About National Park Gateway Stables
National Park Gateway Stables sits at the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, giving riders immediate access to trails that lead directly into the heart of the park. The stable's prime location next to the Fall River Visitor Center means guests can transition from browsing park exhibits to saddling up for a mountain ride in minutes, making it one of the most conveniently positioned horseback operations in the Estes Park area.
Guided rides range from two-hour outings along Fall River and through open meadows to all-day rides that climb through aspen groves and alpine terrain with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The stable maintains a carefully selected string of trail horses suited to the park's mountain terrain, and experienced wranglers lead every ride with an emphasis on both safety and sharing their knowledge of the park's natural history. Rides operate daily from 8am to 5pm, May through September, with reservations recommended during peak summer months.
What makes National Park Gateway Stables special is the genuine in-park experience — riders aren't travelling along highway shoulders or through residential areas to reach the trailhead. From the moment you mount up, you're on park land, surrounded by the same landscapes that have drawn visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park for over a century. The stable also offers pony rides for kids, providing a safe and memorable first horseback experience in a stunning mountain setting. A weight limit of 240 pounds applies to all riders.
