DURANGO HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Special Ride: A Two‑Hour, Fast‑Paced Loop Beneath the Hermosa Cliffs
A two‑hour horseback outing at Bears Ranch built for seasoned riders — this guide condenses what to expect, who it fits, and how the operator runs the pace‑forward Special Ride.
Special Ride: A Two‑Hour, Fast‑Paced Loop Beneath the Hermosa Cliffs.
Adventure brief
Special Ride: A Two‑Hour, Fast‑Paced Loop Beneath the Hermosa Cliffs
The Special Ride at Trail Rides at Bears Ranch is an approximately two‑hour, faster‑paced trail ride for experienced riders that includes opportunities for light trotting and loping through alpine landscapes set beneath the Hermosa cliffs.
Trail Rides at Bears Ranch presents the Special Ride, an invigorating two-hour horseback adventure specially curated for experienced riders. Located in Durango, Colorado, this ride explores the stunning Alpine terrain near the Hermosa cliffs, offering riders a chance to enjoy light trotting and loping while soaking in breathtaking panoramic views. The trail’s rugged beauty, combined with the thrill of riding through wildflower meadows and dense conifer forests, makes this journey unforgettable. The Special Ride is perfect for those who want to challenge their riding skills while connecting deeply with nature’s raw beauty. The horses are well-trained and responsive, ensuring you can enjoy a smooth, exciting experience whether trotting past streams or loping along ridge lines. Beyond the scenic aspect, the ride provides a quiet escape from daily life with the crisp mountain air and occasional wildlife sightings adding to the adventure’s charm. Safety is emphasized throughout, with expert guides leading the way and offering helpful riding tips tailored to this high-altitude environment. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a fresh way to explore Colorado’s backcountry, the Special Ride at Bears Ranch guarantees a memorable time steeped in natural beauty and exhilarating motion.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key moments on the Special Ride typically include saddling at the ranch, traversing alpine trails with cliff views, and returning to the stables.
Saddle area at Bears Ranch
Begin and end at the ranch stables where riders are mounted and briefed before departure.
Alpine trail segments
Trail sections through high‑country alpine landscapes form the main part of the loop and are where light trotting and loping may occur.
Cliffside vantage points
Riding beneath the Hermosa cliffs provides the ride’s signature scenic moments before the group works back toward the ranch.
Wranglers are trained to assess each rider’s capabilities and will limit pace or maneuvers if they determine it is not safe for a rider or horse; the Special Ride is developed for more experienced riders and may be adjusted for safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Alpine trails below the Hermosa cliffs
The ride threads through Bears Ranch’s high‑country terrain, offering striking alpine scenery with close views of the Hermosa cliffs that frame much of the ranch.
Designed for a livelier ride—trots and lopes
Developed specifically for more experienced riders, the Special Ride includes the chance for light trotting and loping where appropriate, giving seasoned equestrians desirable saddle time.
Bears Ranch at high country scale
Set at the base of alpine cliffs, Bears Ranch delivers broad mountain views and a setting that’s celebrated for its scenery and night skies — a scenic backdrop to the faster‑paced trail work.
What the day feels like
What the Special Ride Feels Like
Expect a focused two‑hour loop on horses suited to riders who want a bit more than a walk: the ride is structured to allow light trotting and short loping stretches where the wranglers deem riders and horses ready, moving through alpine meadows and ridgelines framed by the Hermosa cliffs.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Special Ride is approximately two hours in length. Bears Ranch offers horseback trail rides in spring and summer (and winter sleigh rides as a separate offering).
Book by calling the operator in advance; come prepared for a two‑hour ride and follow wrangler instructions — the operator assesses rider capability on arrival.
Rate is $195 per rider (the price applies to a child or an adult).
Bears Ranch sits at the base of the Hermosa cliffs; nearby opportunities include Lake Haviland, Forebay Lake, fishing, canoeing and local hiking and biking along historic routes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Special Ride?
The Special Ride is about two hours in length.
How do I book this ride?
Please call to book this ride with Trail Rides at Bears Ranch.
What is the cost?
The ride is $195 per rider; the stated rate applies to a child or an adult.
Is this ride suitable for beginners?
No — the Special Ride was developed for more experienced riders; wranglers assess each rider’s capabilities and will limit the ride if they determine it is not safe.
Will there be trotting or loping on the ride?
Yes — there are opportunities for light trotting and loping, provided riders are assessed as suited for that pace by the wranglers.
Where is Bears Ranch located and what scenery should I expect?
Bears Ranch is nestled at the base of the Hermosa cliffs and offers alpine mountain views and notable night skies that form the scenic backdrop for the ride.
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: 2026-09-05T19:26:39.709Z
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.