Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Skip to content

At-A-Glance

Summer
Season:

Summer

Months:

June - Sept

Vail Ranch Experiences

The Vail area is home to many authentic ranches, complete with a Western experience full of family fun! Activities include horseback riding, wagon rides and more!

Piney River Ranch

Piney Ranch is a spectacular 40-acre mountain ranch set on the edge of Piney Lake, at the foot of the Gore Range, just 12 miles outside of Vail.  Be sure to allocate a full day, with traditional ranch activities like horseback riding, fishing, hiking and canoeing or SUPing the lake.  The ranch’s Lodge Restaurant & Bar serves delicious BBQ on a stunning outdoor patio.  Any vehicle can drive the un-paved, gravel road from Vail to Piney Ranch – just take it slow and enjoy the scenery – it’s part of the adventure!

4 Eagle Ranch

4 Eagle Ranch offers an authentic ranch experience full of fun family activities near Vail, just off I-70 at the Wolcott exit.  The special location is built upon a rich western heritage born on the high plains and mountain peaks of the state’s historic past. We invite you to relax and breathe in the natural resources that will help create memories for a lifetime. We have set our expectations high to ensure you’re able to enjoy all that 4 Eagle Ranch has to offer. We provide a unique blend of outdoor activities including Zip Lining, Horseback Riding, 4×4 Jeep, and ATV tours, Wine Tasting and more.

Vail Stables

Located in Vail Village high above Spraddle Creek, Vail Stables offers something for everyone.  The gentle horses, friendly, experienced guides, and awe-inspiring trails await your arrival.  Experience our adorable goats in Goat Yoga, Goats & Wine and Goat Happy Hour.

Bearcat Stables

Bearcat Stables has been providing horseback rides and family fun since 1998, and is a staple and one of the top stables in the Vail Valley. The ranch is nestled along Squaw Creek in Cordillera, about an hour west of Vail, and offers horseback rides ranging from gentle 1 hour rides to all day backcountry rides for the more advanced “cowboy/cowgirl”!

HORSEBACK RIDING INFORMATION

 

Discover More Epic Experiences

Lost Lake Trail Gallery

Sunlight Trail

Pack a picnic for Parker Deck and enjoy taking in panoramic views into Sundown Bowl along Sunlight Trail. Follow clear signage for Sunlight as you traverse through forested slopes, passing by the Kinnickinnick Trail and crossing the Main Vail service road. The final segment of the trail gradually inclines before reaching the official summit of … Continued
Explore More >

Ptarmigan Loop

If you’re a fan of wildflowers and stunning vistas, Ptarmigan Loop trail is a must-visit. Starting from the end of Ridge Route and the peak of the Game Creek ski lift, it winds around Ptarmigan ridge and Ptarmigan Point (at 10,977 feet). This mostly flat loop can be hiked in either direction. Along the way … Continued
Explore More >
A silver gondola with a Vail logo on it heads up the mountain on a series of cables. Green trees and foliage blanket the terrain in the background.

Cabin Trail

Cabin Trail is a moderately steep 2 mile single track trail, which crosses a few small streams along with groves of aspen trees and an abundance of wildflowers. The trail ends at the “Head First” ski run. From there, you can go downhill to the Main Vail dirt road or to get to Vail Village, … Continued
Explore More >
A group of people hiking on a trail with mountains in the background.

Berry Picker Trail

The well-known and loved Berry Picker Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning alpine scenery. Beginning at the base of the Lionshead gondola, the trail winds its way up the east side of the Bwana ski run before delving into the tranquil woods. Despite its initially challenging start, hikers are rewarded with captivating views … Continued
Explore More >
Family hiking through aspens

Strawberry Lane Trail

This alternative beginning of the Berry Picker Trail starts from the Vail Village Gondola One base. Ascend steeply through aspen groves, navigating small streams—some bridged, some not. Mind your step along this slick lower stretch of Strawberry Lane. As you climb the trail, you’ll cross ski runs amidst flourishing wildflowers and eventually reach a pond … Continued
Explore More >
A family of four hikes amongst wildflowers with evergreens and mountains behind them in Vail.

Meadows Loop Trail

Meadows Loop Trail offers a scenic 2.5-mile journey through alpine meadows and forests. Purchase a Scenic Gondola Ticket and ride Gondola One from the Village up to Mid-Vail. The trailhead will be on your right. Hikers, bikers, and trail runners can enjoy wildflowers, tranquil lakes, and panoramic views of Holy Cross Wilderness. Keep an eye … Continued
Explore More >
group hiking

Shrine Ridge Trail

Shrine Ridge Trail begins at the trailhead located off I-70, leading hikers through lush alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Mount of the Holy Cross. The trail is categorized as intermediate, with some … Continued
Explore More >

Grand Escape Trail

The Grand Escape Trailhead begins at the top of Wildwood Express Lift area. This moderately challenging and well-marked trail promises breathtaking alpine scenery and panoramic views of the surrounding Gore Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for native wild flowers and wild life all along the way.
Explore More >
autumn landscape with chairlift

Kinnickinnick Trail

From the top of Gondola One at Mid-Vail, towards the 10th Restaurant, there will be a a skinny path uphill to the Kinnickinnick Trailhead alongside Meadows Loop Trail. The initial stretch winds uphill, intersecting several ski runs amidst blooming meadows. Despite occasional steep segments early on, the trail mellows out after crossing several small mountain … Continued
Explore More >

Related Posts

4 Ways to Experience Colorado’s Farm-to-Table Flavors in Vail

Five people gather around a table placed outdoors in Vail, CO, and dine on colorful plates of food with the rushing Gore Creek behind them.

Midweek Travel: 5 Secrets for a Memorable Vail Vacation

A family of four sits around a wooden table in an outdoor dining area in Vail, Colorado, and sample tasty fondue and pretzels.

Colorado Animals Guide: Wildlife Viewing & Safety Tips

A moose stands with a calf in a lush green space surrounded by pine trees in the background. Pink and purple wildflowers pepper the long grass in Vail, Colorado.

10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Vail, Colorado Summer Vacation

A family of five stands close together with their arms around each other as they watch a blazing sunset on a rocky outcropping in Vail, Colorado.

Vail Off-Road Adventures: Colorado Jeep & ATV Tours

Pine trees in Vail with mountain background landscape

Only in Vail: Unique Things to Do in Colorado in the Summer

Woman walking with a Llama in a Vail wildflower field.

Restore the Gore

Water softly flows around rocks in Vail's Gore Creek. On the creek's shore, sunlight starts to reveal green trees and grassy banks.