How to Choose Between a 1, 2, and 3-Hour Horseback Ride
Which ride is right for you?
You’ve decided to go horseback riding in Colorado. Now comes the question we hear more than any other at the ranch: how long should we ride?
At Rusty Spurr Ranch near Kremmling, our Colorado horseback trail rides come in three lengths: one hour, two hours, and three hours. All three are guided, all three cross the same wide-open mountain ranch, and none of them are nose-to-tail. The difference is how much ground you cover, how much time you spend in the saddle, and how the ride fits the rest of your day.
Here’s the short version. The 1-hour ride is a taste. The 2-hour ride is the full experience for most guests. The 3-hour ride is for riders who want to go deep into the backcountry and don’t want it to end.
The three rides at a glance
| 1 Hour | 2 Hour | 3 Hour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $96 | $165 (AM) / $155 (PM) | $239 |
| Check-in | 2:30 PM | 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Departs | 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM or 2:30 PM | 9:30 AM |
| Minimum age | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Best for | First-timers, younger kids, tight schedules | Most families and groups, a real taste of the ranch | Confident riders, scenery lovers, photographers |
| Time at ranch (approx.) | 1.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
All prices are total, with no hidden fees. Pay in cash and you get a 10% discount. The season runs mid-May through the end of September. Every rider must be under 230 lbs and a BMI of 34; see our FAQ for details.
8 questions to help you decide
1. Have you ridden before?
If this is your first time on a horse, the 1-hour or 2-hour ride is the right place to start. You don’t need any experience for either. Our wranglers pick each rider’s horse personally, based on your size, confidence, and ability.
The 1-hour ride lets you learn the basics and find out if you love it, without a big commitment. The 2-hour ride gives you time to settle in. Most beginners spend the first 20 to 30 minutes getting comfortable, so a longer ride means more time actually enjoying it.
Experienced riders usually find one hour goes by too fast. If you’re comfortable in the saddle, book the 2- or 3-hour ride. On our rides you can leave the trail wherever the terrain allows, and longer rides give you more of that freedom.
New to riding? Read What to Expect on Your First Horseback Ride in Colorado before you come.
2. Are you riding as a family?
Families have the most to balance: different ages, different energy levels, and usually a packed vacation. For most families with kids 8 and older, the 2-hour ride is the sweet spot. It’s long enough to feel like a real adventure and short enough that nobody runs out of steam.
If your group includes a mix of eager riders and nervous ones, the 1-hour ride is the safe bet. Everyone gets the experience, and no one spends the last hour wishing they were done.
Families of strong riders with teens should look at the 3-hour ride. It’s one of the best shared memories you can make in the Colorado high country.
3. How old are the kids?
Age sets some hard limits, so start here:
- Under 8: Kids under 8 can’t ride, and we don’t offer double riding or pony rides. Our cabin has indoor and outdoor picnic tables, horseshoes, and a roping dummy if an adult stays back with younger kids.
- Ages 8 to 9: Eligible for the 1- and 2-hour rides.
- Ages 10 and up: Eligible for all three rides, including the 3-hour.
- Ages 8 to 12: Must wear a helmet. We provide it free at check-in.
- Under 13: Must ride with an adult.
Age is only part of it. A 9-year-old who loves animals may happily ride for two hours. An 11-year-old who gets restless may be better off with one. Be honest about your child’s attention span, not just their age.
4. How will your body feel?
Horseback riding is a physical activity. You use your legs, core, and back the whole time, even at a walk. If you don’t ride often, expect some soreness after any ride, and more after a longer one.
A few honest guidelines:
- 1 hour is easy on almost anyone who meets our weight and BMI guidelines.
- 2 hours is comfortable for most reasonably active people.
- 3 hours is a real time in the saddle. It’s best for people who are fit, have ridden before, or don’t mind feeling it the next day.
Also keep in mind that the ranch sits at high elevation. If you just arrived from sea level, give yourself a day to adjust, drink plenty of water, and consider a shorter ride.
5. Is scenery or photography a priority?
If you’re coming for the views, longer is better. The ranch covers a lot of country: aspen groves, mountaintops, wildflower meadows, and historic 1800s homesteads. A longer ride reaches more of it.
The 3-hour ride is the best choice for photographers and anyone who wants the big views. You’ll go farther, have more time to stop, and have a better chance of seeing wildlife.
