At A Glance
Months:
June - Sept
Vail Ranch Experiences & Stables
Whether you want to go for a scenic trail ride or stay at a Colorado dude ranch, one of the top summer things to do in Vail is a Western experience full of family fun. The area is home to authentic ranches and stables that will get you in the saddle and ooze rustic charm.
4 Eagle Ranch, near Wolcott (25 miles from Vail)
This authentic guest ranch offers family-friendly adventure just off I-70 at the Wolcott exit. Rooted in Colorado’s rich Western heritage, 4 Eagle Ranch sits amid mountain peaks with sweeping vistas that paint a picture-perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. Lodging options include well-appointed bedrooms within the Homestead House, six safari-style glamping tents and short-term RV sites. Enjoy a blend of outdoor activities and ranch staples, from horseback riding, ziplining, 4×4/ATV tours and fly fishing to horse-drawn wagon ride dinners and lively country dances.
Piney River Ranch (12 miles from Vail)
Piney River Ranch is a lovely mountain guest ranch set on 40 acres along the shores of Piney Lake. Surrounded by the Gore Range, it’s a place where you can spend a joy-filled day fishing, hiking the Upper Piney River Trail or canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding across the calm alpine water. The ranch offers cozy lodging in six cabins and three glamping tents, perfect for unforgettable nights under star-strewn skies. The Lodge Restaurant & Bar serves mouthwatering barbecue — sit on the outdoor patio framed by towering peaks. Getting there doesn’t require four-wheel drive, but note that you’ll need to take it slow on the unpaved Red Sandstone Road.
Vail Stables (1 mile from Vail)
Perched high above Spraddle Creek yet just minutes from the heart of Vail Village, Vail Stables delivers a family-friendly mountain experience that feels worlds away. This scenic haven is one of the best places for Vail horseback riding, with gentle, well-cared-for horses and knowledgeable guides who lead guests on a variety of trail rides into White River National Forest, from one-hour trips perfect for kids to adults-only outings. Vail Stables also delights visitors of all ages with its famously charming goat encounters: GOGA (aka Goat Yoga) and Happy G.O.A.T. Hour. Share your mat with entertaining baby goats while you move through asanas, or pet, feed and play with the adorable animals as you sip an adult beverage.
Bearcat Stables, near Edwards (20 miles from Vail)
Bearcat Stables has been creating unforgettable horseback adventures and family fun since 1998, earning its reputation as one of the top stables in the Vail Valley. This picturesque outpost offers a true taste of Colorado’s beauty, where riders of all ages can saddle up and traverse open meadows, aspen groves and mountain ridges. Families can choose from offerings like a gentle one-hour introduction perfect for younger riders, leisurely half-day exploration, full-day backcountry journeys for the more advanced cowboy or cowgirl and even multi-day pack trips that venture deep into the Rocky Mountains for a true Old West experience.
FAQs About Vail Ranches in Colorado
What Are the Best Summer Things to Do in Vail at Ranches?
Top summer ranch experiences in the Vail area include scenic horseback rides, canoeing or paddling on mountain lakes and overnight stays in cozy cabins or glamping tents. You can also enjoy classic Western fun like wagon rides and hearty ranch-style meals.
Are There Colorado Dude Ranches Near Vail?
A dude ranch typically provides all-inclusive stays that are geared toward longer visits (often a full week). There are ranches around Vail that have lodging and dining options, but aren’t all-inclusive. However, they offer similar activities and Western charm.
What Should I Bring or Wear to a Ranch in Vail?
It depends on the activities you plan to do, but one rule of thumb is to dress in layers so you can adapt to any rapidly changing weather in the mountains. A rain or lightweight jacket is recommended, and you’ll want closed-toe shoes for horseback riding. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat and/or sunglasses.
