A Review of Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Throughout the month of December, when our overly commercialized world is focused on gift giving and card signing, many local establishments thrive off the classic Christmas carols and local legends that share the childlike joy of traditional holiday rituals. Business is fueled by tourists looking to reignite their young innocence and hope for the magic in the world that cannot be seen but can always be experienced. One of these establishments is a prime example of the possession of holiday magic, and the mystifying influence it can have on oneself. Boasting the classic Christmas activity, and signature snowy style of the Rocky Mountains is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides.
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Throughout the month of December, when our overly commercialized world is focused on gift giving and card signing, many local establishments thrive off the classic Christmas carols and local legends that share the childlike joy of traditional holiday rituals. Business is fueled by tourists looking to reignite their young innocence and hope for the magic in the world that cannot be seen but can always be experienced. One of these establishments is a prime example of the possession of holiday magic, and the mystifying influence it can have on oneself. Boasting the classic Christmas activity, and signature snowy style of the Rocky Mountains is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides.
Two beautiful horses, Barb and Sue, await the guests that they will pull around the property. Photo by Austin Price
Located at 700 Honey Bee Place, home of Elk Trace Bed & Breakfast, in a secluded haven of pine trees and snowy paths is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides. Marked by the large horse barns, and unofficial greeter, a young pup, Buckaroos is a country classic, mountain manifestation of innocence, excitement, recreation, and community.
A young border collie welcomes guests and alerts his owners of the arrival of customers. Photo by Austin Price
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides offers a plethora of standout qualities, combining its commercial prospect with the iconic feel of family, and the irreplaceable connection formed by holiday cheer. Upon customer arrival, the founder and owner of the company, Buck himself, tours guests around the property, and introduces them to the various animals that live there. With a classic cowboy attitude, open approach, and encouraging tone, Buck guides all guests throughout the barn, allowing them to do a little meet and greet with the true stars of the show, the horses.
The stables home the horses of the company, giving them a warm place to earn treats from guests. Photo by Austin Price
As visitors arrive, Buck encourages them to meet the horses, take photos that will serve as perfect Christmas cards, and enjoy delicious cups of hot chocolate and apple cider. Once the full group of riders had successfully gathered, we loaded up into the horse drawn wagon, and began our sleigh ride, taking us on a journey through the property.
Buck offers guests the chance to feed and pet the horses. Photo by Lucas Perez
As Barb and Sue, our working horses for the evening, began to pull the sleigh, Buck regaled us with local legends, and Christmas miracles, all set in the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains. The ride throughout the property was serene, and Barb and Sue, two strong sisters, pulled us through the dirt, keeping us alert with the icy cold air. Buck shared with us the story of how his company came to be, and how the business was built by both him and his horses.
Buck started the development of Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides in 2020, right during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. For obvious reasons, this timing made his company’s premiere a challenge. However, Buck and his horses built his organization successfully. All of Buck’s horses are working horses, meaning they need to stay busy to stay happy. And so, Buck used the enthusiastic labor of his horses to pull supplies, start construction, and give the rundown property a reboot it deserved.
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is unique in the fact that its horses are rescues and are related. With a set of brothers and a set of sisters, Buck can rely on the intelligence and teamwork of his horses to keep his visitors safe and his audience happy.
The sleigh ride around the property lasted around an hour, giving guests the perfect chance to admire the Colorado sunset, as the darkness enveloped the mountains. Barb and Sue kept a steady pace throughout most of the ride. They took us through different fields, hidden passageways, and through the forest, decorated with twinkly lights to reflect the upcoming holiday. As we rode, Buck toured us through the property, telling us tales of mountain lore and historic moments. The ride was comfortable. The relationship between the horses and Buck’s upbeat attitude gave the experience an air of familiarity, making all the guests feel at home.
As the ride was coming to an end, and our magical moment was coming to a close, Buck had one more trick up his sleeve. The end of our ride faced a large uphill journey, which seemed to be an obstacle that would slow us down. However, Barb and Sue, our mighty beasts leading the tour, had no problem tackling the steep hill with power and thrust. The horses quickly turned their leisurely walk into a brisk trot, nearly a gallop as they took us up the hill. This fast-paced ride through the mountains left me with a crazy grin on my face, and my nose frozen by the cold air blowing into us.
As we reached the peak of the hill, the horses slowed down their pace and brought us back to the warm stable that served as the starting point for the journey. We exited the carriage, and Buck supplied us with treats to give Barb and Sue, to congratulate them on a job well done. With a heartwarming smile and a firm handshake, Buck bid his farewell and wished us the best. As I left the carriage, I knew something special had happened. I felt euphorically happy, and my usual sense of unending anxiety was momentarily gone. It was magic in its purest form for me.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday themed activity or have a need for an adrenaline rush through an adventure, Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is the perfect place to make memories and experience the signature style of an old-fashioned Christmas celebration. I highly recommend Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides for anyone looking for an incredible evening with beautiful creatures and exquisite scenery. This experience is sure to leave you with cheer in your spirit, and hope in your heart.
