Saddleback Ranch
Saddleback Ranch
5
About
A 8,000 acre fourth generation working cattle ranch 15 miles west of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Escape to Saddleback Ranch to enjoy a relaxing day of riding, working cattle and seeing some gorgeous scenery. It is a day you will never forget! Saddleback Ranch is a located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Family Owned and Operated!In the winter we offer:2 hour Photo Opportunity Horseback Rides, Snowmobile Tours and Dinner Tours, Dinner Sleigh Rides YEE-HAW Tubing Hill. In the summer we offer:Cattle Drives- a 4 hour ride moving cattle2 hour Photo Opportunity Rides- Afternoon Horseback or Wagon Dinner Rides ATV Tours
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Ruready46wifeSan Luis Obispo, California9 contributionsMud and funDeb was a great trail ride cowgirl interacting w all participants, storytelling about family and property as well as her career! It was evident She loved horses and was kind to instruct us how to guide our horse! The muddy part of our ride was quite the adventureWelcome to the west! We are glad you had a good time!Written January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 3, 2023
- Jennifer BBoca Raton, Florida8 contributionsSnowmobile Fun at SteamboatHighly recommend the 2 hour snowmobile tour with Saddleback ranch. The guide and staff were amazing. The trails were fun but the best part was when our guide took us to a big open field and let us ride free. My whole family loved it. We did a snowmobile tour 2 years ago in Aspen and while the scenery was pretty, it wasn't as much fun because they made you go slow. This tour kept a good pace and gave free time to play with the snowmobiles. Saddleback went over safety and always made sure we were all ok. A must do in Steamboat!Amazing! Safety is top priority but we love to have fun around here!Written January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 22, 2023
- Julie SSouthwest Gulf Coast, Florida6 contributionsSo much fun!!!My family had so much fun snowmobiling at Saddleback Ranch! Steven did an amazing job explaining everything to us and guiding us through the beautiful scenery with stops for pictures along the way. We made so many wonderful family memories...snow angels, racing around the race track, and enjoying so many amazing views. Highly recommend!!!Making memories, that is what we love to do! Look forward to seeing you again.Written January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 28, 2023
- JuliegZ137ADMerritt Island, Florida21 contributionsBeautiful Ranch, Great People and Breathtaking views.We went on a trip to Steamboat and wanted to horseback ride, snowmobile and tube. Saddleback Ranch offered it all. We loved it on the Ranch and everyone was so nice and personable. A big mention...the views were breathtaking. Photos do not do it justice. It was a great experience and would recommend them to anyone. We will be back!That's fantastic! We look forward to seeing you again!Written January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 31, 2023
- RonaldoCFMacomb, Michigan14 contributionsGreat snowmobiling experienceHighly recommend the snowmobiling and horseback riding. We did both in different days, snowmobiling during sunset was awesome, I got one for me and my wife and my 22yo daughter ride by herself, no problem at all. I enjoyed they take you to an open field and you can ride at your own pace, the race track lol. For backhorse riding we picked the morning. Beautiful on snowy fields and mountains. Horses are very healthy , well trained, anyone can do it.Thank you kindly! We love to share the beauty of the place we call home!Written January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 1, 2024
- Departure349341551672 contributionsFive Stars for Saddleback Ranch!We enjoyed our half day tour of the ranch by snowmobile and then ended with a yummy lunch provided by the ranch and sledding at YeeHaw Hill. It was a great experence. Staff was wonderful. Veiws, snow, guides....all top notch.We greatly appreciate the comments! Thank youWritten January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 3, 2024
- ADReasty19 contributionsGreat sunset tourI’ve been doing n several snowmobile tours with the family and this may have been our favorite. The staff was great and friendly and the equipment was top notch. Watching the sun set over the mountains from the seat of the snowmobile was fantastic. A great time was had by all including all of our teens.Colorado sunsets are amazing and we are so glad you enjoyed this tour! Thank youWritten January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 3, 2024
- nycchick01New York City, New York105 contributionsEnjoyable!Horseback riding with my family over Christmas. Make sure you bring a hat: sunglasses! The sun was brutal. Colorado backcountry was otherwise gorgeous and the guides were friendly. My only improvement would be that they try to plan to put a parent and child on horses that get along, so that they can ride together. my son was riding for the first time ever, and there was a bit of anxiety was we kept looking behind us, several horses back to see if he was ok.Thank you for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed it. We do try to keep families close together, but we will focus on this to be more consistent.Written January 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 9, 2024