Timing affects the light, too. The 3-hour and morning 2-hour rides catch the cool, clear morning. The afternoon rides catch warmer light later in the day. Late June through July is peak wildflower season, and September brings golden aspens. Our Complete Guide to Horseback Riding in Colorado covers seasons and wildlife in more detail.
6. What does the rest of your day look like?
The ride is only part of the time you’ll spend. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to check in, and allow for the drive. The ranch is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Breckenridge.
- Want your morning free? The 1-hour ride and the afternoon 2-hour ride both check in at 2:00 to 2:30 PM. Sleep in, have lunch, and drive out.
- Want your afternoon free? The 3-hour ride and the morning 2-hour ride wrap up before lunchtime, leaving the rest of the day for rafting, hiking, or exploring town.
- Packed itinerary? The 1-hour ride is the easiest to fit around other plans.
Colorado summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so morning rides tend to have more predictable weather.
7. What’s your budget?
Here’s what each ride costs per person, and per hour in the saddle:
| Ride | Price per person | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | $96 | $96 |
| 2 Hour PM | $155 | $77.50 |
| 2 Hour AM | $165 | $82.50 |
| 3 Hour | $239 | $79.67 |
The 1-hour ride costs the least overall, but the 2- and 3-hour rides give you more riding for your money. For a family of four, the 1-hour ride is $384 and the afternoon 2-hour ride is $620.
Our prices are the total price, with no hidden fees. Pay in cash at check-in and save 10%.
8. What kind of experience do you want?
This may be the most important question:
- “We just want to try it.” Book the 1-hour ride.
- “We want a real Colorado ranch experience.” Book the 2-hour ride.
- “We want the adventure of the trip.” Book the 3-hour ride.
It also helps to know what makes our rides different. Most outfitters run single-file rides on a set path. Ours are not nose-to-tail, and you can ride off the trail where the terrain allows. Read more in Colorado Horseback Riding vs Trail Rides: What’s the Difference?
Quick picks: our recommendation by rider
| If you are… | We recommend |
|---|---|
| A first-time rider who’s a little nervous | 1 Hour |
| A first-time rider who’s excited to try it | 2 Hour |
| A family with kids ages 8 to 9 | 1 Hour or 2 Hour |
| A family with kids 10+ who are active and confident | 2 Hour or 3 Hour |
| An experienced rider | 3 Hour |
| A photographer or scenery chaser | 3 Hour |
| On a tight vacation schedule | 1 Hour |
| Wanting a free afternoon | 2 Hour AM or 3 Hour |
| A mixed group of skill levels | 2 Hour, or a private ride |
Still not sure? Consider a private ride
If your group has very different skill levels, a special occasion, or just wants the ranch to yourselves, a private horseback ride may be the best fit. Your guide sets the pace for your group only, so a nervous beginner and a confident rider can both enjoy the day.
Private rides also work well for couples, small celebrations, and families who want a more personal experience. Call us at 970-724-1123 and we’ll help you plan it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 1-hour horseback ride long enough? For first-timers and young kids, yes. It’s a great introduction. Experienced riders usually wish they had booked longer.
Is 3 hours on a horse too long for a beginner? It can be. Three hours is a lot of time in the saddle if you’ve never ridden, and you’ll likely be sore. Most beginners are happier with the 2-hour ride.
Why does the morning 2-hour ride cost more than the afternoon one? The morning 2-hour ride is $165 per person and the afternoon ride is $155. Many guests find the morning slot worth it: it’s usually cooler, often ahead of afternoon storms, and it leaves your afternoon free.
Can my 8-year-old do the 3-hour ride? No. The 3-hour ride requires riders to be 10 or older. Kids ages 8 and 9 can join the 1- or 2-hour rides.
Do I need riding experience? No. We match every rider with a horse suited to their ability. Our first-time rider guide walks you through what to expect.
What should I wear? Long pants are a must, plus closed-toe shoes and layers. Colorado mountain weather changes fast.
When is the riding season? Trail rides run from mid-May through the end of September.
Find the ride that fits your group
There’s no wrong answer here. One hour, two, or three, you’ll be riding real Colorado ranch country on a horse picked just for you, with room to roam off the trail.
Compare Rusty Spurr’s horseback riding options and reserve the ride that fits your group. See all three on our Colorado Horseback Trail Rides page, or call 970-724-1123 and our team will help you choose.