Experience a Colorado Horseback Riding Vacation Second To None.
Experience the spirit of the West with a Colorado horseback riding vacation at 4UR Ranch. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the saddle, our expertly trained horses and knowledgeable wranglers will guide you through breathtaking mountain trails, open meadows, and scenic river valleys. Explore the ranch on horseback and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Colorado’s rugged beauty.
Your Horseback Riding Vacation Awaits!
…the best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse…” This often quoted statement has been attributed to everyone from Winston Churchill to Will Rodgers and Ronald Reagan. Here at the 4UR Ranch we believe it’s true and has been for as long as our historic ranch has been welcoming guests.
There’s much we can say about our love of horses and our horsemanship program at our Colorado ranch. From helping a child into the saddle for the first time, to teaching an experienced rider how horses talk to each other, our wranglers are committed to making your vacation at the 4UR Ranch one of the best times you’ll have with a horse.
Our Facilities and Property
Between our outdoor arena, obstacle course, and extensive trail system, you’ll find ways to improve your riding skills or simply become comfortable in the saddle on your Colorado horseback riding vacation at the 4UR Ranch.
Arena work: We have two outdoor arenas on property which we use to assess your riding ability and introduce you to our horsemanship program. These are also great places for you to work on more personalized instruction with a wrangler.
Obstacle Course: Our short obstacle course is a great way to test your skills and gain greater confidence in the saddle. With our wranglers steady instruction you will learn how to travel over low logs, through streams, up and down steep banks, and open a gate from the back of your horse.
Trails: We have an extensive network of mountain trails which traverse deep into the Rio Grande National Forest and offer stunning views overlooking the Rio Grande Rift, the Goose Creek Valley, and beyond. All trail rides depart directly from 4UR Ranch property which borders BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Wilderness lands. With so many trail options available to our wranglers we can ensure that you’re able to take a ride best fitted to your interests. Whether it’s a short ride for an hour, or a more ambitious day-long ride into the high country, the terrain of the 4UR Ranch can accommodate a wide variety of interests and adventures.
Let’s get the kids on a horse!
Wooley Buggers Program: There’s nothing like seeing your children saddle up on a horse and gaining confidence in the arena before heading out onto the trails. They’ll be expertly paired with a horse that they ride every day of the program. Our experienced Wranglers work hands-on with kids of all skill levels to advance their riding, whether they’ve never been on a horse or are experienced riders. And all of their hard work pays off Thursday mornings when the “Kids Rodeo” takes center stage in the arena complete with barrel racing, pull the ribbon off the goats tail, pie eating, Junior Wrangler graduation, and even a few rodeo clowns.
Junior Wrangler Program: For those kids wanting deeper knowledge and instruction in horsemanship, we have our Junior Wrangler program providing one on one time with wranglers. This is a more individualized time when kids learn to saddle, bridle, and groom the horse. The wranglers will share with them knowledge of feeding, health, communication, and herd behavior.
Weekly Riding Schedule
Each week, we offer a variety of horseback rides for you to enjoy. Morning rides typically leave between 9 am and 10 am, and afternoon rides between 2 pm and 3 pm. Our wranglers are flexible and happy to accommodate guest requests throughout the week, making us one of the top rated Colorado horseback riding vacations available.
Monday: Guests wishing to ride during their stay are asked to attend the “Meet Your Horse” gathering in the arena at 9 am. This is an opportunity to meet our wranglers and learn about our natural horsemanship program, where riders and horses are paired for the week. Our program emphasizes the bond between horse and rider, making the rider an active participant in communication and teamwork.
Tuesday: Tuesday is the “Breakfast Ride,” a guest favorite! Riders saddle up early to cross Wild Flower Mesa with views of the Rio Grande Palisades, then descend into Pierce Creek Meadow for a Chuckwagon Breakfast. After breakfast, riders can continue into the Aspen forest or take the shorter route back for fishing or relaxing by the pool.
Wednesday: For those who want to stay in the saddle longer, the all-day Wednesday “Lunch Ride” is perfect for more enthusiastic riders.
Thursday: Thursday mornings begin with the “Kid’s Rodeo” at the arena. After a week of working in the Wooley Boogers Program, kids show off their skills in barrel racing, pie-eating contests, and goat-tail ribbon pulling. Later in the afternoon, advanced riders can enjoy the “Steak Ride,” which departs around 4:30 pm and heads up the river to an outdoor steak dinner. After dinner, enjoy a campfire, s’mores, and a cowboy sing-along.
Friday: Friday offers two trail ride options. The Table Rock Ride is for advanced riders who are comfortable with heights, winding through forests, narrow hillsides, and reaching one of the highest points accessible by horseback, offering breathtaking views of the ranch and the Continental Divide. For others, a ride through the lower meadows and across Goose Creek offers a more relaxed experience. Both rides conclude at the Fish Fry picnic, a favorite tradition with trout sizzling over an open fire and cold beer. After lunch, you can either saddle up for one last ride or let the wranglers trailer your horse back to the barn as you relax with family or friends.
Where the West Comes Alive on Horseback
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian, horseback riding at the 4UR Ranch offers an unforgettable way to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains. Our experienced wranglers guide you through scenic trails, across open meadows, and along peaceful streams, creating the kind of ride you’ll remember forever.
There’s something timeless about exploring the Rockies on horseback. It’s not just an activity, it’s a way to truly experience the spirit of the West.
Watch our horseback riding video and imagine yourself in the saddle, surrounded by breathtaking beauty and the quiet rhythm of the trail.