- Teresa TSummerfield, North Carolina13 contributionsSnowy TrailsRode out to the ranch for snowmobiling and tubing. Minnesota was our guide and was awesome!! The area has had a lot of snow the past week so the trails were not really trails as it was continuing to snow. Our 2hour tour turned into more of a 3 hour tour as we had lots to stops to get out riders who got stuck trying to make some hairpin turns or getting slightly off trail. But Minnesota helped everyone with a great attitude and smile. He even came to help me when my goggles iced up. Needless to say we were late for snow tubing but the ranch gave us an hour refund because of the long snowmobile ride. My family made a couple of tube rides and were ready to call it a day. The food and service at the tubing area was great. 10/10 recommend the chili and hot chocolate. We didn’t really have great views of anything as it was cloudy and snowing but Minnesota (Joe) made sure we got some good memory pictures. I have been on numerous snowmobile tours and can say the customer service here was the best I’ve had!Thank you for the review. I wish you would have seen the views, as they are incredible. We hope you make another visit so we can share the rest of the fun and beauty with you.Written March 10, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 18, 2024
- Tour250486167745 contributionsBest Snowmobiling Tour!We had such an amazing time at Saddleback Ranch! We ended up booking this tour last minute because our prior tour was cancelled. We were a very large group and everything was great. Transportation was included which was a huge plus. The staff was amazing but specifically our tour guide Minnesota! He was so patient, funny and took pictures for us. We had a great time and would definitely come again!!We would love to have you back for another fun experience! Thank you for visiting!Written March 10, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
1,111 reviews
Excellent
967
Very good
92
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24
Poor
20
Terrible
8
Ali D
Longmont, CO10 contributions
Feb 2020
We were very excited to go snow tubing. Unfortunately the snowtubing experience by itself was not worth the additional drive time. The information provided is contradictory, the mechanism the use to pull you up the hill is uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. No guidance at the top of the hill. Thank fully we drove instead of using the shuttle and could leave on our own and not waste the time.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry we did not meet your expectations.
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richmond M
Loveland, CO10 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
Saddleback is easily one of the best run operations my family has ever come across. The reservation process was simple, their communication leading up to our full day was timely and the experience was amazing. The three hours touring through the mountains and pastures varied dynamically allowing us to see all types of terrain. Our guide was very experienced and had a great sense of humor making the time well worth the price. The snowmobiles were well maintained. After the tour, we were offered a nice, hot lunch then two hours on one of the best tubing hills we had ever been on. We look forward to another winter adventure and hope to visit during the summer for their horseback tours!!
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ampanmangal
Georgia163 contributions
Jun 2020
The staff was very friendly, helpful, and easy going. The horses all seemed gentle. Our guide admitted the older horses went to novice riders like me, which made me grateful. The directions and signage made it easy to locate the ranch.
Since they normally offer dinner rides, I was expecting more amenities there than are available. I was not prepared for the ride. There is very little shade, and no gift shop to buy sunscreen or snacks. I did get a hat, which helped. So pay attention to their website when it tells you what to bring, and bring it!
The ride was pretty and had gorgeous expansive views.
The guide offered lots of commentary, although it was hard to hear her if you were towards the back of the group. I'm not sure how that could be fixed. Good instruction though during the ride for what to expect.
Overall it was an awesome experience for me and well worth the sunburn!
Since they normally offer dinner rides, I was expecting more amenities there than are available. I was not prepared for the ride. There is very little shade, and no gift shop to buy sunscreen or snacks. I did get a hat, which helped. So pay attention to their website when it tells you what to bring, and bring it!
The ride was pretty and had gorgeous expansive views.
The guide offered lots of commentary, although it was hard to hear her if you were towards the back of the group. I'm not sure how that could be fixed. Good instruction though during the ride for what to expect.
Overall it was an awesome experience for me and well worth the sunburn!
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelBunnyScarlet
Steamboat Springs, CO55 contributions
Mar 2022
I am a longtime Steamboat local and finally took the opportunity to visit Saddleback Ranch with a visiting couple as a birthday celebration for the 2 hour horseback ride.
The ride itself was beautiful (we were able to see our former ranch on the adjacent hill from the top of the mountain - a surprise vista for us) and the day was a Steamboat Bluebird at its finest.
The negatives were the size of the group (14+) with a guide that may not have been having her best day. She was short with some of the riders, rolled her eyes in our eyesight after a rider asked a simple question and due to the length of the lead guide to the rear of the pack, we could not hear most of her commands. We have horses of our own so this was not an issue for us however the rider directly in front of me was a novice and having a very hard time motivating her horse causing a gap in the line. Neither of the guides gave her any personalized assistance but rather exacerbated the situation with comments that discouraged rather than encouraged her performance. On the return trip one of the riders in the back expressed fear of the downhill slope. When her comment was not addressed by either guide (the front guide could not have heard) my husband gave her pointers on how to comfortably ride down a slope.
Overall the experience was average, not spectacular and not a total failure.
