Travel Guide: Beds-and-Barn Vacations

Here’s the scoop on 12 picturesque bed-and-barn destinations, where you can enjoy an exceptional getaway with your equine friend.

Looking for an equine-travel destination? Head to a bed-and-barn, such as Sharon’s Horse Heaven in Pennsylvania, which features well-planned horse facilities.

Your trail horse is more than a handy mount; he’s your equine companion and travel partner. If you enjoy exploring new trails aboard your familiar friend, but prefer to be pampered rather than roughing it, a bed-and-barn is for you.

Following are 12 bed-and-barn getaways. We looked for places where a Western rider would feel at home, plus charm, character, and access to scenic riding trails. →

Anchorage Farm
Pine, Colorado

You are here: Anchorage Farm (anchoragefarm.com) is a small, upscale bed-and-barn and working ranch located in Jefferson County, about a half-hour west of Denver, in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

For you: Choose from three handcrafted guest suites finished in cozy décor and featuring hardwood floors, feather beds, private baths, and snuggly robes. Breakfast includes a gourmet egg dish and home-baked bread or pastry.

For your horse: Clean, comfortable box stalls and corrals await your equine travel partner. Warm him up and tune up his training in the farm’s outdoor and indoor arenas.

On the trail: Pike National Forest, Staunton State Park, and four county parks are a short trailer drive away. Parks feature abundant trails, high-country riding, and unparalleled Rocky Mountain scenery.

Why you’ll love it: The Horse Suite offers 180-degree views of horses, birds, forests, and gardens from its all-season, plant-filled sunroom. After your ride, soak in the suite’s whirlpool tub. Step outside and enjoy wildflowers, flower gardens, and water features.

Inside look: “We have wonderful views and a pristine wildlife habitat,” notes innkeeper Kris Cooper. “It’s very peaceful here.”

Cedar Crest Country Cottage & Stables, LLC
Cedar Crest, New Mexico

You are here: Cedar Crest Country Cottage & Stables (cedarcreststables.com) is nestled in the evergreen forests of New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains just east of Albuquerque. Open year-round.

For you: You’ll stay in a charming cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. Homey décor and a front porch overlooking the trees add to the private country feel. There are also hookups for living-quarters trailers.

For your horse: Your horse may stay in a cozy covered stall or stretch out in a large paddock.

On the trail: Cedar Crest has exclusive rights to select trails in the adjacent Cibola National Forest, where you’ll ride through evergreens and pinyon pines. Ridge trails offer views of the canyons below. Rides through the snow are popular here.

Why you’ll love it: Cedar Crest offers plenty of privacy in a natural setting with spectacular trails within an easy drive from Albuquerque.

Inside look: “We can custom-design rides for those bringing horses in, ranging from one to four hours,” says innkeeper Donald Romero. “There’s a canyon ride with amazing scenic wilderness. The waterfall ride starts along Canoncito Spring and climbs easily to the waterfalls.”

TOP: The Quarter Horse room at Tennessee’s Clearview Horse Farm bed-and-barn has a cowboy feel. ABOVE: The farm regularly hosts clinicians, such as John Lyons.

Clearview Horse Farm
Shelbyville, Tennessee

You are here: Clearview Horse Farm (clearviewhorsefarm.com) is situated on 130 acres of rolling Tennessee countryside an hour drive from Nashville.

For you: The five well-appointed guest rooms each have a unique horse-oriented theme. After your ride, relax in the Western-themed lodge. You may also stay in your living-quarters trailer.

For your horse: Your visiting horse may stay in one of the facility’s 16-by-12-foot cowboy barn stalls or in an individual paddock with a shelter and safe fencing. Amenities include lighted indoor and outdoor arenas and quality grazing.

On the trail: Adjacent trails are level and meander through farmland and forested areas.

Why you’ll love it: Clearview is a peaceful destination that’s horse-centered in every way, from its lodging to acres of pastureland. Swim in the pool or a nearby lake. Well-known clinicians frequently holds clinics here.

Inside look: “Anyone wanting a private lesson can benefit from the wide variety of disciplines and breeds that we have here at Clearview,” says innkeeper Marie Lloyd. “Our Quarter Horses specialize in reining, ranch riding, and pleasure, while a lot of folks want to experience the feel of a Tennessee Walking Horse.”

TOP AND ABOVE: Wyoming’s Cowgirls Horse Hotel bed-and-barn offers a well-stocked, shared kitchen, Western décor, and scenic trails.

Cowgirls Horse Hotel
Laramie, Wyoming

You are here: Cowgirls Horse Hotel (cowgirlshorsehotel.com) is located near Medicine Bow National Forest at about 7,600 feet elevation, just outside Laramie.

For you: A guest room bedecked in modern Western décor is located at one end of the main house and has its own bathroom. Price includes a continental breakfast; you may also fix a hot breakfast in the well-stocked kitchen. Living-quarters trailer parking is also available.

