Horseback Riding in Colorado

by Elizabeth
(Detroit, MI, USA)

When I vacation in Colorado, I like nothing more than to find my way to a spectacular mountain area and find a corral full of beautiful horses saddled up and ready to go.

Riding up the trails into forested mountainsides up high on the back of a horse is one of the best ways to take in the glorious views. The pace is just right to soak up the experience. The experience is made more special if the ride is all day with a picnic break.

It is possible to get further into the wilderness and forests than on foot, so peaceful and remote spots become more accessible. And, somehow food always tastes better outside.

I have had a number of great rides in the mountains of Colorado, whether it be the Crested Butte area, Durango, or Grand Lake. The cowboys are friendly and the horses calm. It is great to spot wildlife and try to identify different types of trees.

The clip clop of the horses hooves is like a mantra to meditate to. It is easy to forget about iPhones, email, text messages and all other modern demands when riding in the mountains of Colorado.

It is lovely to notice the little things. Like the creaking of old leather of the saddle. Not much can top this experience.

OK, maybe the icing on the cake is sitting in a hot tub staring at the unbelievable stars visible in the mountain air after a long day in the saddle.