The ride itself was beautiful (we were able to see our former ranch on the adjacent hill from the top of the mountain - a surprise vista for us) and the day was a Steamboat Bluebird at its finest.
The negatives were the size of the group (14+) with a guide that may not have been having her best day. She was short with some of the riders, rolled her eyes in our eyesight after a rider asked a simple question and due to the length of the lead guide to the rear of the pack, we could not hear most of her commands. We have horses of our own so this was not an issue for us however the rider directly in front of me was a novice and having a very hard time motivating her horse causing a gap in the line. Neither of the guides gave her any personalized assistance but rather exacerbated the situation with comments that discouraged rather than encouraged her performance. On the return trip one of the riders in the back expressed fear of the downhill slope. When her comment was not addressed by either guide (the front guide could not have heard) my husband gave her pointers on how to comfortably ride down a slope.
Overall the experience was average, not spectacular and not a total failure.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azag86
Cypress, TX52 contributions
Dec 2019
Thankfully I was persistent & determined. This place came high recommended to us from the Steamboat Springs resort. There website kept showing availability for sledding but it wouldn't let me book a reservation. So, I called and the young lady said they were sold out. She was rude and didn't bother to mention that there was the opportunity to just drive out. Thankfully I called back a few days later asking about cancellations because once again there website showed availability but I couldn't book anything. I got a very friendly mature lady that told me just to drive on out & best times to try & come out. There were no guarantees but the times she suggested worked out great. This was lots of fun for my 12 year old daughter with special needs high functioning and my 18 yr old son.
I wouldn't book any more than 90 minutes as it is tiring
One thing that was concerning was the opportunity to plow into other people walking across to get in line or trying to get up and out of the way at the bottom of the hill. My son actually ran into someone on accident. I would utilize there GPS coordinates to drive there on my own as use maps isn't always accurate. But, we had a good time.
I wouldn't book any more than 90 minutes as it is tiring
One thing that was concerning was the opportunity to plow into other people walking across to get in line or trying to get up and out of the way at the bottom of the hill. My son actually ran into someone on accident. I would utilize there GPS coordinates to drive there on my own as use maps isn't always accurate. But, we had a good time.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I apologize that our customer service feel far below what we expect from our reservationist. Changes have been made to assure that we maintain a high level of customer service at all times.
For information on drive out tubing (which does not require reservations) and for directions to the ranch! Maps and GPS devices are NOT accurate for directions.
https://saddlebackranch.net/winter-activities/snow-tubing/
Thank you for the review!!
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sonyita
Houston, TX8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I booked the option of the cattle drive. The online booking was easy and upon arrival, the staff were very friendly and organized. There are clean restrooms and a saddle bag is provided to carry the snacks and water they provide as well as personal items.
As an experienced horsewoman, I noticed that the horses are well cared for and very healthy. The horses are well behaved and responsive but at the same time are able to have a first time rider without becoming frustrated (meaning that they are patient and dependable).
The cattle drive was an awesome experience! The scenery was magnificent and the hilly terrain added some extra fun. This is not a typical "head-to-tail" ride like dude ranches offer. The rider is free to ride as they wish but staying with the group. The wrangler explains how to approach the cattle and how to drive them along. Driving the cattle gives the rider such a feeling of accomplishment.
Upon return to the saddling area, refreshments are provided. I highly recommend the cattle drive! What an enjoyable experience for experienced equestrians and first time riders!
As an experienced horsewoman, I noticed that the horses are well cared for and very healthy. The horses are well behaved and responsive but at the same time are able to have a first time rider without becoming frustrated (meaning that they are patient and dependable).
The cattle drive was an awesome experience! The scenery was magnificent and the hilly terrain added some extra fun. This is not a typical "head-to-tail" ride like dude ranches offer. The rider is free to ride as they wish but staying with the group. The wrangler explains how to approach the cattle and how to drive them along. Driving the cattle gives the rider such a feeling of accomplishment.
Upon return to the saddling area, refreshments are provided. I highly recommend the cattle drive! What an enjoyable experience for experienced equestrians and first time riders!
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy Dickey
1 contribution
Mar 2021
We had skied and watched the youngest skier acquire new skills but we older folks had tired legs. The skies were blue and we had a day to fill. We went snow mobiling and had a glorious time - nice trails and a fund "play area". Wonderful trail boss - Minnesota - played with the kids, kept everything moving but pointing out animal tracks, good views, etc. We then went to the sledding hill and screamed in pleasure as we careened down the hill. Want to go back in spirng/summer and try the horseback riding!
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe M
Atlanta, GA2 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
My son and I had a great tour with Minnesota Joe we did the 2 hr afternoon tour with a group of 5 sleds. Joe was great about pacing more aggressive riders from the newbies and brought us to a field of fresh powder. The transportation friendly staff and hot chocolate were all great. Will come back again!
