Trail rides: what is on offer
Garden of the Gods itself is a free city park. Horseback rides are a paid extra from a separate business, Academy Riding Stables at 4 El Paso Boulevard. You choose between a one-hour and a two-hour ride. All reservations are made online.
The prices below are starting prices from the stable's own listing in 2026. They are not a guaranteed final total, so check what the booking page adds before you pay. This is an independent guide, and we do not run or sell the rides.
One hour or two hours
Starting prices and age limits, 2026.
| Ride | Length | Minimum age | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short ride | 1 hour | 8 years | $111.30 |
| Long ride | 2 hours | 11 years | $172.78 |
Both rides need a minimum height of 4 feet (1.22 m). Children under 18 ride with an adult they know, and each rider has their own horse. A helmet is required and provided. Every rider signs a waiver.
Ride times by season
The stable uses a winter and a summer schedule.
| Season | One-hour rides start | Two-hour rides start |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May to 4 September | 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. | 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. |
| 5 September to 30 April | 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. | 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. |
Guided tours around Garden of the Gods
Jeep, e-bike and Segway tours and other guided trips in and around Colorado Springs, with live prices and availability.
Booking rules and what to expect
The stable's own rules, in short.
Reserve online
All reservations go through the stable's website. Arrive 30 minutes before your start time.
Changes and cancellations
Changes and cancellations need at least 48 hours of notice, by phone. Ask about the terms before you book a ride for a fixed date.
Weight limit
The stable applies a strict weight limit. Confirm it with the stable before you book, and do not rely on a number you read elsewhere.
Parking
Parking at the stable is free for standard vehicles. There are no spaces for RVs, trailers or overnight stays.
Parking in the park →Other ways to see the park
Published 2026 prices from the park operator, before concession fees where noted.
| Option | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guided nature walk (reservation needed) | 45 to 60 minutes, daily at 10:30 a.m. | $5 |
| Open trolley | 35 to 45 minutes | $22 per person plus concession fee |
| Jeep tour, Garden and Queen's Canyon | 90 minutes | $75 per person plus concession fee |
| Jeep tour, Garden and Glen | 90 minutes | $55 per person plus concession fee and Glen Eyrie entry |
| Jeep tour, Garden, Tunnels and Waterfall | 2 hours | $90 per person plus concession fee |
| Segway tour | 1.5 to 2 hours | $105 plus 18 percent concession fee |
| Audio tour | Self-guided | Free |
Prices are per guest and can change. Jeep routes depend on weather and road closures. More detail is in our jeep tour guide and the tour overview.
Planning around your ride
Simple things that make the day easier.
Choose by age
Children aged 8 to 10 can only join the one-hour ride. From age 11 you can choose either ride, if the rider also meets the minimum height of 4 feet (1.22 m).
Count the whole slot
With the 30-minute early arrival, a one-hour ride takes about an hour and a half of your day. A two-hour ride takes about two and a half. The last start in both seasons is a one-hour ride at 3 p.m.
Book the group together
Minors ride with an adult they know, and every rider needs their own horse. Reserve all riders in one booking and sign the waiver for each of them.
Add a stop at the visitor center
The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, a shorter day than the park itself. It has exhibits and a film.
Visitor center guide →Plan the rest of your day
Where a ride fits into a visit.
Trails in the park
Paths from half a mile to 2.5 miles (4 km).
Weather by month
When it is warm, wet or cold.
Things to do at Garden of the Gods
Twelve experiences in and around the park.
Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms. When you hear thunder, go into a solid building or a fully closed vehicle. The park sits at about 6,400 feet (1,951 m), so bring water and sun protection.
Horseback riding at Garden of the Gods: frequently asked questions
How much does horseback riding cost?
The stable lists one hour from $111.30 and two hours from $172.78 in 2026. These are starting prices, not a guaranteed final total.
How old do riders have to be?
The one-hour ride is for children from 8 years. The two-hour ride is for riders from 11 years. Both rides need a minimum height of 4 feet (1.22 m).
Do I need to reserve?
Yes. All reservations are made online. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your ride.
Can I cancel or change my ride?
Changes and cancellations need at least 48 hours of notice, by phone.
Do I need to bring a helmet?
No. A helmet is required and the stable provides it. You also sign a waiver.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, and the stable applies it strictly. Ask the stable for the current limit before you book.