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 arenas, obstacle course, and extensive trail system, you’ll find plenty of ways to sharpen your riding skills or simply get comfortable in the saddle.
Arena work: Two outdoor arenas let us assess your riding ability, introduce our horsemanship program, and provide personalized instruction with a wrangler.
Obstacle Course: A short course to build skill and confidence — with steady wrangler instruction, you’ll learn to cross low logs and streams, navigate steep banks, and open a gate from the saddle.
Trails: An extensive network winds deep into the Rio Grande National Forest, with stunning views of the Rio Grande Rift, the Goose Creek Valley, and beyond. All rides depart directly from the ranch, which borders BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and Wilderness lands — giving our wranglers endless options to match your interests, whether a short hour-long ride or an ambitious day-long trek into the high country.
Let’s get the kids on a horse!
Wooley Buggers Program: There’s nothing like watching your kids saddle up, gain confidence in the arena, and head out onto the trails. Each is paired with a horse they’ll ride every day of the program, and our experienced wranglers work hands-on with all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned riders. It all culminates Thursday mornings at the “Kids Rodeo,” with barrel racing, goat-tail ribbon pulling, pie-eating, Junior Wrangler graduation, and a few rodeo clowns.
Junior Wrangler Program: For kids wanting deeper horsemanship instruction, this program offers one-on-one time with wranglers — learning to saddle, bridle, and groom a horse, along with 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: Meet at the arena at 9 am for “Meet Your Horse” — meet our wranglers, learn our natural horsemanship program, and get paired with a horse for the week, built on the bond between horse and rider as active partners.
Tuesday: The “Breakfast Ride,” a guest favorite — cross Wild Flower Mesa with views of the Rio Grande Palisades, then descend to Pierce Creek Meadow for a chuckwagon breakfast. Continue into the aspen forest or head back for fishing or 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: Mornings bring the “Kid’s Rodeo,” where Wooley Boogers kids show off a week’s skills in barrel racing, pie-eating, and goat-tail ribbon pulling. Afternoons, advanced riders can join the “Steak Ride” up the river for an outdoor steak dinner, campfire, s’mores, and a cowboy sing-along.
Friday: Two trail options. The Table Rock Ride suits advanced riders comfortable with heights, climbing to one of the highest points reachable by horseback with sweeping views of the ranch and Continental Divide. A gentler ride crosses the lower meadows and Goose Creek. Both end at the Fish Fry picnic — trout over an open fire, cold beer — then one more ride or a trailer back to the barn to relax.
Where the West Comes Alive on Horseback
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian, horseback riding at the 4UR Ranch is an unforgettable way to connect with nature — fresh mountain air, sweeping views of the San Juans, and experienced wranglers guiding you through scenic trails, open meadows, and peaceful streams.
There’s something timeless about exploring the Rockies on horseback. It’s not just an activity — it’s a way to experience the spirit of the West.
Watch our horseback riding video and picture yourself in the saddle, surrounded by breathtaking beauty and the quiet rhythm of the trail.