While the trails in Park City are full of runners running and bikers biking, some are left wondering what the best way is to scan the beautiful mountainside. As long as people have lived in the West, horses have been a utility. Now, these proud animals are well-trained, immaculately cared-for, and eager for someone to get saddle up. If you want to see the mountains of Park City like you never have before, horseback riding is a must.
The horses throughout the many companies in Park City are as close to their trainers and keepers as the family dogs. These animals are kind, responsive, and emotional creatures. And their desire to cover large swaths of land in a short amount of time is unparalleled. Red Pine Adventures, located just around the corner from Canyons VIllage, offers access to these views via horseback for any riders ages 8 and up.
If you’re staying right in Park City, you also might want to try Destination Sports and Adventure: a company in town not only renowned for their fly fishing tours, but their brilliant horses as well. Take your youngster through wooded trails under twinkling aspen leaves for rides from 1.5 to 4 hours.
If you have some older folks or youngsters in your posse, check out Boulder Mountain Ranch in Park City. They specialize in large family sleighs that can accommodate riders of all ages. Or, if you would like to keep things more on the romantic note, a ride in a one-horse open sleigh doesn’t have to wait until December to come dashing over the hills.
Everyone can appreciate the landscape in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. If you’d like a more exclusive and private tour of some of this land, Adventures at Stillman Ranch and Blue Sky Utah each have multiple thousand-acre plots for you to enjoy an afternoon ride. Adventures at Stillman Ranch keep horses for people of all skills and abilities. If you’re not into steering, sit back in a wagon and let the guides deliver you to a barbecue dinner. Or after your ride at Blue Sky, enjoy the fares the chefs have prepared with a three-course meal waiting for you upon arrival.
Just ‘Round the Bend
Just outside of town in Coalville and Wanship are Rocky Mountain Outfitters and Wind in Your Hair Riding. Rocky Mountain offers private rides on their stables near Soldier Hollow, a short drive north of Park City, away from the bustling resorts. Their stables are private and their tours are gorgeous. At Wind in Your Hair Riding, horses is all they do. They have classes for beginners, but try to keep those buckaroos close to the stables. These trails are for more experienced riders who feel comfortable with a canter and gallop. This company specializes in more advanced riders and will definitely get the blood pumping.
While studies have shown that horseback riding can improve memory and learning in children, there’s more than enough reasons to begin learning a new activity as an adult. With thousands of square acreage throughout the valley, some might go a lifetime on horseback and never see the same spot twice. So bring your curiosity and your love of animals to the wild West and take life by the reins. If you already know these equine beauties, then come on out and just ride.
Comments