Horses, horses, and more horses!

Summer season activities:

Elk River Guest Ranch horseback ridingAll of our horseback trails allow you to experience the splendor and variety of terrain found in the Rocky Mountains. You'll travel into the forest through lush aspen groves, wildflower studded hillsides and majestic pines where you can delight in fabulous views overlooking the Elk River, the Continental Divide and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. This is an excellent way to spend a few hours or days for individuals, couples, families and large groups.

Morning, afternoon and evening rides are scheduled every day from May 19th through October. Call for times and availability. You will be matched to a beautiful horse suited to your riding ability. You will experience the quiet of the mountains, the roar of the river and an opportunity to witness wildlife in its own domain. Commonly sighted are mule deer, elk, grouse, golden eagles and red-tail hawks. We have also spotted cougar, bear, bald eagles, porcupines, foxes and coyotes.

The Cabins at Elk River Guest Ranch Evening horseback or wagon rides include drinks in the Silhouette Saloon and a bonfire roast of healthy hot dogs, brats and old fashioned s'mores. Full bar service is available after the rides. Guests may not bring their own liquor. Please call to make reservations.


1 hour dinner ride is $55/person, and $20 for a double.
2 hour dinner ride is $70/person, no doubles

Call 970-879-6220 for Reservations!

ONE HOUR RIDE $45/horse $20/double 3-5 years old
Ride through flower studded meadows into an aspen grove passing the Sioux Tepees along the hills overlooking the Elk River and the Continental Divide. This is a great ride for children and those who don't have enough time to enjoy longer rides.

Kids on Horseback at Elk River Guest Ranch TWO HOUR RIDE $60/horse
Ride through a flower studded hillside overlooking the Elk River. Then meander up the mountain through aspens and pines to Outlook Point for a spectacular view of the valley, Continental Divide and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Look back through a giant Aspen grove along a lush streambed that nourishes prolific beds of Columbine and other wild flowers. This is a ride that everyone should do at least once every summer! Cameras are a must. It is absolutely fabulous and fun for both novices and expert riders. No Doubles.

RAFT AND RIDE $125/person
Take an exhilarating ride rafting down the Elk River followed by lunch on the deck of the Elk River Guest Ranch's Silhouette Saloon and finish with a one or two hour horseback ride. This is a great spring time adventure. There are some age limitations depending on the water level of the Elk River. Please call Bucking Rainbow for details and availability on rafting trips at 970-879-8747.

RIDE TO THE BEAVER PONDS $125/horse
This ride includes lunch and is a wonderful way to see a lot of Colorado's High Mountain country. The ride is approximately 4-5 hours. The trail takes you through low, lush meadows and high mountain tops where you'll feel that you're on top of the world. Cameras are recommended. This is a fabulous ride for novices and expert riders. Wranglers leading the ride will ride to the level of the least experienced.

RIDE ON THE OVERLOOK TRAIL $90/horse
Enjoy a beautiful ride through fern and pine forests. Approximately 3 hours including lunch at Overlook Point providing riders with outstanding views and time to stretch their legs. Wranglers will ride to the level of the least experienced.

Horseback Riding at Elk River Guest Ranch PEARL LAKE DAY RIDE $175/horse
This is a great way to spend the day in the wilderness. Experience all the beauty of Colorado's Rockies. The trail leads you through awesome terrain found in North Routt National Forest: lush aspen groves, majestic pines, wild flower blanketed meadows and hillsides. You're likely to observe wildlife along the way. Once you reach your destination of Pearl Lake a delicious lunch will be served. The ride is between 4 to six hours depending on the riders abilities. Wranglers leading the ride will ride to the level of the least experienced. Excellent ride for novice and expert riders.


PRIVATE TWO HOUR RIDE $125/horse
Although led by a wrangler, this is a ride catering to your riding ability. Trotting and cantering are allowed on certain portions of the trail. However, Wranglers will ride to the level of the least experience rider. Great for anyone who wants to enjoy the woods with just their group. Fun for everybody, novice or expert riders.

Private Lesson: $125/horse
The Private Lesson is tailored to the rider's level of experience. It can start from the beginning of catching, grooming and saddling or go straight out to the trail to polish up on old skills. Generally, the private lesson is two hours and begins with some work in the round pen followed by a trail ride to try out new, found skills.

Horse at Elk River Guest Ranch Private All Day ride with lunch: $ 250/horse
This is an incredible way to spend the day and explore the Routt National Forest's lush aspen and fern groves, majestic pines, and wild flower blanketed meadows. Lunch will be served along the way at some fabulous location in the midst of a mountain paradise. The ride is approximately 6 hours in length.

Private Draft Horse Driving Lessons: $125/hour
Learn to drive a team of draft horses. The lesson is tailored to the guest in that it can start with harnessing the horses or go straight into driving the team. 1 hour.

Wagon dinner rides:
$55/adult, $35/child (ages 6-12); $15 lap child (ages 3- 5)

Enjoy a wagon ride in the midst of a mountain paradise destined for a magical place to relax and dine. Start off the evening with delicious hors d'oeuvres in the Silhouette Saloon followed by a lovely wagon ride down the road along the Elk River then loop back through the ranch to enjoy dinner in the Promenade Yard with seating on the deck or festival tent. Great for everyone, large groups, private parties, family reunions, weddings, receptions, etc.


Home | Lodging | Kids Camp | Hunting | Dining | Special Events | Links

E-Mail the Elk River - For brochure requests please include your regular mailing address.

Back to The Colorado Adventure Guide Home Page

Copyright © 2008 - Elk River Guest Ranch - All rights reserved.

Domain Hosting and Web Site Design by Rocky Mountain Tourism LLC