You might not saddle up on your morning commute. But when it comes to summer wildland exploration, there's no better way to experience the ridges, gullies and distant forested enclaves of Colorado than atop a good ol' horse.

Get in touch with your inner cowpuncher this year by taking a horseback ride or tour through the backcountry. Don't know where to go? Who to call? Unsure of your rustlin' abilities? These businesses can provide every aspect of the horsey experience, from guided trail rides to solo exploration.

Giddyup!

* Allenspark Lodge, 303-747-2552, 184 Main St., Allenspark 80510

* Aspen Lodge, 1-800-332-6867, 6120 Highway 7, Estes Park 80517

* Buena Vista KOA - Base Camp for Adventure, 1-800-562-2672, 27700 County Road 303, Buena Vista 81211

* Circle K Guest Ranch & Outfitters, 1-800-477-6381, 27758 Highway 145, Dolores 81323

* Conejos Canyon River Ranch, 1-719-376-2464, 25390 Highway 17, Antonito 81120

* Copper Mountain Stables, 1-970-968-2232, 0355 Beeler Place, Copper Mountain 80443

* Cottonwood Cove Lodge, 1-719-658-2242, 13046 Highway 149, South Fork 81154

* Elk River Guest Ranch, 1-800-750-6220, 29840 RCR 64, Clark 80428

* Estes Park Center/YMCA of the Rockies, Individuals: 1-970-586-3341, ext. 1010; Groups: 1-800-777-9622, 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes Park 80511

* Horse Crazy Camp, 1-970-878-4749, 300 County Road 75, Meeker 81641

* McNamara Ranch, 1-719-748-3466, 4620 County Road 100, Florissant 80816

* Mule Creek Outfitters/M Lazy C Ranch, 1-800-289-4868, 801 County Road 453, Lake George 80827

* OutWest Guides, 1-970-963-5525, 7500 County Road 3, Marble 81623

* Piedra River Resort & Backcountry Outfitters, 1-800-898-2006, 180 County Road 166, Chimney Rock 81127

* RC Guest Ranch & Circle Divide Outfitters, 1-719-658-2253, 37531 Highway 149, Creede 81130

* Ripple Creek Lodge, Winter: 303-989-4950, Summer: 1-970- 878-4725, 39020 County Road 8, Meeker 81641

* Rocky Mountain Gateway at Fall River Visitor Center, 1-970-577-0043, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park 80517

* Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies, Individuals: 1-970-887-2152, ext. 4110; Groups: 1-800-777-9622, 1101 County Road 53, Granby 80446

* Sportsman's Supply, Campground & Cabins, 1-970-731-2300, 2095 Taylor Lane, Pagosa Springs 81147

* Steamboat Lake Outfitters, 1-800-342-1889, 60880 County Road 129, Clark 80428

* Sundance Lodge, Cafe & Trail Rides, sundance-lodge .com, 23492 Colorado 119, Nederland 80466

* Tip Top Guest Ranch, 1-970-484-1215, tiptopranch.com

* Whistling Elk Adventures, 1-970-723-3284, 4164 Jackson County Road 27, Rand 80473

* Wild Basin Lodge & Event Center, 303-747-2274, 1130 County Road 84 W., Allenspark 80510

* Winding River Resort, 303-623-1121, 1447 County Road 491, Grand Lake 80447

* Yellow Pine Ranch & Livery, 1-719-742-3528, yellowpine.us, 15880 Colorado 12, Cuchara 81055

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