ALMONT HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours in Taylor Canyon: A Horseback Passage Through Pioneers’ Trails
A two-hour guided ride from Harmel's Ranch Resort through Taylor Canyon and into the Fossil Ridge Wilderness—useful for planning skill-matched, seasonal trail rides.
Two Hours in Taylor Canyon: A Horseback Passage Through Pioneers’ Trails.
Adventure brief
Two Hours in Taylor Canyon: A Horseback Passage Through Pioneers’ Trails
Experience the scale and solitude of Taylor Canyon on horseback from Harmel’s Ranch Resort, where guided rides thread historic pioneer tracks and offer repeated chances to encounter wildlife and mountain wilderness.
Experience a 2-hour horseback ride through the stunning Taylor Canyon at Harmel's Ranch Resort in Almont, Colorado. This trail is perfect for riders of all skill levels, offering both beginners and advanced horsemen a unique chance to explore historic pioneer paths. As you navigate the scenic trails, you’ll witness breathtaking mountain views, wildflower meadows, and local wildlife like deer and eagles. The ride is a peaceful way to connect with nature and appreciate the wilderness in a personal, memorable way. The comfortable horses and knowledgeable guides make the experience safe and enjoyable, ensuring you can focus on the adventure and beauty that surround you. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor activity or a chance to improve your riding skills, this private horseback tour provides a captivating glimpse into Colorado’s rugged landscape and history. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an escape into the great outdoors with a touch of pioneer spirit.
Route Schematic
Route schematic — key stops
Stops and views you can expect along the ride.
Harmel’s Stables
Riders are matched with experienced horses and grouped by age and skill at the ranch before departure.
Taylor Canyon
Trail travel through the rugged canyon delivers classic mountain scenery and likely wildlife sightings.
Fossil Ridge Wilderness approach
On some rides the route pushes into or toward the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, using historic pioneer trails.
Return to Harmel’s
The ride concludes back at the ranch stables after the two-hour loop or out-and-back on designated trails.
Ranch staff separate guests by age and skill and match riders to suitable mounts; operators may vary routes or schedules based on conditions and skill groupings.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Taylor Canyon’s rugged vistas
Rides travel the magnificent and rugged Taylor Canyon, giving riders direct access to mountain scenery and wildlife in a setting that still follows trails used by pioneers more than a century ago.
Trails once ridden by pioneers
The route follows some of the same tracks used over one hundred years ago, letting riders experience the continuity of human and animal passage through the Fossil Ridge area.
Rides for every skill level
Harmels offers rides tailored to beginners through advanced riders and separates guests by age and skill whenever possible to match each rider with an experienced horse.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour ride feels like
The two-hour outing from Harmels places you in the cadence of a working ranch trail ride: mounting at the stables, following single-track cuts through Taylor Canyon and, on some routes, pressing into the Fossil Ridge Wilderness along tracks long used by local wildlife and pioneers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail rides leave Harmels three times per day — every day throughout the summer; the ranch also runs regularly scheduled rides organized by skill level each day.
Rides at Harmels vary in length: one hour, two hour, half-day, or all-day options are offered, with the official title for this outing listed as a two-hour ride.
Horsemanship lessons are available in addition to wilderness trail rides, and the program focuses on developing rider skills through age- and ability-based groupings.
This ride is operated by Harmel's Ranch Resort in Almont, Colorado; riders are matched to appropriate horses by the ranch staff.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the 2 Hour Ride?
The ride titled '2 Hour Ride' has a duration of two hours.
What age can children ride?
Harmels provides mounts for children seven years old and up.
Are there rides for different skill levels?
Yes—Harmels offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced rides and separates guests by age and riding skill whenever possible.
Where do the rides go?
Trail rides travel through Taylor Canyon and, on some routes, into the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, following trails used historically by pioneers and wildlife.
How often do rides depart?
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail rides leave Harmels three times per day every day throughout the summer; the ranch also notes regularly scheduled rides organized by skill level each day.
Are riding lessons available?
Yes—Horsemanship lessons are offered in addition to the wilderness trail rides.
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: 2026-08-15T01:48:20.464Z
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.