Horseback Ride in the Great Sand Dunes
Dates:
July 14-17 2024
Duration:
4 days/3 nights
Riding Level:
All levels welcome
Join other Equescapes riders on this stunning ranch, trek across the vast landscape of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, ride horses alongside herds of wild bison, work cattle on horseback and embrace ranch living and leisure at Medano-Zapata Ranch. Luxurious accommodations in a lodge built on the original homestead dating back to the 1800s. Enjoy family-style gourmet meals featuring bison and steak from the ranch and other locally sourced ingredients.
Horses
Bring your own horse - Stalls are available on-site for riders bringing their own horse. Please read the Guest Horse Guidelines if you plan to bring your horse!
Ride a Ranch Horse - available at no additional charge.
Riding Level
All levels welcome
From beginners to advanced riders, rides on the ranch can accommodate everyone in between.
Accompanying non-riders welcome as well.
Tack
Riders of all disciplines are welcome.
Riders riding ranch horses will be in Western tack.
Terrain
Terrain varies - from sweeping, grassy plains on the 100,000+ acre ranch to soft sand along the dunes to semi-rocky trails up into the Sangre de Cristo mountains as riders explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Accommodation
Accommodations are in the ranch’s historic 17-bedroom Lodge, the original ranch homestead built in the 1800s. The rooms are beautifully furnished with elegant southwestern décor, include private tiled bathrooms, and views that are private, peaceful, and beautiful in any season.
Dining
The dining experience at the Zapata is second-to-none. Using local produce and meats, including bison from the ranch’s herd, our chefs craft an unforgettable and uncommon take on traditional comfort foods with a modern twist. With dishes like bison tenderloin, wild caught trout from the Arkansas River just a few miles away, and herb roasted carrots from local farmers cooked over wood grown on the property, our kitchen provides a more organic encounter to cuisine seldom displayed elsewhere. Enjoy breakfasts of pancakes, fresh fruit, bacon, fig and cheese toast, and frittatas, and bagged lunches to slip into your saddlebag and enjoy on the trail.
Itinerary
Itineraries vary with each stay, and are entirely up to you! In addition to riding on the 100,000+ acre ranch itself, riders will venture into the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Additional activity options include hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, ecological tours of the ranch, improving horsemanship, working cattle, learning about holistic ranch management and conservation practices, leather working, roping practice, bird watching, whitewater rafting,* rock climbing,* fly fishing,* massages,* photo safari in the sand dunes,* visit a local hot spring,* and workshops on yoga, literature, painting, cooking, and more (dates may vary).
*These activities are not included and take place off-site.
Additional Activities
These activities can be booked separately from your stay and are all within a 90-minute drive of the ranch.
Whitewater Rafting
Fly Fishing
Rock Climbing
Planning and Packing
Dates
July 14-17 2024
Riders are welcome to extend their stay.
Rates
Base Rate
Extend Your Stay
Horse Stalls
Price Includes:
Accommodation
Horse Stall, if selected
Ranch horse, if not bringing a horse
All meals
Group guided rides
Does not include:
Airfare to and from Denver
Transportation for riders or privately owned horses to and from riding locations
Care, feed, or supplies for privately owned horses
Additional travel costs such as riding apparel and insurance
Tax and gratuities
Book Now
Please fill out this form to request more information or to book this trip, and a member of our team will contact you shortly regarding the next stage of your booking.