GRAND LAKE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Percheron-Drawn Sleigh to the Continental Divide — A One-Hour Winter Passage from Grand Lake
A guided, 1-hour sleigh ride pulled by Percherons at Grand Lake that finishes with a campfire serving marshmallows and hot chocolate—this guide lays out what to expect and who it’s right for.
Percheron-Drawn Sleigh to the Continental Divide — A One-Hour Winter Passage from Grand Lake.
Adventure brief
Percheron-Drawn Sleigh to the Continental Divide — A One-Hour Winter Passage from Grand Lake
Settle into a wide wooden sleigh and let a team of Percherons do the work as you roll through winter country around Grand Lake. The outing pairs old‑world horsepower with broad views of the Continental Divide and, after the run, a warming campfire where marshmallows and hot chocolate are served.
Just outside Grand Lake, Colorado, where the crisp mountain air mingles with the scent of pine and woodsmoke, the Large Sleigh Ride offers a winter experience that feels both timeless and unforgettable. This adventure unfolds against the backdrop of the Continental Divide, with towering peaks carved from ancient rock and snow-dusted evergreens stretching to the horizon. Pulling you through this pristine wilderness are majestic Percheron horses—large, gentle draft horses known for their strength and calm demeanor. As the sleigh glides silently over snow-packed trails, you can admire panoramic views most visitors only glimpse from afar.
This ride accommodates up to ten guests, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking a shared moment of winter magic. The route winds through quiet forests and across world-class mountain terrain, showcasing some of Colorado’s iconic high-country scenery. You’ll pass groves of aspen, their golden leaves turning brilliant in colder months, and might spot wildlife tracks in the fresh snow—elk and deer are known to roam nearby.
What truly sets this sleigh ride apart is the blend of natural beauty and intimate moments around a roaring campfire afterward. Once the horses rest, guests gather to roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate, warming up while surrounded by the vast silence of the forest and the twinkling stars above. This restful moment makes the entire outing not just an exciting excursion, but a genuine connection to the mountain spirit of the area.
The Large Sleigh Ride at Winding River Resort is a standout winter experience uniquely suited to Grand Lake’s landscape. Grand Lake—a gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park—offers visitors a charming small-town atmosphere and rich outdoor recreation year-round. This sleigh ride taps into the deep-rooted ranching heritage of the region, combining old-time transportation methods with modern hospitality.
For travelers looking to escape the hustle of typical ski resorts and engage with Colorado’s wilderness in a serene, sociable way, this is an ideal activity. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, marking a special occasion, or simply soaking in winter’s peaceful rhythms, the Large Sleigh Ride connects you to a side of Colorado often hidden beneath the snow.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A short, guided circuit that emphasizes the ride, the view, and a communal campfire finish.
Departure from Winding River Resort Stables
Guests meet and depart from the operator at Winding River Resort Stables to board the sleigh.
Continental Divide viewing stretch
The sleigh route includes stretches with direct sightlines to the Continental Divide, making the landscape a centerpiece of the ride.
Campfire with marshmallows and hot chocolate
The outing concludes at a campfire where marshmallows and hot chocolate are served, providing a warm, social close to the experience.
Operator, route, and on-the-ground conditions may determine the final route; participants should note the outing is guided and limited in group size.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Percheron power
The ride is pulled by a team of Percherons — large draft horses known for their strength — providing the defining sensation of true horsepower on a guided sleigh outing.
Continental Divide panoramas
The route offers direct views of the Continental Divide, placing the landscape’s scale at the center of the experience.
Campfire finish with treats
After disembarking, guests gather around a campfire where marshmallows and hot chocolate are served, rounding the ride with a communal, warming finale.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The activity unfolds as a concise, guided hour: a sleigh pulled by Percherons moves through the winter landscape with the Continental Divide as backdrop, then concludes at a campfire where guests are served marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided sleigh ride runs approximately 1 hour.
The experience is operated by Winding River Resort Stables and departs from the operator’s location.
Marshmallows and hot chocolate are provided around the campfire at the conclusion of the ride.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sleigh ride?
The guided ride lasts approximately 1 hour.
What kind of horses pull the sleigh?
The sleigh is pulled by a team of Percherons.
Will there be refreshments?
Yes. Marshmallows and hot chocolate are served around the campfire after the ride.
How many people are allowed per outing?
Group size is limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Who operates the sleigh rides?
The outings are run by Winding River Resort Stables.
What scenic highlights can I expect?
The route provides views of the Continental Divide.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-02T04:47:25.414Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.