For your horse: Your trail partner may stay in a 12-by-12-foot box stall with an automatic waterer or a quarter-acre paddock. A full-size arena is available for a pre-trail tuneup.

On the trail: The nearby Happy Jack Trail System features beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The trail climbs to higher elevations and winds through lush forests.

Why you’ll love it: The welcoming guest quarters and well-built equine facilities lend a sense of safety and comfort for a peaceful stay.

Inside look: “Thirteen miles east of us is Vedauwoo Recreation Area, composed of gravity-defying granite rock formations jutting up to 500 feet in the air, with big-sky views of up to 75 miles away of the Wyoming high plains,” innkeeper Diane Kempson effuses.

Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast & Horse Hotel
Custer, South Dakota

You are here: Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast & Horse Hotel (dakotadreambandb.com) is set on 20 pine-covered acres in southwestern South Dakota’s Black Hills region.

For you: The B&B features Western-themed, cedar-log décor in its two guest rooms. Each has a private bath. Guests are served a home-cooked country breakfast.

For your horse: Your horse may stay in one of five large barn stalls. Amenities include outdoor paddocks, a pasture, and water faucets.

On the trail: Most of the 100-plus miles of adjacent trails are covered with crushed limestone and gravel and feature pine trees and water crossings. Ride in the hoofsteps of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok on the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail.

Why you’ll love it: Enjoy shopping and restaurants in Custer City, then meet a feeling of seclusion once you pull into the ranch gate. The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is 45 minutes away.

Inside look: “We are located four miles from Custer State Park, where you can ride among the tall pine trees, cross water, skirt granite cliffs, or take in panoramic views from mountain summits,” innkeeper Kathy Mowery notes.

Elkhorn Bed & Breakfast
Mesa, Idaho

You are here: Elkhorn Bed & Breakfast (elkhornbnb.com) offers panoramic mountain views in southwestern Idaho, two hours from Boise.

For you: All rooms have mountain views. Each morning, you’ll enjoy a gourmet-style breakfast.

For your horse: Your visiting horse may stay in an open pipe corral. Warm him up in the B&B’s round pen and large arena.

On the trail: Idaho Trails, Razor River, and Old Road Trail offer spectacular views and easy terrain.

Why you’ll love it: Elkhorn offers beautiful scenery with unbeatable sunset views. Fall riding is spectacular. The B&B is pet-friendly and provides a nonsmoking environment.

Inside look: “Our motto is ‘where guests become friends,’” innkeeper Debra Bruckner says. “We offer the perfect atmosphere for a trail-riding vacation. We’re highly regarded for our agritourism facilities and environment.”

Hobo’s Hideout Bed, Breakfast & Barn
Mancos, Colorado

You are here: Hobo’s Hideout (hoboshideoutbbb.com) is located on Mountain Shadows Tennessee Walking Horse Farm in Colorado’s Four Corners region, just minutes away from Mesa Verde National Park.

For you: You’ll stay in a 740-square foot, one-bedroom apartment with a private entrance, master bedroom, a queen futon in the great room, private bathroom, wood-burning stove, full-service kitchenette, and breakfast bar. A freshly cooked breakfast is served every morning. You may also stay in your living-quarters trailer.

For your horse: Seven barn stalls, three with walkouts, are available in the Mountain Shadows show barn; plus, there are two turnout corrals where your equine friend can frolic. Shavings and hay are free with stall rental.

On the trail: San Juan National Forest offers miles of scenic trails, from high-desert to mountain terrain. (For more about Hobo’s Hideout and riding in San Juan National Forest, visit HorseandRider.com.)

Why you’ll love it: You’ll enjoy fresh, homemade breakfasts from the farm’s home-raised livestock and poultry. Hobo’s Hideout is also pet-friendly.

Inside look: “We are tiny, so there’s no crowding,” innkeeper Dimitri Schlotter notes. “We have great views, and it’s an easy venue. I tailor food for all sorts of allergies.”

Rancho Milagro
Elgin, Arizona

You are here: Rancho Milagro (ranchomilagrobnb.com) is located at 5,000 feet elevation in the middle of southern Arizona’s Sonoita Elgin Wine Country. Open year-round.

For you: The spacious, pueblo-style home offers three guest bedrooms decorated in Southwestern décor. Each room has a spa-type bath and access to the guest courtyard.

For your horse: A stall in a three-horse in-and-out barn and a fenced corral are available to your traveling horse.

On the trail: Adjacent trails wind through 50-plus acres of beautiful grasslands. Trails are also accessible in the nearby Mustang Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, and the Canelo Hills.

Why you’ll love it: Surrounded by mountains, the ranch is in a quiet, peaceful valley in Arizona’s Mountain Empire. Here, Old West culture is entwined with art galleries, wineries, and a healthy, wellness-based lifestyle.

Inside look: “The peace and quiet; beautiful landscape; clear, starry nights; great sunsets, and access to the nearby wineries for wine tastings make Rancho Milagro very special,” notes innkeeper Renate Kloppinger-Todd.

