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Vail Stables

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 Vail, 81657

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About

Vail Stables is the closest riding stable to town, one mile up Spraddle Creek Road from the Main Vail roundabout, and it runs every ride into the White River National Forest under a Forest Service permit. The office sits at about 8,600 feet, so even the one-hour ride climbs through meadow and aspen with Vail Mountain across the valley.

It is built for people who have never ridden. The stable says most of its guests are first-timers, the trails have no cliffs or drop-offs, and guides lead children as young as five. Families with toddlers get something too: goats, a pony, a sandbox and a shaded saloon for the grown-ups.

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.

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Company Name
Vail Stables
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Location
915 Spraddle Creek Rd
Vail, 81657

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About Vail Stables

Quick answer: Vail Stables is a business at 915 Spraddle Creek Rd, Vail, CO 81657. Vail Stables: guided horseback rides from 1 to 3 hours in the White River National Forest, plus goats, pony rides and goat yoga, May to September.

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Vail Stables is the closest riding stable to town, one mile up Spraddle Creek Road from the Main Vail roundabout, and it runs every ride into the White River National Forest under a Forest Service permit. The office sits at about 8,600 feet, so even the one-hour ride climbs through meadow and aspen with Vail Mountain across the valley.

It is built for people who have never ridden. The stable says most of its guests are first-timers, the trails have no cliffs or drop-offs, and guides lead children as young as five. Families with toddlers get something too: goats, a pony, a sandbox and a shaded saloon for the grown-ups.

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.

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Amenities at Vail Stables

  • Guided trail rides
  • Private rides
  • Goat petting area
  • Goat yoga
  • Pony rides
  • Saloon bar
  • Parking for about 25 cars
  • Vault toilet

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Vail Stables open?
Vail Stables is seasonal, open from May to early October. In 2026 the last day was Sunday, October 4, and the stable is closed for the winter, with no winter or sleigh rides. In season, the first horseback ride goes out around 9 a.m. and the last around 3 p.m.; Happy G.O.A.T. Hours runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on selected days.
Where is Vail Stables, and how do I get there?
At 915 Spraddle Creek Road, Vail, CO 81657, one mile northeast of Vail Village, and the closest stable to town. From I-70 exit 176, take the north-side roundabout onto Spraddle Creek Road, drive one mile uphill, and turn right at the Welcome sign onto the dirt road; do not use the gated entrance to the private Spraddle Creek Estates. Drive (the lot holds about 25 cars), take a taxi or rideshare, or ask your hotel about its shuttle. Town buses do not serve the stable, and do not walk: the mile is steeply uphill.
What rides are offered, and what do they cost?
Four trails, all priced per rider: Rocky Point, 1 hour, $130 (ages 5+); Bear Hollow, 1.5 hours, $165 (ages 5+), or $185 on the adults-only departure; Dark Timber, 2 hours, $220 (ages 7+), or $250 adults-only; and Elk Springs, a private 3-hour half-day at $720 per person with a three-rider minimum, offered on weekends only, with snacks and drinks included. A 20% gratuity is added for groups of six or more.
What are the age and weight limits?
All-ages rides start at age 5; Dark Timber and Elk Springs start at 7; adults-only rides are 18 and over. Children aged 5 and 6 ride on a lead line held by a guide, and no more than two 5- or 6-year-olds ride on one departure. The weight limit is strict: 220 pounds, rising to 240 for riders over 6 feet, 260 over 6 feet 4 inches, and 275 over 6 feet 8 inches. There is no double riding.
I have never ridden a horse. Can I do this?
Yes, the stable says 95% of its guests have never ridden before, and the rides are built for them. Horses go nose-to-tail on a narrow trail with no cliffs or drop-offs, guides lead the ride and hold a lead line for children of 5 and 6, and the time you book is time in the saddle. If adults want a quieter departure without children, Bear Hollow and Dark Timber also run adults-only versions.
Can we book a private ride?
Yes, on any trail. A private ride costs twice the regular per-person rate with a three-rider minimum (for example, $260 per person for Rocky Point and $440 for Dark Timber), and private rides are booked by phone at (855) 743-3824 rather than online. Elk Springs is always private, at $720 per person with the same three-rider minimum.
What do the goats cost, and what else is there for small children?
Happy G.O.A.T. Hours is a separate paid area with about 20 baby goats to feed and pet, a sandbox and play toys, and the Crooked Cow Saloon beer garden. Admission is $10 for ages 6 and up, $5 for ages 2 to 5, and free under 2; it is not included with a horseback ride. Inside, a parent can lead a pony ride for a child of 60 pounds or less, $20 for up to 15 minutes. Goat yoga is $30 for a one-hour class at 9 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and some Saturdays.
When should we arrive, and what should we wear?
Your scheduled ride time is your check-in time at the stable office; check-in does not start early. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes (no flip-flops), and bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen; helmets and rain slickers are provided free, and loaner cowboy hats are available. Payment is in full when you book, through FareHarbor on the official site.
What is the cancellation policy?
Strict, with no exceptions for illness, travel delays, or emergencies. For a full refund, standard rides, goat yoga and Happy G.O.A.T. Hours must be cancelled at least 48 hours and 5 minutes before the booked time; private rides need 7 days; groups of 10 to 20 need 14 days; and groups of 21 or more need 30 days. The stable rides in most weather and may delay a start by up to 90 minutes; if the stable itself cancels because conditions are unsafe, you are refunded in full. Cancel by phone at (855) 743-3824.
Is there food and a restroom?
Yes. The Crooked Cow Saloon, under tents beside the goat area, sells beer, wine, and other drinks, snacks, and juice and soda for children, plus T-shirts; riders can wait there before check-in and parents can sit there while children are with the goats. There is a vault toilet in the parking area and none on the trail.

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