Colorado cattle drive · East Beaver Valley
Ride a real Colorado cattle drive.
Full day at a 138-year working ranch. Work alongside wranglers rotating the cattle across 14 summer pastures. From $1,495 for up to four guests plus the Xola booking fee; $250 each additional guest, six riders max. Giddy up.
- $1,495
- From · up to 4 guests
- 8 hrs
- On the ranch
- 6
- Max riders / day
- Age 10+
- Tack-size recommended
Adventure on Horseback
Participate in an authentic western ranching event on this day trip in the Colorado subalpine wonderland at Elk Glade Outfitters, L.L.C. Operated by Elk Ranch’s experienced riders and congenial hosts, we are proud to share this unique experience with a handful of guests. Work alongside wranglers to authentically manage our grasslands by rotating the cattle over the 14 separate pastures that make up their summer range. The wildflower-covered valleys are bordered by brilliant pink granite cliffs, which give way to bubbling streams and open meadows of pine, spruce and aspen.
We invite you to enjoy a memorable adventure, complete with herding cattle on horseback — all while taking in the crisp mountain air and views of pristine canyon land. Explore 2,100 acres of family-owned land and 1,200 acres of exclusively leased State Land Board land, bordering about 25,000 acres of BLM land and about 10,000 acres of USFS land. Ranch headquarters is a mining camp hotel that was built in 1884 and was later disassembled by ranch hands and moved from the mining ghost town to its present site. Today, guests can enjoy the adventure and excitement of this historical landmark.
Book up to six riders through Xola. Larger groups: contact us and Jim Johnson will sort dates, gear, and pacing for parties bigger than that.
How a day runs
From the barn back to the barn.
Morning
Meet at the barn
Pull in to the ranch, drop a bag at the lodge if you brought one, and walk down to the barn. The crew sizes you to a horse — most parties have a mix of experience and we pair accordingly. Quick safety briefing, helmet check, then mount up and out the gate.
Mid-day
On the trail
Work alongside wranglers to authentically manage our grasslands by rotating the cattle over the 14 separate pastures that make up their summer range.
Afternoon
Back to the lodge
Untack and head back to the lodge for cold drinks and a good meal. Afterwards, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy, whether that's a Jeep ride, ATV adventure, or some fishing. Most days run about eight hours door-to-door, though the exact timing depends on the cattle movements and weather.
What’s included
- →Horse + tack (the wranglers pair you with the right horse on arrival)
- →Helmet
- →Water + snacks during the ride
- →Lunch back at the lodge
Bring this
- ·A reusable water bottle (bring one — we'll fill it)
- ·Fleece or insulating layer
- ·Riding shoes or boots with a heel
- ·Gloves
- ·Rain jacket
- ·Hat
- ·Tips for the wrangler crew (15–20% of rate customary)
Boots with a heel are preferred, but athletic shoes and hiking boots work. If you’re unsure, call before you drive in.
Frequently asked.
How much riding experience do I need?
Some preferred. Many of our cattle-drive guests have minimal experience. However, this is not a trail ride — a nose-to-tail type ride you may have been accustomed to. We often ride separately and abreast, so you need to feel comfortable reining a horse.
Is this a real cattle drive or a staged experience?
Real. Historically, cattle drives throughout the West were "cattle burnt," meaning overgrazed. Through our partnership with the USDA we have established 14 pastures, over which we are far better able to manage proper grass consumption by the cattle. We know that our cattle drives and cattle rotation through those 14 pastures have improved grass density by at least 20%, which is good for the climate and prevents erosion. The cattle are truly our partners in range management.
Who runs the drive?
You and our wranglers, with co-owner and ranch manager Jim Johnson coordinating the schedule and bookings. If you want to talk through your group, ride experience, or a specific date before you book, reach Jim through our contact page.
Can kids come?
Children are welcome. Our smallest tack is sized for riders age ten and older — younger riders may find the saddle and stirrups don't fit them properly. If you've got a smaller party with kids, call us first and we'll talk through whether a given day fits.
What if it rains or snows?
Light rain we ride through. A real storm we hold or shift the timing — mountain weather in the East Beaver Valley moves fast and we make the call at the barn.
Can I bring my own horse?
Call Jim Johnson to discuss.
Book your cattle drive
Pick a date. We’ll saddle the horse.
Book up to six riders straight through Xola: $1,495 for up to four guests plus the Xola booking fee, $250 each additional guest. Larger group? Specific date in mind? Just want to talk through what a day looks like before you commit? Call Jim.
