Smith’s Ranahan Ranch

Overall, great find (using Groupon!) and very kind staff. Colton and Zach did a great job showing us around and making us feel comfortable. We got to see some wild turkey, deer. Colton knew the history and lay of the land, let us stop for pictures for good photo ops! Several cute ranch dogs to pet (:

We had such a fantastic time with the crew of Ranahan Ranch. The staff was so friendly and made everyone feel comfortable.
A family in our group had 2 kids that were a little apprehensive but they paired them with horses that liked kids and were easy to manage. Also a huge PLUS– we rode up on a small herd of elk during the ride!
I’m not an experienced ‘horsewoman’ by any means but I ride when I get a chance. Our wrangler Zach was helpful, funny, and polite. The trail was beautiful and my horse Tyson was adorable. He was tiny– but just like his namesake, he packs a punch… he loves to rub his butt on thorny sage grass, which is hilarious, and loves to run through snow!
My husband is going pawn-​shopping today so I’m headed back for another ride!

My two best friends and I came here for a ride, when we found a groupon special. They paired us with our horses perfectly, I rode Tyson who was confident and funny. He stopped a few times to rub is butt against a few bushes which was adorable. The ride was the perfect length and beautiful! I will definitely do this again.

Lonnie and Orion were fantastic Wranglers. The ride was very enjoyable and beautiful views.
After the ride my wife of 19 years (this was part of our Anniversary celebration) told me she was terrified of horseback riding, as she was bucked off 20+ years ago). Ahh, the things we learn. Anyway, she said half way through the ride she overcame her fears and really enjoyed it. That she would love to come back.
Thanks for the hospitality and doing things right! We will be back.

Horseback riding here was a very interesting experience while on vacation in Estes park. The experience started out extremely poor mostly due to the nonexistent customer service in the office. However, the actual horseback riding led by three, experienced, very polite boys was wonderful.
So rides apparently start on the hour, but for some reason they told us that our ride started at a quater to and then the horses and guides were 20mins late coming back so we had to wait outside the barn at a picnic table covered in garbage for close to an hour. This is all without any explanation or information from the woman working the office. We had no idea what was going on and we’re getting a bit perturbed. The office and grounds by the way were filthy. The office stunk so bad, it’s olfactory overload of sweat and manure, dogs, and flies. I couldn’t even fill out my paperwork in there.
Beyond he initial «WTF is going on here?!», «are we actaully going riding today!?» moment the horseback riding was pleasant. Our ride was a little before sunset so we had excellent light for photos, you ride up into the hills and back so the views were wonderful. The boys leading the trip were all «yes ma’am» this and «yes sir» that, they were friendly and professional. The horses were all well behaved beyond wanting to eat the grass and flowers so it was a pretty chill trip where you didn’t have to do much more then sit and hold onto the reins.

A friend and I used a Groupon on the only day we could get off together — a very snowy Wednesday — and even though our leader probably didn’t want to be out in those conditions, he was very nice and accommodating. My friend’s horse was very sweet, mine was sassy (kept trying to lead me into branches) and the views were stunning. A fun, memorable experience all around.

My sisters and I took this ride in honor of our brother whom we had just recently lost. Bill, our brother was a cowboy as long as we can remember and why he moved West. This was the best adventure we could have ever taken. The wranglers were great. I had not been a horse since I was very little when this brother took me for a very short ride. The instructions, advise and encouragement was awesome! Steve was very patient and kind! I was on the best horse for me, Cowgirl, I have no idea how they could know just by looking at us which horse was the best for each of us, however Cowgirl made my adventure even greater. I would recommend the ride to all and if I ever make it back to Colorado I will go again, perhaps the 2 hour ride next time.

Hi! I would definitely recommend Ranahan Ranch and Elkhorn Stables for an amazing experience!!! From Amy and Lauren in the office, to Dave and Steve, the wranglers, everything was great. I have not been on a horse since I was a little girl and Dave was so patient and encouraging in helping me onto the horse, explaining how to operate the reins, guide the horse, etc. Steve was very good with guiding my 5-​yr-​old nephew, giving us advice on what to do and leading us on the trail. The views are breath-​taking! During the ride, the guides gave us information on the area, the history. I just moved to the Loveland area and my girls were here visiting me from Chicago. Both of these city girls said they didn’t want to come down from the mountain! I would highly recommend this ranch. We just happened upon this ranch on line and passed up other ranches on the way. I’m so glad we did! I will definitely be back!!! The only reason for only 4 stars instead of 5 was because our ride was a little less than the full hour.

I am NOT a horse rider, but was just looking for a new experience. Went with my boyfriend in January and again with a friend today. Each time the wranglers were super friendly and outgoing, really made us feel comfortable and welcome. The horses were beautiful and each had their own personality, which added to the experience. I will definitely be returning, but for a longer ride in the future! I gave it 4 stars only because some of the trail could use a little loving as far as aesthetics. If not for that, the staff impressed me, the ride was beautiful and I really had a great day, BOTH TIMES!

Well this place is pretty unassuming. The historic lodge where it is located needs some work to say the least. This outfit is different from the lodge. Jason and I think Steve was the other guide. We had a group of 10 which is the largest they said they accommodate. They did a fantastic job keeping our group, ranging from 6 to 63, comfortable. Not really very adventurous but a nice ride with nice views very close to Estes Park. Rating for the good customer service from the guides. They honored the GroupOn price so that is different than the other posts on here.

Just had a great experience horseback trail riding with Jason and Ivan at Smith’s Ranahan Ranch. They are NOT closed and open year round. Couple young kids were on the ride and Jason was wonderful with them. Horses are well fed so good demeanor. Highly recommend this as a quintessential Colorado experience.

We used these guys on our last trip to Colorado. They were extremely flexible and gave us a great ride. They really care that you have a great experience. There is a really good pizza place next door too! We’ll definitely use them again the next time we’re visiting Estes Park.