Experience the true cowboy life on Saddleback Ranch’s authentic cattle drive. Saddle up and learn cattle herding in scenic plains, surrounded by historic trails and wild landscapes.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in reasonable physical shape to handle riding and herding tasks.
Wildlife
History
Saddleback Ranch has been operating since the early 1900s, passing down cattle herding traditions from generation to generation.
Conservation
The ranch participates in conservation efforts by managing land sustainably and promoting wildlife habitat preservation.
Saddleback Ranch
Experience the true cowboy life on Saddleback Ranch’s authentic cattle drive. Saddle up and learn cattle herding in scenic plains, surrounded by historic trails and wild landscapes.
Saddleback Ranch operates near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, offering snow tubing, snowmobile tours, and a picnic horseback ride.
The ranch runs multiple snow tubing options including one‑hour and two‑hour sessions where guests drive themselves, and scheduled two‑hour tubing sessions with shuttle service from the Gondola Transit Center. For families, children four and under ride free on the two‑hour drive‑yourself tubing option.
Snowmobile tours use new, easy‑to‑operate Skidoo machines and range from two‑hour outings to three‑hour adventures. Routes traverse views of the Flattops, Mount Werner, Sleeping Giant, and the Zirkels. Snowmobile experiences include hot chocolate and a freshly baked cookie or similar warm refreshments at headquarters after the ride.
The Picnic Lunch Horseback Ride combines a scenic hour‑long horseback trip to a mountain meadow with a homemade deli picnic lunch and panoramic views. Saddleback Ranch emphasizes safe, guided experiences suitable for a range of abilities and ages. Equipment details, scheduled time slots, transportation options, and parking information are provided at booking to help guests plan.
Saddleback Ranch has become a local choice for winter recreation and outdoor sightseeing from Steamboat Springs because of its variety of guided tours, family‑friendly policies, and on‑site hospitality. Prospective visitors should confirm transportation arrangements for drive‑yourself tubing sessions and review trip descriptions to pick the right length and service level for their group.
Some tubing sessions take place at YeeHaw Tubing Hill with shuttle departures from Gondola Transit Center and scheduled time slots. Guests who drive themselves must arrange transportation from Steamboat Springs and plan for hill parking accordingly.
Location
Steamboat Springs, CO
Base of operations and meeting area
Tours Offered
7
Tubing, snowmobile, horseback picnic
Shuttle Service
Gondola Shuttle
Shuttle from Gondola Transit Center
Family Friendly
Kids welcome
Children 4 & under free (select trip)
Select tubing, snowmobiling, or the horseback picnic — check availability, transportation options, and secure preferred time slots for an unforgettable Steamboat Springs outing.
Arrive early
Getting to the ranch early ensures a full, unhurried experience and time for safety briefings.
Wear sturdy footwear
Hiking boots or work boots are recommended for comfort and safety during cattle herding.
Bring sun protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses keep you comfortable while working outdoors.
Stay hydrated
Bring a water bottle; you'll be active and exposed to the sun for extended periods.
Sturdy riding boots
Provides support and protection during horseback riding and cattle herding.
Wide-brim hat
spring
Sunscreen
summer
Layered clothing
spring;fall