Take in the sweeping snowy scenery and explore the splendor of the ranch on a winter horseback riding vacation — the best way to truly appreciate Colorado (in between ski runs of course!)
A winter horseback riding vacation at C Lazy U Ranch can be enjoyed by anyone who is old enough to ride a horse. Overnight guests of the Colorado luxury resort are guided through the trails by a knowledgeable wrangler. Guests enjoy the hush of the woods in winter, the crisp air and warm sunshine, and the occasional sighting of Rocky Mountains winter wildlife is always an exciting bonus amidst of tranquil clop-clop, clop-clop of horseshoes on snow.
Outdoor Winter Horseback Riding
Guests of the ranch partake in up to two trail rides per day, each lasting about an hour to an hour and a half, on our specially selected winter trails. Winter rides are always walk-only rides.
Each guest is assigned one of our 200 horses — all equipped with special cleated shoes to prevent slipping — to take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Colorado Rockies on a clear winter day or during a gentle snowfall. The trails, which have been packed down for safety, are peacefully quiet in the wintertime, and you’ll see some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Not only does the snow create some amazing sculptures along the rocky terrain, but you’ll also see parts of the woods that are hidden during other seasons.
The wildlife is one of the best sights of all: animals often hide from humans, especially when traipsing around on snowshoes, but the horses’ scent makes them less shy. You may see majestic herds of elk making their way down the snow-white mountains, a bright red fox foraging for food, or, if you’re lucky, a rare bald eagle soaring through the Colorado sky.
As far as the winter temperature goes, luckily, it doesn’t often get too cold to ride in the Colorado mountains. The sunshine, the horses’ body heat and your own winter gear help keep you warm while riding.
Winter Horseback Riding: Family Vacations
Guests with children enjoy guided family trail rides to make sure they get enough quality time with the kids. Families can saddle up and drink in the Colorado winter sunshine or enjoy a sparkling snowfall — every winter ride is different and wondrously delightful. Grooming Clinics, Feedwagon (feeding hay to the horses in their snow-covered pastures) and Sleigh or Wagon Rides round out the equestrian adventures at the ranch in winter.
For families with young children not yet ready to ride, the ranch offers the Little Ranch Hands program. Scheduled during family horseback rides, this program allows adults and older kids to enjoy the trails worry-free. Meanwhile, the little ones age 3 to 5 are having a blast with experienced counselors and kids their own age, making memories of their own.
If you’re ready to experience a winter vacation in the Colorado mountains, check out our Winter Vacation Packages or contact us today!
Horseback Riding in Other Seasons
Spring & Fall Horseback Riding
We ride year-round at the C Lazy U ranch – Spring and Fall are no exception. Our well-trained horses are ready to hit the trails in any season, so read on to learn what to expect during these two seasons.
Winter Horseback RidingSummer Horseback Riding
Summer is definitely the season with the most horseback riding going on! Adults and children have different riding schedules during Summer Family Weeks, but join up for Family Rides and the Shodeo. Read on to learn all about Summer Horseback Riding Vacations.
Summer Horseback Riding Program
