Experience the Best of America by Horseback
by Justin Dunn
The place to be this summer is a location few people know about, a remote little Colorado town called Guffey. As seen on RFD-TV and Best of America by Horseback, this particular area has a lot to offer equestrians and any lover of the outdoors.
Justin Dunn, owner of Dunn’s Horse and Mule Company, is an ex-Texan who fell in love with the Colorado mountains and now provides private horseback riding vacations on his 1,000 acre ranch near Guffey, a community of only 23 (within city limits). You can get a bite to eat in Guffey—check out The Bull Moose, mail a letter, or get a beer, but the real draw is the Old West atmosphere and spectacular natural setting.
Must-see places include The Royal Gorge, home of the highest suspension bridge in the nation. It spans the Arkansas River, considered the best rafting river in the country. Most people only read or hear about a backcountry horseback ride in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, but around Guffey one can enjoy riding as it was 200 years ago, without any roads, power lines, or buildings in sight. Central Colorado not only has spectacular scenery, it has fascinating geology and remnants of volcanic activity. The Florissant Fossil beds have petrified Redwood trees from a time when the area was tropical. Interpretive, educational rides with a scientist are available for geology and history buffs.
Best of America by Horseback television show featured Justin Dunn and Guffey, Colorado as one of the best places in America to ride horses. Justin was chosen because of his love of riding in the backcountry and his desire to share it with other people. Dunn’s Horse and Mule Company provides visitors with the most beautiful views the area has to offer, all from the saddle of a well-trained mountain horse. In addition to riding tours, Justin also provides family lodging and activities such as shooting guns, archery, white water rafting, camping, pack trips, or a wagon ride with dinner, and can customize activities to suit your needs.
Bring your horse, for trail riding or a private 3-7 day horsemanship clinic, or use one that is provided. Justin’s clinics are designed to your needs and are in a vacation style setting with lots of trail riding. Get to know your horse while enjoying the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
There is so much to offer in Central Colorado so plan to stay at Dunn’s for a few days to enjoy the many activities and attractions. Also, check out Pikes Peak or Cripple Creek, located just a short drive from Guffey. To contact Justin visit www.dunnshighcountry.com* or email [email protected] or call 719-479-4009.
*This link was no longer active at the time this article was added to the website in 2018
Published May 2012 Issue
The Northwest Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in the Pacific Northwest. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.
