Action Adventures Trail Rides

Action Adventures Trail Rides has established itself as a cornerstone of Ouray's outdoor activity offerings, specializing in horseback riding tours that provide access to the area's backcountry. With an impressive near-perfect rating aggregated from hundreds of customer experiences, this family-owned tour operator has cultivated a strong reputation. They breed, raise, and train their own livestock, a detail that returning customers appreciate when they are reunited with the same horse from a previous visit. This approach suggests a deep commitment to both their animals and the quality of the experience they provide. The company operates from a location on County Road 14A, offering a variety of rides that cater to different experience levels and desired durations, from one-hour excursions to more extensive half-day journeys.

The Experience: Staff, Scenery, and Steeds

A recurring theme in feedback for Action Adventures is the exceptional quality of its staff. Customers consistently describe their handlers and accompanying personnel as kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Individuals like Jace, Audrey, Evelyn, and others are frequently named for their positive impact, transforming a simple trail ride into a more enriching event by sharing local information and ensuring rider comfort. This level of personalized service is a significant asset, particularly for families and individuals new to horseback riding. The praise extends to the management of groups, which is reportedly handled with a seamless and friendly efficiency.

The other stars of the show are, of course, the horses. They are widely described as beautiful, healthy, calm, and well-suited for the mountain terrain. A key strength of this travel agency is its ability to match horses to riders based on individual skill levels, from seasoned experts to absolute beginners. This careful pairing is crucial for safety and enjoyment, and it demonstrates a professional understanding of their animals and clients. This focus ensures that even first-time riders feel secure, allowing them to fully appreciate the surrounding environment.

The trails themselves navigate through the Uncompahgre National Forest, offering what many call breathtaking scenery. Riders traverse peaceful paths through pastures and wooded areas, with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, including prominent peaks like Whitehouse and Corbett. The routes often pass historic mining country, cross streams, and may even feature waterfalls, providing a rich and varied visual experience. These guided tours are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the region in a way that is only accessible by foot or on horseback.

Offerings and Options

Action Adventures provides a diverse menu of outdoor excursions to fit various schedules and comfort levels. Their website details several options:

• The Wrangler Ride: A one-hour ride ideal for beginners or families with younger children (ages 5+), following a relatively flat and open trail through historic mining areas.
• The Ranger Ride: A 1.5-hour journey that also explores mining country but includes a stream crossing and a waterfall, with a brief section along a cliff edge that may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.
• The Buckaroo Ride: Their most popular offering is a versatile two-hour ride with multiple trail options that feature expansive mountain views and stream crossings, suitable for any experience level.
• The Ranch Hand Ride: A more demanding four-hour experience designed for the more adventurous, venturing deep into the Uncompahgre Wilderness on trails inaccessible by vehicles. This ride offers dramatic views of notable peaks like Mt. Sneffels and Chimney Peak.

Points for Potential Customers to Consider

While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there are several points that prospective clients should consider to ensure the experience aligns with their expectations. The most significant consideration is the pace of the rides. The tours are consistently described as slow-paced walks. This is a deliberate safety measure designed to accommodate beginners and to allow all participants to focus on the scenery. However, experienced equestrians seeking opportunities to trot or canter may find the pace too restrictive. One visitor, while praising the guide and the views, noted the lack of "real riding," framing it as an excellent choice for beginners but perhaps underwhelming for those accustomed to more dynamic mountain horseback riding.

Another practical aspect is the cost. Several reviews mention that the experience is "not cheap," but this is almost always followed by the sentiment that it is worth the price. The cost reflects the quality of the horses, the expertise of the staff, and the exclusive access to pristine trails. Potential customers should view this not as a budget activity but as a premium experience where the investment corresponds to the value received. For instance, the popular two-hour Buckaroo Ride is listed at $160 per rider, while the one-hour Wrangler Ride is $80 per rider.

Finally, there are physical and logistical limitations to note. The business does not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and the nature of horseback riding itself presents inherent physical barriers. Furthermore, as with any form of adventure travel in a rugged environment, unpredictability is a factor. One group encountered a fallen tree blocking the path, which required the guide and a guest to clear it. While handled effectively and viewed as a minor adventure, it highlights the authentic and sometimes untamed nature of the setting.

Conclusion

Action Adventures Trail Rides stands out as a premier tour operator in Ouray for its commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. The combination of highly praised staff, well-cared-for horses, and access to spectacular mountain scenery makes it an exceptional choice for a wide range of visitors, particularly families and novice riders. The company's structured ride options allow clients to choose an outing that best fits their time and comfort level. The primary caveats relate to managing expectations: experienced riders should anticipate a leisurely sightseeing pace rather than a spirited ride, and all customers should be prepared for a price point that matches the high-caliber service. For those seeking a memorable and professionally managed journey into the Colorado mountains on horseback, it remains a top-tier and highly recommended option for Ouray tourism.