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Peaceful Valley Ranch Trail Rides
Horseback riding in the Colorado Rockies
BOM “Breakfast on the Mountain” is a quick ride (15-20 minutes) to the top of the mountain for some really fantastic grub cooked over an open fire. Enjoy your meal with a fantastic view of the Rocky Mountains. Along with a nature talk, a little Peaceful Valley history, and some cowboy entertainment the experience leaves you feeling very satisfied. Afterwards you head back to the ranch via a few different routes ranging in length from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
South Shore Trail is a relaxing one hour ride along the St. Vrain River. Meander through old-growth forests and cross a babbling brook. There are opportunities to see the local wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and possibly even deer. This is the perfect trail ride for all riders. Length: 1 hour
Pony Express Trail will take riders high atop the Rocky Mountains and gives a wonderful view of the Continental Divide. There are many places to stop and take pictures. Length: 1 hour
Pony Pit is a diverse trail that will take the riders to the top of the mountain, then through the forest. Along this trail you will see some amazing views of the valley towards the Continental Divide. You will arrive at a large open space called Pony Pit. This area is currently undergoing land reclamation. Length: 1.5 hours
Pony Lake was formed by glaciers carving out a natural reservoir into the mountain. This winding trail has many switchbacks and spectacular views of 13,000 ft. Mount Audubon. There are many wildflowers along this trail including the Columbine (the Colorado state flower) and the Mariposa Lily. One of the neatest sites on this trail is the beaver lodge on the lake. If everyone is quiet you may see the beavers at work! We have even seen a mama moose with her baby cooling off in the water. Length: 2 hours
Castle Rock Trail takes you across the St. Vrain River and heads up towards Castle Rock. Your wrangler will help you off your horse in order to climb to the top of Castle Rock and take some spectacular photos. From this vantage point you will be able to see the entire ranch and Peaceful Valley. On the return trip you ride through a wonderful aspen grove and along a dirt road ideal for trotting and loping. Length: 1.5-2 hours
Three Bears Trail has some wonderful lookout points where you can see for miles and miles. After about an hour's ride you will arrive in an open meadow surrounded by an aspen grove. Don’t forget to look for Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear rock formations once you get here. Circling around Papa Bear Rock you head back to the ranch. Horseback riding for the entire family. Length: 2 hours
Three Bears Dude Program Ride: Once you get to the aspen grove, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch before hiking to the top of Papa Bear Rock. From here you will get a 360 degree view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the eastern plains. On a clear day you can even see Denver International Airport! The family pictures you take on this hike are worthy of a Christmas card photo. Length: 3-4 hours (includes meal and hiking time)
Flat Rock Trail will gradually take you from the mountaintop horse pasture to the valley floor. Some things to look for are mature forest growth and wildflowers. This trail is also prone to wildlife activity so keep your eyes open! Length: 2 hours
Beaver Reservoir Trail takes riders through the Roosevelt National Forest to arrive at the spectacular Beaver Reservoir. The view of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area at the reservoir is magnificent. Riders travel through lush forests and even have the opportunity to cross a stream along this ride. Length: 2 hours
Ironclad Overlook is a trail that takes you to the site of an actual plane crash. In 1963 a small military plane crashed into the side of the mountain. Most of the wreck still remains at the site. You will ride old logging roads and through pine and aspen forests along this trail. Length: 3 hours
Jamestown is horseback riding for adults and teens only. This trail follows a wilderness ridge for several miles, then drops into the canyon of the South Fork of the St. Vrain River. The trail follows the river upstream along beautiful rapids and falls until it emerges at the Ceran St. Vrain trailhead. If this is a lunch ride you will stop and enjoy your picnic lunch riverside. Length: 4-5 hours
Jamestown Dude Program Ride: Once you arrive at the trailhead a barbeque cookout awaits you! The children and other non-riders will take a wagon ride with the counselors to the site. After lunch the children pan for gold and play in the river-carved rock pools. After lunch you will return to the ranch along dirt roads allowing for a variety of speeds. Length: 5-6 hours (includes meal time)
The All Day Ride is horseback riding for adults and teens only. Depending upon the size and experience of the group, the time of year, and the weather, this ride can go many different directions and distances. Options may include: Ride above timberline to the top of Buchanan Pass which is on the Continental Divide, explore the glacier-carved Coney Creek Valley, ride to the base of the St. Vrain Glaciers (headwaters of the St. Vrain River), see spectacular Timberline Falls, or ride out to Red Deer Lake that still has snow fields in August. You will depart right after breakfast, packing your lunch to eat out in the wilderness. You will return to the ranch after an awesome day in the saddle full with pictures to show and stories to tell. Length: 6-8 hours (Totally worth it!)
The Overnight Pack Trip is for adults and teens only. This trip is flexible depending on the size and ability of the group, the weather, and the time of year. Common destinations are Red Deer Lake, the Coney Flats area, and Timberline Falls. The camp site is near the border of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area near the St. Vrain River. After a hearty breakfast, ride back to the ranch in time for lunch the next day. Just like the All Day Ride, you will arrive back at the ranch with plenty of pictures to show and stories to tell. Length Day 1: 5-7 hours, Length Day 2: 2-3 hours
Come experience horseback riding in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
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