Quick answer: Estes Park has two long-standing horseback riding outfitters worth knowing about: Jackson Stables, the concessionaire operating on the YMCA of the Rockies property with guided trail rides into Rocky Mountain National Park (no YMCA membership required), and Sombrero Stables, operating since 1958 and once named one of Forbes’ “5 great places to ride in America.” Both offer guided rides from one hour to several hours, suitable for first-timers and experienced riders alike.
Few activities capture the spirit of the Colorado high country quite like a guided trail ride, and Estes Park has been a horseback riding destination for generations. Whether your group is staying at YMCA of the Rockies or just looking for a classic Western experience during a visit, these two stables cover the range of what’s available.
Jackson Stables: Riding Right from YMCA of the Rockies
Jackson Stables operates as the official livery concessionaire on the grounds of YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center, authorized by the National Park Service to guide horseback rides directly into Rocky Mountain National Park as well as across the YMCA’s own sprawling property. Importantly, a YMCA membership isn’t required to ride — anyone visiting the area can book a trail ride, pony ride, or hayride through Jackson Stables, whether or not they’re staying on the property.
The stable has deep roots in Estes Park: general manager Allen began working at the YMCA livery in 1982, and he and his wife Julie purchased the operation in 1999, growing it from fewer than 80 horses to a current herd of around 120 to 130. That kind of institutional knowledge shows up in the variety of ride options offered:
- Deer Meadows — a 1-hour beginner-level ride following Glacier Creek to the Wind River area, well suited to children and first-time riders.
- Elk Meadows — a 1.5-hour extended version of the Deer Meadows route.
- Glacier Basin — a 1.5-hour ride climbing moderately steep terrain with views of Longs Peak and the Front Range, appropriate for riders of all ages.
- Mill Creek — a 3-hour ride toward Hollowell Park and up Mill Creek Basin, passing through aspen groves with sweeping mountain views.
- Pony rides — the “Minnie Mouse Pony Trail,” designed for children age 5 and under, with a 50-pound weight limit.
- Hayrides — both public and private options, including evening rides that pair well with a campfire and marshmallow roast.
Riders age 6 and up are required to ride their own horse, and there’s a 230-pound weight limit per rider. Reservations are recommended, and the barn is located at the YMCA of the Rockies just off Highway 66, past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Because Jackson Stables’ National Park Service authorization is tied to seasonal dates, it’s worth checking current-year opening dates before planning a specific ride into RMNP.
Sombrero Stables: An Estes Park Institution Since 1958
Sombrero Stables has been putting riders on horses in Estes Park since 1958, when it was founded by Rex Ross Walker and his brother-in-law Pat Mantle — at a time when trail rides cost $1.25 and more than a dozen competing stables operated in the area. Today, Sombrero Ranches is the largest horseback riding outfitter in Colorado, and the Estes Park location has been recognized by Forbes as one of the five best places in the country to ride horses.
Sombrero’s horses are specifically selected and trained for Colorado mountain terrain — sure-footed, steady animals well suited to riders who’ve never been on a horse before, alongside more experienced riders looking for a scenic mountain ride. Guided trail rides range from one hour up to several hours, weaving through forest terrain where sightings of elk, deer, and even coyote are common, with particularly dramatic scenery during fall aspen season. Beyond standard trail rides, Sombrero also offers themed experiences like breakfast rides and dinner rides that combine the ride itself with a meal on the trail — a nice option for a group looking for something a bit more memorable than a standard outing.
Because Sombrero operates multiple stable locations in the area — including sites in Estes Park proper as well as inside Rocky Mountain National Park at Moraine Park and Glacier Creek during summer months — it’s worth confirming which location matches the ride and trail experience your group is looking for when booking.
Choosing Between the Two
Both stables are well established, professionally run, and repeatedly praised by visitors for well-cared-for horses and knowledgeable guides — the choice often comes down to logistics rather than quality. Jackson Stables is the natural pick for families already staying at YMCA of the Rockies, since the barn is on-property and rides can be booked without additional travel. Sombrero Stables, with multiple locations and a broader range of themed rides (including breakfast and dinner rides), is a strong choice for visitors staying elsewhere in Estes Park or looking for something beyond a standard trail ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a YMCA member to ride with Jackson Stables?
What’s the minimum age for horseback riding in Estes Park?
Is horseback riding available in Rocky Mountain National Park itself?
Yes — both Jackson Stables and Sombrero Stables are authorized to guide rides into Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer season, in addition to riding on their own private property.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are strongly recommended at both stables, particularly during peak summer months, since guided trail rides are popular and available time slots can fill quickly.
Part of the Estes Park HQ things-to-do series. See also: YMCA of the Rockies: Amenities and Activities for Every Generation and Where to See Wildlife in Estes Park.