Written January 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane B
Georgia7 contributions
Feb 2021
Warning: the terrain is difficult. Most places I have snowmobiled in past had wide open pasture land with tracks for riding. This was hills with mtn on one side and cliff on other. I would not recommend this place for beginners.
The tubing hill was very nice and I would rate it with 5 stars
I was tipped off machine and it kept going straight off a cliff. Luckily, my 8 year old grandson jumped off before it went over cliff. It was a freak accident that cost me $6200 since the machine was totaled but thank goodness no one was hurt.
When the guide warned us that someone “tips” a snowmobile almost every day and no one had done it yet today so we were destined to do it on our afternoon ride, it scared our group of 5 adults with 5 kids on the back. But most of us had ridden snowmobiles before. After seeing the terrain I now understand why this happens a lot.
The tubing hill was very nice and I would rate it with 5 stars
I was tipped off machine and it kept going straight off a cliff. Luckily, my 8 year old grandson jumped off before it went over cliff. It was a freak accident that cost me $6200 since the machine was totaled but thank goodness no one was hurt.
When the guide warned us that someone “tips” a snowmobile almost every day and no one had done it yet today so we were destined to do it on our afternoon ride, it scared our group of 5 adults with 5 kids on the back. But most of us had ridden snowmobiles before. After seeing the terrain I now understand why this happens a lot.
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin S
3 contributions
Jun 2020
It was an excellent experience. It was so much fun to have freedom to trot or go faster with the horse, see how herding cattle actually is done, and not just a boring trail ride. You could walk the whole time if you wanted, or be more adventurous, so it was really great for all levels in our group. beautiful scenery, and the time went by fast. I will likely do this again, I enjoyed it so much.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How expensive is it for the horseback riding in August??
Written January 14, 2020
A Tripadvisor member
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
3 contributions
Good afternoon! We have a few different options available in August as far as horseback riding goes. If you would like to give us a call I would be glad to help you with pricing. 970-879-3711 We look forward to hearing from you
Written January 15, 2020
If we do the snow mobile adventure package what time should we plan on being back at our hotel In steamboat (locates not far from city center)?
Written February 6, 2019
Saddleback Ranch
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
The pick up would be at 8:30 and then returning back to Steamboat Resort around 3pm.
Written February 14, 2023
If we do the snow mobile adventure package what time should we plan on being back at our hotel In steamboat (locates not far from city center)?
Written February 6, 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
3 contributions
The transportation leaves the ranch back to town around 2:30, you would be back to your hotel between 3:00- 3:30
Written October 11, 2019
I would like to book the SleighRide dinner for Christmastime. It would be our first time out. We know for sure we will have 4 guests, but we may have 2 more. I would like to book all 6, and change the reservation a couple weeks ahead if the 2 cannot attend, but am concerned that cancellations must reach a live person- Has anyone had to modify or cancel a reservation- Is it fairly easy to get a person on the phone to do so? I would give plenty of notice, but do not want to risk losing $200+ if I cannot cancel successfully, if needed.
Written November 25, 2018
We changed last minute from hay ride to horseback. They are nice people. Leave a message telling them , they will let you know
Written November 29, 2018
My family is participating in the tubing and sleigh ride dinner. If we wear our snow pants etc. for tubing, is there a place to change before dinner? Is there a place to put our bag, when we get there?
Written February 21, 2018
There is a building with restrooms and snacks. I’m not sure if they have lockers or storage but you will have a place to change. Only stipulation is if the dinner is somewhere else. I haven’t been on their sleigh ride. Not sure where they hold the dinner.
Written February 21, 2018
Do you have minimum age limit or height for snow tubing? Also for the tubing and sleigh ride package, do you drop off back at hotels after dinner? Thanks.
Written November 22, 2017
Hi! We do not have a minimum age limit or height requirement for tubing. Children under the age of 5 are free, but need to ride with an adult. And yes, for the dinner sleigh ride and tubing package we pick up at the Gondola Transit Center, but will drop you off at your condo or hotel at the end of the evening. Please let us know if we can help you with anything else. Have a great day!
Cara
Written December 1, 2017
shprt
Houston, Texas
Are there lockers or any place to put the bags when doing the snow tubing? Where do people normally put the bags/cameras etc during the tubing?
Written November 21, 2017
No lockers or anything. Really it was leave in your car. There were saddle bags for horse riding time.....not sure about Tubing.
Written November 22, 2017
Is there a weight limit or do you have big horses? Do you have specific days for trail riding?
Written August 28, 2017
There were several on our trip that were 250+.... My husband is a big man (6' and 225lbs), so I called before we booked. Their answer was that they had accommodated "much bigger". Hope this helps :).
Written August 29, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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