trace Bed & Breakfast followed by a ride through ponderosa forest. Guests are welcome to take photographs during and after rides to capture group moments and landscapes. Bookings are available as public or private tours to suit both single-party visitors and groups seeking exclusive rides. All information reflects the specific trips and details provided for Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides.
Book with Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides