canyon trails ranch guided horse tours

We had a fantastic time in the Sand Canyon, guided by Cheryl. Deeply impressed all around - horses well cared of and groomed, all properly fitted (hey - they don't make saddle straps for 6'4* standard). Lovely day, scenery spectacular, easily accessible Anasazi ruins aplenty. What a way to do sightseeing! We were made very welcome, very well taken care of, and the only regret is that we booked only an afternoon. Next time I would love to try the overnighter with camping and dinner from the chuck wagon.Can recommend wholeheartedly - the perfect way to explore the canyons in a leisurely fashion.One more thing - as Europeans this was our first western riding experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed how easy and comfortable that is in comparison to the European style.

My wife and I road tripped from New Orleans to San Francisco and Horse Riding with Kristie was the one of the very best things we did.I wish we could have spent longer.I'm a novice rider and my wife used to ride in her childhood.We each were given wonderful horses to suit our needs.Thank you for a wonderful time.

My husband and I went on a three hour ride with Kristie in August 2014. Kristie knows so much about the area - she offered insights into the history, archeology, flora and fauna as we rode into the canyon. I am a regular rider, and my husband rides only once or twice a year. The horses were sure-footed, laid-back and happy - we were both able to trust the horses and enjoy the experience. I can't recommend Canyon Trails enough - this ride was the highlight of our trip, and I hope we will be able to visit again soon!

You know those times you spend money and never look back and think twice? This is it! I just can't say enough good things about this experience! I have rode all of my life. The horses are well cared for, good tack and good trails. Christie knows the history of this place and you will feel like you have stepped back in time. The only regret is the fact it was too hot to do an all day ride since we went last of July, we had to do half day ride starting at 8:30. I would have loved to rode all day! But the horses and us would have been miserable! Bring extra battery and memory cards for your camera for sure!!!

We had selected McElmo Canyon (where Canyon Trails Ranch is located) as a place to stay for two nights while visiting Mesa Verde, but we actually ended up enjoying the hours we spent in McElmo Canyon even more than the walks we did in Mesa Verde. Part of the reason for that was the half-day (morning) horse tour my husband and I did with Kristie. Her local knowledge runs deep: we enjoyed hearing her stories about the canyon today, and the information she shared about the Ancestral Puebloans in McElmo Canyon (illustrated with stops at the ruins of a tower and a small cliff dwelling) enriched what we had learned about the the Mesa Verde ruins. We were absolute beginners with riding horses, but Kristie gave us some pointers and we found the horses to be very responsive. If we had had more time and visited at a cooler time of the year than late June, I would have opted for the full-day tour in order to cover more ground.

The experience was amazing! A combination of country hospitality, rugged trail ride and local historic sites. Kristie and Rodney were very nice and knowledgable about the sites we visited. The horses were friendly and WELL-BEHAVED! My family had an AMAZING time and we will be back to camp and ride again!

My husband and I visited Cortez, CO, to celebrate our anniversary. We broke up our mesa verde hiking days with a trail ride and were certainly not disappointed. Kristie was so friendly, knowledgeable, and very considerate of our experience level and needs. She is also concerned about and does preserve the archeology of the region. We felt like we made a lifelong friend. :). Highly recommend this tour!

We stayed 2 nights at this fantastic ranch. It is set in the middle of a canyon and is absolutely beautiful. We have twin 14 yr old boys who are adventurous and teenagers. The campsite was quiet and peaceful with enough outdoors for my boys and the stars at night were endless!. We took their guided horseback ride through the ancient ruins and loved every minute. My boys can't decide which they loved more this trail ride or the trail ride we took through the rainforest in Costa Rica! The owners of this ranch are the nicest people you could ever meet and try to accommodate your every need. The horses are clearly loved and cared for, and our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. This was an adventure we will be talking about for years! THANK YOU!

three of us of abilities from very experienced to beginner went with Kristy for her morning trail ride. What a great ride. the horses were very well trained and responsive. Kristy took us onto Canyon of the Ancients BLM land. Her stories of the history and archaeology of the area were fascinating. Part of the ride goes by ruins which we were able to stop and look at including a cave. it was not your usual nose to tail ride as the terrain does not really allow it which made it even better. You got a true feel for the country. Rodney, Kristy's husband, is restoring an old wagon in the barn which is well worth seeing. This was a great experience.

We had been to the museums, the park tours, done the day program on local archaeology but our half day ride with Kristie was more fun and informative than all of them combined. Okay if you don't ride often or ever, you will be comfortable and taken care of by your guide and her sure footed steeds. You will experience the thrill of seeing off track ancient sights, and pick up lots of local lore. We are well past retirement and did not find the tour too strenuous.

We couldn't have asked for a better guide. He was really good with the horses and helping us with the horses. He also knew the archeology and history very well. He shared his knowledge in a way that was interesting for everyone. The ruins and the view from the higher elevation were so cool. If I ever did it again I would definitely do a full day to see more.

I have taken my granddaughter to various trail rides in the SW Colorado area. This was by far the best experience for her and also myself. Seeing the native american ruins, but the ride. Kristie explained the vegatation, history of area, info on the ruins. Will plan to go again when Granddaughter comes up.........Barbara

We had the best time on our horseback ride with Kristie! You can book your ride different places but this is the only one where you can ride and hike back in to see ruins of the ancient Pueblo Indians. Kristie has a great knowledge and an even greater respect for the area and the history of this ancient people. This sets Canyon Trails above the rest. The horses were beautiful, well-mannered and patient. Even though none of us were experienced riders, we felt like expert horsewomen. My daughter booked this for my granddaughter's birthday and all of us from ages 63 to 14 had a great time!

Our trailride with Kristie was arranged through our stay at Dunton Hot Springs. Without knowing exactly what to expect, we had a blast! Kristie clearly understands and appreciates the history of the land she takes you through and points out many interesting things that you would never discover on your own. When we got back to Dunton we raved about the ride to another couple who signed up for it the next day. Thanks Kristie!

We discovered Canyon Trails Ranch several years ago when Kristie and her husband still owned Kelly Place B&B and we were staying there. We've returned 3 times to the area and have ridden with Kristie each time. The rides have been excellent, informative and fun. Our horses well-mannered and Kristie is full of all kinds of details about the area. We've learned something new each time we've ridden with her and riding with just Kristie -- not with a big group of riders -- makes it even more special. Thanks, Kristie! Although our last ride was 2 years ago (not June 2012, but that was the earliest date I could select), we hope to see you again soon.