Sharon’s Horse Heaven
Marienville, Pennsylvania

You are here: Sharon’s Horse Heaven (horseheavenpa.com) is located in northwestern Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

For you: You’ll stay in a two-bedroom cabin with cedar trim on top of a 100-year-old bank barn. The cabin features a full kitchen, gas grill, and private bathroom.

For your horse: Your traveling equine friend may stay in a 10-by-11-foot box stall or a 28-by-40-foot grass paddock. A wash rack and water are provided.

On the trails: Trails accessible from the farm include 30 miles of flat terrain, gentle slopes, and steeper hills. Just 10 miles away are four more horse-trail systems; terrain ranges from flat, wide-open trails with beautiful vistas and lakes to mountainous trails with switchbacks and stream crossings to challenging trails leading to a wide river crossing.

Why you’ll love it: Unique features include safe, well-planned horse facilities, abundant green space, tranquil surroundings, and uncrowded spaces. The bank barn makes for cool, breezy stalls.

Inside look: “The aromatic cedar trim, large windows, 10-foot ceilings, and natural gas fireplace are some of the custom features,” innkeeper Sharon Perschke shares. “The customer’s horse lives just underneath in a stall, or right outside the window in the attached paddocks.”

Territorial Bed, Breakfast, & Barn
Junction City, Oregon

You are here: Territorial Bed, Breakfast, & Barn (horsesandwineandmore.blogspot.com) is a small facility located in Lane County, 17 miles from Eugene, in the heart of Oregon Wine Country. The B&B began as Synergy Stables, which focuses on smooth-gaited Paso Fino horses and natural horsemanship.

For you: You’ll stay in a cozy 1950s’ style farmhouse. Two private bedrooms—each comfortable for two—have a shared bath. There’s also a shared living room, kitchen, and dining room. Outside, there’s a covered deck, grill, fire pit, and large backyard. A generous continental breakfast is served daily. Hookups are available for living-quarters trailers.

For your horse: Your visiting horse may stay in 12-by-12-foot panel stall with shavings. Get him trail-ready in the indoor and outdoor arenas and round pen. A turnout is also available.

On the trail: Ride in the mountains, along a river, or through the local forest.

Why you’ll love it: Territorial provides a safe, attractive, clean environment for guests traveling with horses. Well-behaved pets are welcome upon approval for an extra fee.

Inside look: “We are within 15 minutes of more than 10 wineries, and within 30 to 45 minutes to many more, as well as craft breweries, farmers’ markets, fine dining, and cultural activities,” innkeeper Mary Schoenheit says.

TOP AND ABOVE: The Tudor Rose Bed and Breakfast, is a bed-and-barn situated in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, offers a luxury stay for horse and rider.

Tudor Rose
Salida, Colorado

You are here: The Tudor Rose Bed and Breakfast (thetudorrose.com) is a once-private estate that sits atop a ridge in the eastern Rocky Mountains, adjacent to Pike and San Isabel national forests.

For you: Six distinctive guest rooms are offered; all have private baths. The upper-level rooms have magnificent mountain views. Luxury-style chalets are also available. Homemade breakfasts are served every morning.

For your horse: Your horse will overnight in a four-stall, lighted barn with 12-by-12-foot box stalls. Surrounding the barn is a 100-by-100-foot paddock area. Five fenced pastures are also available.

On the trail: Ride among pinyon pines and juniper to a higher altitude where aspen and Ponderosa pine grow. Above the tree line are spectacular 150-mile views.

Why you’ll love it: An expansive deck with a hot tub allows guests to savor the views of the Mosquito Mountain range and Arkansas River Canyon.

Inside look: “Tudor Rose provides quiet privacy on 37 secluded acres and stunning mountain views, and it’s only 1½ miles to downtown Salida,” innkeeper Jon Terrell notes.

TOP: The Mt. Emily Room at Oregon’s Willow Creek Horse bed-and-barn sleeps two. ABOVE: Willow Creek’s peaceful grounds.

Willow Creek Horse B&B
Summerville, Oregon

You are here: Willow Creek Horse B&B (willowcreekhorsebnb.com) is located in eastern Oregon, near the Blue Mountains.

For you: The Willow Creek home features four guest rooms. Breakfast often features fresh, in-season foods from local farmers’ markets. There are also hookups for living-quarters trailers.

For your horse: Equine guests have access to loafing sheds and separated large pens. The horse spaces can be configured to accommodate your horse’s needs. All enclosures have safe fencing, water, and shelter.

On the trail: Willow Creek is a short drive from a dozen trailheads and close to the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Why you’ll love it: Access to the alpine-like mountains of Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness make this cozy B&B a gem. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Inside look: “Willow Creek is special because it’s small and personal,” innkeeper Lyndall Schick points out. “If you’re a mature rider and prefer to take a hot shower and sleep in a real bed after a day’s ride, here’s the place.”

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