By Steph
Dude ranches and horses go hand in hand, but at Vista Verde we also have another side to the ranch. We call it the New West. Horses are the Old West, and we put a lot of effort into making that an amazing program for our guests. But, we also put a lot of thought and effort into crafting our New West programs to have an equal impact on our guest experience. This week, we have been shining the social media spotlight on two of our New West programs–the hiking and mountain biking programs, so no better time to share some of our favorite hikes and mountain bike rides.
Our top 3 hikes at Vista Verde
1) Zirkel Circle- This is the coup de gras hike in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. It’s a long one, and requires a higher level of fitness, a backpack filled with water, and a packed lunch. This hike takes you along a roaring creek with log crossings, past two serene alpine lakes (Gilpin and Gold), and up into the rocky peaks of the Zirkel Wilderness Area.
2) Hahn’s Peak- Another one of our epics, this hike takes you climbing up through the wildflowers to the rocky peak of this perfectly peaked mountain. Upon arriving at the top, the 360 panorama that goes from Steamboat Springs to the Wyoming border is breathtaking, as is the climb to the top!
3) Gilpin Falls- For those not up for the above two epic hikes, Gilpin falls is a perfect way to go. Meandering through lush wildflowers and along a roaring creek, you end up at a beautiful spot with a private waterfall all to yourself. This is a favorite for families wanting to hike together, or those looking for a more mellow stroll through the Rocky Mountains.
Our top 3 mountain bike rides at Vista Verde
1) Burn Ridge- This is the perfect ride for guests who want the thrill of single track riding, but don’t have the fitness to climb, climb, climb. The trail is somewhat technical in places, but also offers rolling cross country terrain in other spots. A river crossing towards the latter part of the ride makes for a refreshing way to reward yourself for the pedaling!
2) Steamboat Lake- For those who want to give single track riding a try, but are new to the sport, the trail around Steamboat Lake is a perfect way to start out. Amazing panoramas will force you to stop and take in the view, and the coolness of the lake is tempting on a hot day. The trail is mild enough that you don’t have to have a high fitness level, but you can get your heart beating a bit, and the wildflowers in the early summer are delightful.
3) Skills Park- Now, this isn’t really a trail, but an afternoon in the skills park is a must do if you want to explore the sport of mountain biking during your vacation. Take a short ride with one of our talented guides over to the skills park, and spend a couple hours playing around on the obstacles. Our guides will teach you how to approach and ride obstacles, while they spot you and help you try out your new skills.
We hope you’ll come hike or bike with us at some point! Our backyard is so beautiful, and we love to share it with others.