Rocky Mountain Travel 
Jackson Stables
Jackson Stables is nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and located at the Estes Park Center, YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. A membership to the YMCA is not necessary to come enjoy horseback riding, pony rides or hayrides. Horseback rides are available in 1, 2 and 3 hour durations, each offering different trail destinations and scenery within Rocky Mountain National Park.
About the Trail Ride Options
1 Hour Trail Ride
The ride will take you to one of two places:
DEER MEADOWS: A 1-hour trail ride that follows Glacier Creek to the Wind River area. We consider this a beginner level ride, appropriate for children and first-time riders.
GLACIER BASIN: This 1.5-hour trail ride heads west along mildly steep terrain, up Glacier Basin. This ride does some climbing, while looking down on Glacier Creek and a small waterfall. The ride offers spectacular views of the Front Range, including Longs Peak, at the top. This trail is appropriate for riders of all ages.
Duration: 1 hour. Start times are 8am and 1pm.
Price: $ 84.80 per person
Check Availability and Book Your Trail Ride
2 Hour Trail Ride
2 Hour Trail RideThe ride will take you to one of two places:
MORAINE PARK: This 2-hour family ride, our most popular, takes you across bridges over Glacier Creek and the Big Thompson River into Moraine Park—a glacial moraine full of wildflowers and grand views of the Continental Divide. Wildlife is almost always a certainty to be observed and makes this even a more pleasurable ride. This ride includes some trotting, though not guaranteed
EMERALD MOUNTAIN: This 2-hour loop begins on the Glacier Basin Trail and takes you through beautiful aspens while leading you around Emerald Mountain. The trail travels past the East Portal of the Adams Tunnel before returning along the Aspenbrook Trail. This ride includes many terrains and a variety of views. This ride includes some trotting, though not guaranteed
Duration: 2 hour. Start times are 10:30am 1:30pm and 3pm.
Price: $ 127.20 per person
Check Availability and Book Your Trail Ride
3 Hour Horseback Trail Rides
3 Hour Horseback Trail RidesA true horseback riding experience! These rides take you deeper into the aesthetic and scenic values offered in RMNP, each providing a different view of forests, meadows, wildflowers, rivers and the Continental Divide. These rides offer a better opportunity to spot the many varieties of wildlife, and a short rest break is provided about half-way through. These longer rides are designed to include some trotting, but it is not guaranteed.
Beaver Meadows – Beaver Meadows gives the rider a memorable trail ride traveling through Moraine Park and Beaver Meadows. The ride offers impressive views of the mountains including views of Longs Peak.
East Portal – East Portal route is designed for riders to experience a lot of climbing. The trail leads you up and around Emerald Mountain, continuing onto Thunder Mountain and back through flatter sections in the trees. There are remarkable views of mountains and the Estes Valley.
Mill Creek – Mill Creek travels towards Hollowell Park and continues up the gorgeous Mill Creek Basin. Riders will experience spectacular views of the mountains and the beautiful aspen trees along the creek.
Duration: 3 hour. Start time is 8:40am and 1:40pm.
Price: $ 169.60 per person | Ages 12 and older
Check Availability and Book Your Trail Ride
Additional Information
Check In Details
Please arrive at our barn which is located at the YMCA of the Rockies on Highway 66 just past the Beaver Mountain Visitor Center.
What to Bring
- Long pants.
- Closed toed shoes.
- A sweatshirt or jacket to layer JUST IN CASE it gets windy or cool.
- Bring a bottle of water!
- A hat.
Age & Weight Limits
- You must be 4 years old to ride on a big horse
- Kids MUST be under 50lbs to ride a pony
- There is NO double riding allowed
- Weight limit for an individual horseback rider is 230 lbs.
Cancellation Policy
All horseback rides and activities are subject to cancellation due to unfavorable weather conditions.
About Jackson Stables
Jackson Stables, Inc., YMCA of the Rockies Livery, is authorized by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior to serve the public in Rocky Mountain National Park. All of the horseback rides are guided trail rides into RMNP, and on YMCA property. A membership to the YMCA is not necessary to come enjoy horseback riding, pony rides or hayrides. The Estes Park Center facility is a family vacation and conference center where guests enjoy a variety of activities in a wholesome atmosphere. Jackson Stables, Inc. operates as a concessionaire to the YMCA of the Rockies.
Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow concession horseback rides within its boundaries before May 2, 2026
