Holiday lights, peppermint everything, and sleigh ride Denver Colorado may be behind us, but winter is far from over! In fact, March is typically Denver’s snowiest month. Historically, the Mile High City gets an average of 11-plus inches of snow each March.
Understandably, that may be a bummer if you crave warmer temperatures for summer hiking. But on the plus side, the extended snowy season means more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado winters. Visit the state’s many natural hot springs, hit the slopes at one of the ski resorts, or experience the magic of sleigh rides in Denver Colorado under the stars.
The best carriage and sleigh rides in Denver Colorado
Riding in a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage is distinctly whimsical. It’s also a perfect social-distancing-friendly activity, so it’s a wonderful way to spend time with your family or significant other. Here, we’re sharing all the details on where to go for the best sleigh rides Denver Colorado has to offer.
Note that most of these companies aren’t technically in Denver, so you’ll need to do a bit of driving. Hey, who doesn’t love a good road trip? Also, every company varies slightly, but most offer carriage and sleigh ride from mid-November through the end of March.
Keystone Resort
Keystone Resort may be associated with world-class skiing and other winter sports, but there’s plenty to do off the slopes as well. One of the resort’s best and most popular activities is the one-hour-long scenic sleigh ride.
The setup is exactly what most people picture when they imagine sleigh rides in Denver Colorado: a horse-drawn sleigh being pulled through a picture-perfect winter wonderland in the high country. This tour even includes a stop at an old homestead cabin for hot apple cider! Keystone is just over two hours from Denver, and the sleigh rides operate through early April.
Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides
Not that you need a reason to make the 1.5-hour trip to Breckenridge, but here’s one anyway: Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides. Situated just a few miles outside Breck, Golden Horsehoe tours take guests through the stunningly beautiful Swan River Valley in “Old Colorado.”
Choose from the wildly popular Hot Cocoa Scenic Sleigh Ride or a completely private sleigh ride. If you opt for a private ride, you can choose between the more traditional Big Red Sleigh or the more intimate one-horse open sleigh (yes, we hear it too). All options include snuggly blankets and hot cocoa. Golden Horsehoe sleigh rides Denver Colorado runs through mid-April.
Snow Mountain Ranch
Located just 60-some miles from Denver, Winter Park looks like something straight off a postcard. That’s true all-year-round, but winter is especially magical, with the glistening snow and crisp mountain air.
Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch offers sleigh rides near Denver Colorado daily through March 15th. Even outside of peak season, you can enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn covered wagon! Take in the spectacular scenery in this part of Colorado and enjoy the 45-minute to one-hour rides, which include roasting marshmallows and trailside hot cocoa. Don’t be surprised to encounter moose, deer, or other wildlife!
Irish Rose Drafts
As a slightly rustic (but no less charming) alternative to sleigh rides in Denver Colorado, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage through downtown. Many locals believe you haven’t truly experienced Denver until you see it like this!
Irish Rose Drafts has many ride options, each hitting several downtown Denver highlights. See Skyline Park, the historic Brown Palace Hotel, the Convention Center and the iconic Big Blue Bear, the 16th Street Mall, and more. Talk about a unique date idea in Denver!
Are you ready to make sleigh rides in Denver Colorado a new tradition? If you book a sleigh ride with one of these small local Colorado businesses, we want to know! Connect with us on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @riverbeatscolorado!
From the River Beats Colorado team: It’s been a very challenging time for travel, adventure, and events around our state. While we’re aware these uncertain times may limit many aspects of life, we hope our editorials provide helpful tips while ensuring safe social and physical distancing.