There are a variety of great things to do for horseback riders in Douglas County, Colorado. It's not uncommon to see horseback riders on the trails in the summertime. Colorado has some of the best open spaces for outdoor activities.

There are over a hundred miles of horse trails in Douglas County alone. Many of these trails feature creeks, canals, canyons, and other beautifulsights.

To help you get started with your trail riding experience, we've provided you with our favorite horseback riding in the county, and in the Front Range. There are a varietyof types of paths including crusher fines, concrete paths, and natural trails. Many of the trailsare appropriately improvedfor the benefit of the horses and the pedestrians alike.

Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail

Containing 1,224 acres of open space and trail, Hidden Mesa is a gem near Franktown. It has 7 miles of trails to ride. There are occasional deer sightings and a variety of shrub oak and grasslands. It is a beautiful place to ride and get closer to nature. The trails offer many different path options where you can have a comfortableride or complicatedride. It is your choice. Most of the trail is on grassland,butthere are some treed areas near the back of the trail system.

Salisbury Equestrian and Sports Parks

Run by the City of Parker, there are thirty undeveloped acres in the park for your use. You can use Salisbury Equestrian Park to access the Cherry Creek Trail system near the McCabe Meadows trailhead. The park offers a great place to take your horse and warm them up in the arena before going out on the Cherry Creek trail system.

Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park with its 3,768 acres, offers a convenient horse-riding experience. The park is close enough to the city that it is accessible for a quick day trip but far enough for a rural feel. With over 24 miles of horse trails, there is plenty of room to let you roam for most or all of the day. If you are interested in riding a horse but are not sure you are ready for the investment, horse rentals are available in the park. The open grasslands show the majestic plains at their best and a great view of the foothills.

East-West Regional Trail

The East-West Regional Trail unites Chatfield State Park with Parker. It connects a variety of parks including Redstone Park, Pronghorn Park, Red-tail Park, Daniel Gates Park, and Coyote Ridge Park, amongst others. It has 20 miles of trails composed of crushed fines to help you and your friend get around and allows you to access many other trail systems.

Living in Colorado offers an unmatched trail riding experience and the riding community in Douglas Countyis one of the best. If you are looking for a group of people to get out and ride with, look to Parker Trail Riders. They are a great group of people that I love riding with. See you out on the trails!

For a complete list of trails operated by Douglas County, visit here.