Sombrero Ranch Riding Stables, Estes Park

I loved the horses. We took a two hour ride then afterwords they let us hang around and undsaddle and help feed. The trail was dusty like all trails in Colorado this year but the views were magnificent. I learned more about Rocky Mountain National Park from our guide Josh then I did at the visitor center for the ranger talk. These animals are so giant yet they are super friendly. My 12 year old twin daughters were in heaven. My wife grew up with horses and couldn't believe how well these horses were trained and how well they took care of them. I got the job of putting two gallons of this grain mixture in the feed bags, and believe me those horses love that stuff. The cowboys put out hay for them since I had shorts but the entire experience was the best of our vacation. The manager says they all go out to pasture for the winter so I guess I have to wait till next summer to see them again.

The horses were great, the cowboys were better, and the scenery was off the hook. Our guide Clayton taught us more about the mountains, animals and horses then I learned getting a masters degree from K-state. I have been going to Estes Park every summer with my wife and kids for 5 years and usually I ride at one of the park stables but this place leaves them in the dusy trail! My kids rode peaches, Newton and Skittles. Those horses didn't even try to graze with them. The horses actually seemed to like the job. The only think I would change, would be riding earlier in the day but I can never get the gang ready in time. Sombrero is our new yearly must!

My daughter is the one that picked horseback riding and it ended up being the highlight of our trip to Estes Park. From the front desk to the trail the hands were helpful and nice. The scenery was top notch. You want to see the continental divide then this is the place. We did a hike up Halets peak on foot the next day and really I got to say the views from a horse at the Sombrero were better. You ride you look around, you hike and you watch you feet. We did the two hour, but next time we are riding more. The place was well kept and the horses were happy and good at their job.

Took my GF to Sombrero in Estes to celebrate her birthday. Usually these type dates involve me doing something she likes and me just grinning and going along. Not this time! do the dinner ride. I got no clue about horses and thought well at least I will get a steak. It was double awesome. My horse was Cinder and she was so cool, never missed a step, did all the thinking and cruised the trail. My GF rode Cooper and since she was a rider she got to do the thinking. I can't remember the guide's name but her and my GF talked horse. I do remember the cooks name it was shawnnee, the steak was to order with plenty of extras. I looked good infront of my GF and actually had a great time. Guys here's your chance to have the perfect date for her and not be miserable.

I loved how the horses were cared for, I checked it out after I read the review on this site. I am not sure what that person was thinking but they couldn't be more wrong. I grew up with horses and believe me they don't want to be in a stall. Heck might as well put the elk in stalls also. I took the meal ride and it was a good way to break up the two hour, ride eat, ride. There are so many awesome horses. If you love horses this is the place to be. I sat and watched for a couple of hours before I rode and it was horse heaven. Ask for Krystan as your guide she knew her stuff and was going to school to be a veterinarian so she knew every horse by name, age, etc. Kids are great but we got a few at home and could do without riding with someone else's. I got a tip from the desk when I called to go early in the morning for less crowds. It ended up being us and one other couple on the breakfast ride. If you know anything about horses then you will appreciate this place, if you don't know anything you might end up knowing alot. Can't wait to get back up there this fall.

I have been going to the stable in Estes Park a couple times a year for about 4 years now and have never had a bad experience. The horses are extremely well taken care of. I do not understand why anyone would say otherwise! Not a thin horse on the property. In addition, I have been riding horses for 17 years. I guarantee the horses are happy to be outside where they can move around instead of being locked up in a stall. It would not make sense to try to keep a horse in a shelter. The trails are absolutely gorgeous and it is very common to see wildlife (elk, deer, coyotes, hawks, etc.). Beautiful views of Long's Peak, Lake Estes, and all of downtown Estes Park, including the Stanley Hotel. The horses are the most calm horses I have ever ridden. Wranglers are careful to match guests with the correct horses based on weight, experience, age, temperament, etc. The stable is very family-friendly with excellent kid-horses and beginner horses. I would absolutely recommend this stable to anyone looking for a gorgeous and relaxing ride in the mountains!

The owners have 1000 acres of land yet cage 180 horses on one acre of dirt with no shelter. The weather gets fierce in estes park, with 100 mph winds and 30 below temperatures. These horses are abused and sad. If you are not convinced, go there yourself and see their broken souls. This place should be shut down for negligence, and anyone spending money for work horses should request it go to their "well being."

I loved the fact the horses were well taken care of. I have been around horses and worked for shelters and this place is so good to the animals. The view from the trails and the deep forest feel made it a great place. To top it off we had a real cowboy for a guide, we still quote him around our friends. Good work-

I brought a friend from out of state and my daughter for the 1 hr. ride. Both were novice riders, and my friend has physical issues and was quite nervous. The rangler was extremely courteous and careful, checking on her constantly and making sure she was comfortable. We saw a bobcat and a coyote while on the ride, and all the horses were extremely well behaved. I will be back!

Our family went on a beginner one-hour trail ride at Sombrero Ranch in Estes Park. We told them we were beginners, and the ride was published as "gentle horses on an easy trail". Within the first few minutes of the ride, all of the horses were spooked by a bird and took off running. My horse ran under a low tree branch which resulted in plastic surgery for my eye. My husband's horse threw him and he ended up in an intensive care unit with a minor brain injury. Another lady in our group was thrown from her horse and broke several vertebrae in her back. We were transferred to the local hospital by an ambulance, and Sombrero never once called to ask about our condition. We were later transferred to a hospital about 25 miles away. When I was admitted into the emergency room and told them I was injured while riding a horse, they guessed where I had been riding. I heard comments like "We get a lot of injuries from there" and "That place keeps us in business". Sombrero did not refund our money for the ride. When I called them to ask for a refund, they didn't even remember which ride I was referring to. (This also makes me believe they send numerous people away in the ambulance) They have not refunded our money and were not apologetic whatsoever for our injuries. Apparently these people are in business only for the money. Their ranch hands seem young and inexperienced. They definitely do not care if people get injured on their horses. Just because they are protected by a waiver should not mean they relinquish their responsibility to care and keep their customers safe.