Know Before You Go!
trip planner
trip: Horseback Rides
Buena Vista, Colorado
Buena Vista, Colorado
Departure & Return Times
Please reference your confirmation letter for your trip name and departure time.
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your trip departure time.
Meeting Location & Directions
Physical Address: 14582 County Road 162, Nathrop, CO 81236*
GPS: 38.7377, -106.1338
*Horseback Rides DO NOT meet at the same location as our whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista. We partner with Mount Princeton Riding Stable/Arkansas Valley Trail Rides. The stable is located approximately 9 miles south of our rafting office, just outside of the small town of Nathrop, Colorado.
What to Bring
- Long Pants
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- Boots or Tennis Shoes (For your safety, no open toed shoes)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Camera and Film
- Drinking Water
- Fanny Pack for Personal Items (NO BACKPACKS)
- Light Jacket Synthetic Insulating Layer for Longer Rides
- Snacks for Longer Rides
- Cash for Tipping Your Guide
Guest Weight Limit = 250 lbs.
We Provide
- One Guide for Every Six Guests
- All Horses and Riding Equipment
- Limited Saddle Bag Storage for Your Personal Items
- Lunch on Full-Day Trips
Weather Conditions
| Month | Average Low | Average High | Average Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 36ºF | 66ºF | 1.06 in. |
| June | 44ºF | 77ºF | 0.87 in. |
| July | 49ºF | 82ºF | 1.57 in. |
| August | 48ºF | 79ºF | 2.01 in. |
Liability Waiver
- Each person horseback riding will be required to sign a liability release form prior to trip departure. Each youth under the age of 18 years old will need a parent or guardian to co-sign their liability. Please be prepared to complete your liability release upon check-in.
Trip Policies
- Cancellation Policy: If a group or any person in a group cancels their trip after payment is made, and there is no option to reschedule, you will be issued a gift certificate. No refunds will be issued.
- Late Arrival Policy: It is your responsibility arrive for your trip on time – typically 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. We will not wait for late arrivals. Please take into account travel time, weather, road construction, etc.
- Weather Policy: Trips run rain or shine. We will not cancel or cut short trips due to rain and/or minor thunderstorm conditions.
- Drugs and Alcohol: Drugs or alcohol are not to be consumed before or during the trip. This includes recreational marijuana. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to the trip.
- Pregnancy: We do allow guests that are pregnant to participate in horseback riding.
Helpful Q&A
- Who hosts my horseback riding trip? Horseback rides are hosted by Mt. Princeton Riding Stables.
- Will I receive a safety orientation prior to my trip? Prior to mounting your horse you will receive an orientation on riding and other issues specific to your ride.
- Is it appropriate to tip my guide? Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. If you believe that a tip is appropriate we recommend an average tip of $5-$10/guest/day. We always appreciate hearing from you so that we can recognize extraordinary customer service and we also appreciate hearing from you if you feel that there are areas that we can improve upon. We strive to exceed your expectations!
- Is there a weight limit to go horseback riding? We have a weight limit on the horses of 250 lbs. If you weigh between 210-250 pounds, please let us know so we can have the appropriate horse ready for you.
- What should I wear on my horseback ride? At high altitudes the weather can change quickly, be prepared for cooler temperatures and the occasional rain shower. We suggest you bring light layers to keep you warm. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended as we are riding through bushes that can scrape up your legs and toes if they are not protected.
- Can I bring anything along with me on the horse? Bring along a fanny pack to carry your small personal items. Do not bring backpacks as the can get caught on tree branches. We suggest you travel light.
- Should I bring a water bottle on my horseback ride? You may want to bring your own water bottle for drinking water. There is well water at the stable.
- I am worried about the altitude. Will I be ok to raft? You will be riding at 8000-12,000 feet above sea level. Most people don’t have serious problems here, but shortness of breath and dehydration are possible. Come a day or two early to acclimatize yourself if you can. We recommend that you drink plenty of water during your stay.
