Horse riding vacations in mountain ranches in Idaho

By: Nestor Imberti Posted: 07/02/2020

This time, we propose a family ranch holiday in Idaho, where you can combine horseback riding with non-riding activities.

The Rocky Mountains go through Idaho. This state stands out for its unexplored wilderness areas and for its natural wealth of mineral resources.

Idaho is a lovely place for a horseback journey and a ranch vacation is the best way to see it. However, not all ranches offer the same services. Some of them will surely leave you with your mouth open.

In this case, we want to show you what Red Horse Mountain Ranch as to offer. This ranch is known for its “all-inclusive” dude ranch vacations, including an extensive list of activities for all family members.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch

Idaho’s Red Horse Mountain Ranch is known for its all-inclusive dude ranch vacations, including an extensive list of guided adventures, well-appointed accommodations, first rate western hospitality, and a famous Kids Program for ages 3 and up. Located on 560 deeded acres, with over 300,000 acres of outfitter area, the ranch is a perfect location for an unforgettable vacation.

Full service, all-inclusive, week long or day programs.

Location and surroundings

Red Horse Mountain Ranch is tucked away on a private road 5 miles off Highway 97 at the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains, surrounded by Idaho Panhandle National Forest, BLM lands and private property. The ranch is situated at the base of Red Horse Mountain, with seasonal Blue Lake Creek running through the heart of the valley.

The mountains offer stunning views from a well-developed system of trails that goes all around the ranch. The local peaks are 2,000-foot high above the ranch and from there you have spectacular views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, rivers and mountains nearby. It’s one of Idaho’s perfect places for corporate retreats, family reunions, group reunions and family vacations in ranches equally.

The main lodge (10,000 square feet), the 8 log cabins and a hilltop summer vacation home have a cosy and rustic western decoration, and they keep the western spirit alive.

Near the ranch there are many recreational activities. Lakes, rivers, pristine areas with no roads, tourist resorts and top-level golf courses a few hours away.

The region is perfect for outdoor lovers, who can find many opportunities here for camping, trekking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, hunting, rafting, rock climbing, snow bikes and cross-country skiing.

Accommodations and amenities

The main lodge

The Red Horse Mountain Lodge was built in 1974 as a meeting and gathering place. Relaxation is first in mind with a full bar, library, game room, leather sofas, swimming pool, and breathtaking vistas of the Red Horse Mountain valley. You’ll find the lodge a comfortable and exciting place to meet other guests during your week at Red Horse Mountain Ranch.

The Lodge boasts a vaulted ceiling, dining room with a volcanic rock fireplace, a wraparound deck, a Trading Post for souvenirs, and nearly 7,000 square feet of space to relax.

Old West Saloon

During the week, the Old West Saloon will also be open during the evening. A full service bar, pool table, darts, music and a dance floor keep things lively!

Authentic Log Cabins & Lodge Suites

They have 20 private suites designed to keep their guests comfortable and cosy during their vacation.

Lodging options include everything from one bedroom suites to four bedroom authentic log cabins. They include private bathrooms with luxurious towels, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion and many more items for your comfort.

After a day of adventures, you can relax in your own privacy with rustic wooden furniture, down comforters, hypoallergenic pillows among others.

You will also have a lot of space in the main lodge and the swimming pool is not too far.

Horse riding vacations

Riders have at least two opportunities for horseback riding each day. There are rides for advanced riders, rides with unique vistas, riding lessons, all-day rides or lunch-time rides, rides for children and family rides, too.

Horseback riding is available to those riders under 240 pounds or athletically built.

Trail riding is available to kids ages 3 and older, with ages 3-6 being led by a wrangler, depending on their ability.

Monday morning orientation ride

On Monday morning, all first-time guests, including children, will have an orientation at the Barn, followed by a scenic ride. At the orientation, you will learn the Barn Rules and the basics of controlling your horse.

Adult scenic horseback riding

Kids’ program horseback rides

Kids aged between 3 and 10 are welcome to join the Kids Trail Ride. The little "buckaroos" (ages 3-6) will be led by a wrangler. They require each child to wear a riding helmet, which is available to borrow. Once each kid has been matched with a horse and is ready for the saddle, we venture into the valley of the ranch and reach the mountains and creeks. Horse riding offers lessons for concentration, assertiveness and self-awareness. All ages can join the Kids Trail Ride.

Horseback riding lessons

They want you to feel comfortable with your horse, so they offer horseback riding lessons at no extra charge. All you need to do is sign up. Talk with your wrangler at the lesson and let them know what you hope to accomplish. Horseback riding lessons are a great way to improve your technique and work on your horsemanship during your week stay at the ranch.

Activities for guests who don’t want to ride

Mountain biking

Red Horse Mountain Ranch offers a variety of mountain biking trails, from a leisurely ride through the woods, talking with your companions, to the thrill of climbing and descending more demanding trails.

Exhilarating rides through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest on select off-road trails offer novice and advanced riders great vistas and overlooks of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains. Trails are mostly single track and you’ll be traveling through forests and across ridge lines.

3D archery

The 3D archery program is designed for all levels of shooting abilities and it has several stations. You will have life-sized 3D targets hiding just off the trail at a variety of distances and challenging angles. They’ll provide you with a bow and a quiver full of arrows, and their guide will teach you everything you need to know.

This activity requires a short walk through the trail, so be ready and bring your sunglasses, comfortable clothes and shoes.

Kayaking tours

Kayaking allows you to move swiftly through the nearby lake and river systems in your own craft or with a partner. Their ocean kayaks are wide platform, difficult to overturn, a great combination for paddlers of all levels, including children. If you’d rather go for a swim, though, feel free to dive on in!

Thompson Lake is part of the Coeur d’Alene Chain Lakes system. It’s a shallow lake located approximately 3 miles from the ranch, rich with birds and other wildlife, and also has a good population of bass, panfish, and pike.

Golf

During the week, you’ll have the opportunity to chase a golf ball around one of their local 9 hole courses just a half hour drive from the ranch. A staff member, clubs, and carts are provided so you don’t have to bring anything with you. Transportation is provided and the group will leave the ranch just after breakfast, returning for lunch.

You arrive by wooden boat, greeted by your personal forecaddie. The lake is a gorgeous backdrop – as well as a formidable challenge.

The expertly groomed course compliments your game. The superb attention to service makes you a VIP every time you play. The experts at Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Conde Nast Traveller agree – this is one of the world’s best golf experiences.

On ranch fishing

The fishing pond is stocked with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, brook trout, and perch. You can try your luck with a fly rod or conventional fishing tackle provided at the pond. Kayaks and row boats are also available. Youngsters under the age of 14 are required to be with either a guide or a parent. You can adventure to the pond in the early morning before breakfast, after dinner, or anytime during the day with your guide. You do not need a fishing license.

Fly fishing trips

It’s an incredible adventure outside the ranch. To an experienced fly caster, the St. Joe River is the epitome of a western slope trout stream. Its clear cold waters flow over shallow cobblestone flats into rock-studded pocket pools.

Numerous native trout are willing to take a dry fly, and with perfect conditions, you may be rewarded with an epoch evening hatch. But you don’t have to be a well-seasoned angler to enjoy the St. Joe River. Your guide will teach you different fishing techniques.

As you can see, this place caters for all tastes, an excellent option for a Family Trip, where all is really included. Take your time to examine their web site, which has a lot of information: https://redhorsemountainranch.com/

Would you fancy the idea of traveling the world on the back of a horse, but you don't know how to plan it?

Download our free eBook "How to plan your next horseback trip" and learn all you need to know when planning an unforgettable horse riding holiday.

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