Beaver Meadows Stables — Red Feather Lakes
Guided rides straight into the Roosevelt National Forest, right at Red Feather Lakes. Every ride at Beaver Meadows is private — they never combine separate parties — so whether you’re a first-timer after a relaxing mountain amble or an experienced rider wanting something more spirited, the trail is yours. The most popular rides climb into the forest and splash through a river crossing or two (weather dependent).
The Rides
- 1 hour — $100/person (2 riders) or $85/person (3+). Perfect for beginners and families with young children.
- 1.5 hours (their most popular) — $125 or $110/person. Includes a fun river crossing.
- 2 hours — $150 or $135/person. More scenic views, deeper into the forest, with a river crossing.
- 3 hours — $200 or $185/person. Previous riding experience recommended; call to book.
- 4 hours — $230 or $215/person. Remote forest trails and several river crossings, for experienced riders; call to book.
- Pony rides — $45 per horse per half hour. Self-led around the property for little ones; no reservation needed.
Good to Know
- Open every day, weather permitting. Reservations are recommended.
- Solo riders welcome — call for options.
- Call ahead to confirm age and weight guidelines and what to wear.
100 Beaver Meadows, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545 · (970) 232-8326 · beavermeadowsstables.com
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch — Red Feather Lakes
A small, family-run guest ranch that opens its horses to day visitors year-round by advance reservation. Rides go out in small groups — no more than seven riders per wrangler — with wranglers certified through the Dude Ranchers’ Association. It’s a welcoming place for brand-new riders and a favorite for folks who come back season after season.
The Rides
- 1 hour — $80/person (first-time guests) or $70/person (returning riders).
- 2 hours — $130/person.
- Rides depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., year-round. New riders arrive an hour early for a safety orientation.
Rules & Good to Know
- Ages 8 and up as a rule; younger children are assessed individually on size, coordination, and readiness.
- Weight: the ranch uses a 20% rider-to-horse body-weight standard, and also weighs fitness, core strength, and balance — not just the number.
- Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes are fine; deep-tread hiking boots can catch in stirrups; no sandals). Bring water and sunblock.
- Helmets are provided free for children and encouraged for everyone.
- No backpacks, purses, or cell phones on the trail. No pony rides or double-riding.
- They don’t ride in winds over 20 mph or during thunderstorms. Complete the Rider Profile waiver before you arrive.
17931 W County Rd 74E, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545 · (970) 224-1222 · [email protected] · sundancetrail.com
Tattered Saddle — Stables at Gordon Creek, Livermore
Seasonal rides at the Stables at Gordon Creek, about 35 minutes up from Fort Collins on the Gordon Creek property. Tattered Saddle runs everything from an easy first hour to spirited rides for experienced hands, plus some genuinely fun specialty rides. Their Colorado season runs May through September.
The Rides
- One-hour trail rides — walk, trot, and lope for beginners and up.
- Sunset rides — an evening trail ride as the light goes gold.
- “Scratch & Ride” (cowboy-for-a-day) — mornings only, with an extra half hour built in to groom and saddle your own horse.
- Charcuterie Picnic Ride — a ride out to a catered picnic at a beautifully set table.
- Advanced ride — trotting and loping through the meadows for experienced riders (skills check required first).
- Pony rides for young or nervous children, plus private and custom rides.
Rules & Good to Know
- Ages 6 and up are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult, and each ride has an age and experience level that fits it best.
- Weight: most rides accommodate riders up to 250 lbs; riders between 250 and 300 lbs should call ahead.
- Helmets are required for children (provided at no charge) and available for adults, though not mandatory.
- The experienced-rider rides begin with a quick walk / trot / canter assessment to check balance and control before you head out.
108 Eiger Road, Livermore, CO (Gordon Creek) · (970) 657-5463 · [email protected] · tatteredsaddle.com
→ See Tattered Saddle at Gordon Creek in our local directory
Rides, rates, and seasons are what each ranch published for the 2026 season — always call ahead to confirm current pricing, availability, and requirements before you saddle up.