Experience guided trail rides through the snowy Rocky Mountains at C Lazy U Ranch — Colorado’s premier all-inclusive luxury dude ranch.
- Up to 2 guided rides daily (45 minutes – 1.5 hours each) on two trail areas the ranch maintains just for winter riding.
- Most of the ranch’s 200+ horses are barefoot in the winter and enjoying well-deserved time off; leaving about 50 horses with special winter cleated shoes who have proven trustworthy in deep, snowy footing.
- All winter rides are walk-only and are always paced for the horse and rider with the least experience or ability
- Winter rides are family rides, with guests aged 6 and up invited to sign up for guided tours of the winter ranch landscape.
A winter horseback riding vacation is the best way to truly appreciate the Colorado Rockies in their quietest, most beautiful season. Overnight guests of the luxury resort are guided through the trails by knowledgeable wranglers, enjoying the hush of the woods in winter, the crisp air and warm sunshine, and the occasional sighting of Rocky Mountains winter wildlife — always an exciting bonus amidst the tranquil clop-clop, clop-clop of horseshoes on snow.
Winter Horseback Riding: What to Expect
- No horseback riding on check-in and check-out days.
- Winter rides are walk-only for the safety of both horses and guests. If you want to trot or lope, we recommend visiting May–October, when trail riding is more active.
- Most trails are closed in winter, but we maintain two trail areas for rides ranging 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you want to explore more of the ranch’s 8500+ acres in the winter you may wish to consider a snowmobile tour.
Guided Trail Rides Through the Rocky Mountains
Guests of the ranch partake in up to two trail rides per day, each lasting about 45 minutes to an hour and a half, on our specially selected winter trails. Winter rides are always walk-only rides, a “nose-to-tail” experience, emphasizing safety and horse welfare.
Each guest is assigned one of our 50 winter-working 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.
Wildlife & Winter Riding Conditions
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.
Trail rides are canceled in high winds or extremely cold temperatures, though Colorado sunshine usually makes this rare. The sunshine, the horses’ body heat and your own winter gear help keep you warm while riding.
Riders should come prepared with winter riding gear:
- Long underwear, jeans or snow pants
- Pack or snow boots with a heel (no flat sneakers or standard snow boots)
- Gloves, hats, scarves
Indoor Arena – Winter Months
During winter, the indoor arena serves multiple purposes:
- Groundwork/round pen clinics for communication and horsemanship skills
- Daily grooming clinics
- Guest events, including BBs, Hatchets, and Archery
- Pony Rides
- Nightly events or entertainment
- Veterinarian, dental and farrier work
For the safety of everyone, we do not offer riding in the indoor arena for guests. (You may see members working their own horses or wranglers working project horses.)
Family-Friendly Winter Ranch Vacations
Guests with children age 6 and up 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 old enough 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. We always have a selection of well-trained horses ready to hit the trails in any season, so read on to learn what to expect during these two seasons.
Spring & Fall 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
