The rides

The trails stack on top of one another. Rocky Point is the one-hour loop, reaching about 9,000 feet. Bear Hollow adds half an hour in an aspen glade, and Dark Timber adds another half hour through lodgepole pine to a second overlook near 9,600 feet. The three-hour Elk Springs ride is private and climbs to about 10,000 feet. Rides go out nose-to-tail on narrow singletrack, and there are adults-only versions of Bear Hollow and Dark Timber.

Goats, pony and yoga

Happy G.O.A.T. Hours is a separate paid area where children and adults can feed and handle the goats, and small children can add a parent-led pony ride. Goat yoga runs on several mornings a week. None of these are included with a horseback ride.

Getting there

Drive, or take a taxi or rideshare. Town buses do not go up the road, and the stable warns against walking: the mile is steep. The lot holds about 25 cars. When you reach the circle at the top, look for the Welcome sign and dirt road on the right, and do not use the gate to the private Spraddle Creek Estates.

Before you book

The season runs from May through September. Riders must be under the weight limit, children five and six ride on a guide's lead line, and the cancellation window is strict, with limited weather exceptions. Exact ages, prices and cut-offs are in the FAQ.

On site

Crooked Cow Saloon: the stable's bar, under tents beside the Happy G.O.A.T. Hours area. It sells beer and other drinks, snacks, juice and soda for children, and T-shirts. Riders can wait here before check-in, and parents can sit here while children play. No separate reservation; it is part of a visit to the stables.

Sources: Vail Stables, FAQ, horseback rides, cancellation policy, contact. Checked September 23, 2026.