Your adventure
awaits in the heart
of the rockies
Just one mile northeast of Vail Village, we offer
unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Horseback riding adventures
rides, tailored for different skill levels and ages.
2 Hours 
Our rustic little outfit offers something for everyone during the summer
We offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation in the heart of the mountains. Whether you’re seeking thrilling horseback rides, playful goat yoga, or simply a place to unwind with friends and family, we have something for everyone.
BREAKING NEWS
We are located one easy mile
(don’t walk!) NE of Vail Village
Open again May 2025
We have parking!
Your adventure starts in Vail, Colorado
Vail Stables is uncompromisingly Colorado, specializing in beautiful mountain horseback rides near the town of Vail. We have been the leading provider of tours on horseback for over 20 years and offer adventurers an all-access pass into the backcountry of the White River National Forest.
The spirit of the Old West rides on the breezes flowing through the quaking Aspens and echoes in the squeaking leather saddles. Our passion is to create transformational experiences through horseback riding. Our friendly, experienced guides, gentle horses, and awe-inspiring trails await your arrival.
Just the faq's Ma'am
What time do we arrive?
Right at the reservation time. No earlier unless your ride ends after G.O.A.T. Happy Hour ends then, we recommend you come earlier to enjoy the goats.
Is Happy Hour open today?
Please click on the big red button on the homepage for the real-time calendar for hours and days. Or right here! If you call to ask, your first drink costs double.
Hours: 11-5pm, usually.
Where is Vail Stables?
Vail Stables is located 1 mile NE of the Vail Village in Vail, CO. We’re the closest stables to the town and the best of course!
Use our free shuttle between 11:30am and 6:00pm. Find it at the Vail Transportation Center every 30 minutes.
We are off of Spraddle Creek Road, which heads east, out of the north-side roundabout, at the Main Vail Exit #176 off I-70.
Driving Directions: From the main vail Exit #176, get into the North Side Round-A-Bout and turn right onto Spraddle Creek Road. Go up the hill one mile and for Heaven’s sake DO NOT PUSH THE BUTTON AT THE GATES TO SPRADDLE CREEK ESTATES!! That is a private housing community and they are over it! Absolutely OVER it!!
Look to the right as you enter the circle and you will see our WELCOME sign and dirt road. We are 50 yards up the dirt road. We promise you, that you will not drive off the edge if you simply do not turn your wheel towards the side. Your car will not spontaneously swerve to the right and run off the edge.
Park like you are in a lot with lines, even though there aren’t any, ~close together and straight.
Is there a weight limit?
Absolutely. YES!!! The limit for horseback riding is 225pounds. People over 6 feet tall can weigh up to 240 pounds. People over 6’4″ can weigh 260 pounds. We do weigh you on the scale if our professional weight guesser is off for the day.
Please be aware that you would still pay, still pay, still pay for the time slot you’ve reserved should you exceed the weight limit. You bought a time slot!!!!
The weight limit is due to fatigue of the rider going downhill. If you are very athletic and muscular, we can talk about an exception.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. The age limit for adult-only horseback rides is 18+. Yes, we know your 17 yr old is very mature. But the other people on the ride aren’t interested in what they have to say.
The limit for the all-ages horseback rides is 5+. So if your child is 6 you don’t have to call to check to see if that last sentence is true. Seriously, we are too busy getting people on an off horses to verify the answer to this question on the phone. No kidding, people call to ask, “I see on your website it says 5 yr-olds can ride. So does that mean it’s okay for my 6 year-old to ride?”. It’s difficult to say yes.
This is how it works. If your child is 5 or 6 (1,825 to 2,554 days old) (not 4-11/12, even w
ith bribe money, because the insurance company said so. It’s like saying, “I am 20 years and 360 days old. Can I get a drink?”). They will sit on a larger horse in a
tiny saddle. The guide will lead your child’s horse, No, the guide will not walk the entire 2-5 miles on foot leading your child’s horse. He will be riding his horse and holding a long lead line to your child’s horse. If there are multiple 6 yr olds, there will be multiple guides. If the number o
f 5-6 yr olds in your group exceeds 1, there will be an upcharge of $95 per guide for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th… 5-6 yr old. If we have enough guides.
Note how the girl is not using the reins, the guide is holding a blue lead rope to her horse. The kid is not steering the horse.
We take 100s of 5 and 6 yr olds each summer. They consistently do better than 90% of the parents.
My husband and I are going to Vail this summer. What kind of activities should we consider?
Adult-Only Trail Ride at Vail Stables: Enjoy a peaceful experience through mountainous terrain. Enjoy a cold one afterward in the beer garden with goats.
Lunch at Big Bear Bistro: Enjoy a casual meal with fresh sandwiches and salads.
Visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Explore the highest botanical garden in the U.S., showcasing over 2,000 alpine plant species.
Relax at a local spa: Consider treatments at The Spas at Four Seasons Vail or Sonnenalp to unwind.
Dinner at Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails: Savor modern American cuisine in a chic setting
Live Music: Check out performances at Shakedown Bar or Bridge Street Bar for local entertainment.
What are kid-friendly activities in Vail, CO?
Trail Rides at Vail Stables: Great for everyone 5 years and up.
Happy G.O.A.T. Hours at Vail Stables: Feed and cuddle baby goats, ride the pony and play in the sandbox while adults relax with a cold one.
Pirate Ship Park & Sunbird Park: These themed playgrounds in Vail Village and Lionshead offer imaginative play areas for children.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Located about an hour from Vail, this mountaintop amusement park offers cave tours, thrill rides, and panoramic views.
Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs: Relax in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, a soothing experience for the entire family.
Bowling at Bol: Experience a modern bowling alley with a full-service dining area, ideal for family entertainment.
Family-Friendly Hiking & Biking: Discover trails suitable for all ages, from gentle riverside paths to scenic mountain routes. Bike rentals and gondola-assisted rides are available.
Important policies & tips for your visit
Cancellation Policies
Group Horseback Rides, GOGA, and G.O.A.T. Happy Hour:
RIDICULOUSLY STRICT 48-hour and 5-minute cancellation policy. Click the link to read it. It’s funny, and very real.
Groups of 12 or More, Private Rides, and Private GOGA:
7-day cancellation policy.
Private Events in G.O.A.T. Happy Hour:
30-day cancellation policy.
Thunderstorms & ride delays
- The Rocky Mountains are prone to thunderstorms during monsoon season due to high elevation and intense summer heat.
- As the sun heats the mountain slopes, warm air rises, carrying moisture into the upper atmosphere where it cools and condenses into thunderstorms.
- Then it rains, cools off, and the storms dissipate.
- We may delay rides for up to 90 minutes for storms to pass.
- Happy G.O.A.T. Hours continue as usual—we have gazebo shelters to keep you dry.
weather and what to wear
Weather & what to wear
Dress in layers! Colorado weather is very moody, and the forecast is usually deceiving. A lot can happen in 1-2 hours on a mountain. Please have more than a t-shirt and shorts for your skinny little kids.
No, you cannot bring your pets
Nope. You cannot bring your dog, cat, or elephant.
It would be a social media nightmare if:
🐶 Your dog bit a goat
🐱 Your cat scratched a kid
🐘 Your elephant sat on a pony
Plan your adventure now!
Extremely family friendly. Relax in our gliders with a stunning view of the slopes. We have cold beer and wine for the adults, soda and juice available for the kids. Take a selfie with the goats, roosters, ponies and horses. Feed them some treats and enjoy the chill vibe of farm life in the Rockies. Check the schedule online for reservations. (Random days available)