Winter Activities to Welcome the Season
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
The winter season is upon us! Below are some activities to participate in as the snow begins to fall!
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
The winter season is upon us! Below are some activities to participate in as the snow begins to fall!
Go Snowmobiling
Warm Up in the Colorado Hot Springs
Attempt to Ice Skate
Go Tubing in Winter Park
Ski the Slopes
Stay in a Log Cabin
Go Dog Sledding
Explore the Ice Castles
Visit Ouray Ice Park
Try Ice Fishing
Top 8 Haunted Houses Near Regis University
Rose Cordova, Staff Writer
Spooky season is upon us! Do you and your friends want to find something scary to do over the weekend or for Halloween? Well, here’s the spot to look… Below are the top 8 highest-rated haunted houses near Regis University for you to visit this fall!
Rose Cordova, Staff Writer and Social Media Contributor
Spooky season is upon us! Do you and your friends want to find something scary to do over the weekend or for Halloween? Well, here’s the spot to look… Below are the top 8 highest-rated haunted houses near Regis University for you to visit this fall!
1: Horror Theater Haunted House
Rating: 4.9 Stars
Address: 4504 S Independence St, Denver, CO 80123
Starting off we have the Horror Theater Haunted House off South Independence Street at number 1 It’s only a 25-minute drive from Regis. This haunted house has almost a 5-star review (Google) and is a dark, eerie, abandoned movie theater. This spooky place is in a residential garage and is completely free, but donations are welcomed. Groups of 3-4 people are permitted per admittance and the scare actors cannot touch you, but that does not mean the house won’t… which would consist of wind, water, fog, and extra goodies!
2: The Frightmare Compound
Rating: 4.8 Stars
Address: 10798 Yukon St, Westminster, CO 80021
In 2nd place, we have the Frightmare Compound located in Westminster. It’s only 15 minutes from campus. This warm, cozy, totally not terrifying, haunted house has 2 experiences for the tortured souls who go there: their signature Frightmare Compound and Lights Out. The Frightmare Compound consists of their annual haunted house and their Lights Out event is November 1 & 2nd only. Their LightsOut event is one truly for the books as you will be left in the pure dark with intense jumpscares. Act fast as the Lights Out event is November 1 & 2nd only. This haunted house does cost money starting at $30 per person. Now, history does tie this haunted house to Denver and you have the possibility of seeing their gone, but not forgotten owner Brad Holder; but do you dare to experience a terrifying time?
3: Reinke Brothers: Haunted Mansion
Rating: 4.7 Stars
Address: 5663 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120
And for the bronze medal, we have the Reinke Brothers’ Haunted Mansion in Littleton. This haunted mansion is only 20 minutes away and is ready to scare you and all your friends. This location scares you through monsters, demons, witches, and anything else a demented mind can think of. Sadly, the mansion is only open during the fall season, specifically from September 27 to November 3, 2024. We’re already halfway through the season so buy your tickets fast. The cost per person starts at $20. This haunted mansion also offers a “Lights On” tour which is great for younger siblings or first-timers as all of their “super friendly” monsters are sent to go on lunch.
4: Terror in the Corn
Rating: 4.4 Stars
Address: 6728 County Rd 3 1/4, Erie, CO 80516
We have hit the halfway point, stopping at Terror in the Corn in Erie, CO. This maze is a bit of a further driver than the others, but it is top-rated by the Haunted Attraction Association. The total drive time is about 30 minutes from campus, but you get to wander through a plethora of abandoned buildings and get scared out of your mind from this new walking nightmare. Pricing starts at $40 but can increase, primarily depending on what day you decide to go. In this extensive nightmare, you can travel across a mile’s worth of land completely immersing you into the nightmare realm.
5: The Ritual: Haunted House
Rating: 4.3 Stars
Address: 301 Englewood Pkwy, Englewood, CO 80110
Now, can you handle a horrific haunted house? The Ritual: Haunted House is located in Englewood being only a 15-minute drive from Regis. This haunted house has no age restriction but can be intense for younger audiences or those who have never dabbled in horror. This haunted house is known for leaving a mark on you after you leave giving all the horror geeks, such as myself, a run for our money. Speaking of money, baseline pricing for admission is $24 but you can purchase a VIP ticket to fast pass the line. Also, similar to the Frightmare Compound, The Ritual: Haunted House offers a “Lights Out” event on November 1 and 2nd for a dark, creepy, experience. Are you confident that you won’t be trapped forever?
6: Elitch Gardens: Fright Fest
Rating: 4.0 Stars
Address: 2000 Elitch Circle Denver, CO 80204
Now if you are anyone in Colorado, you know of Elitch Gardens. Well, they host a Fright Fest and it is only 10 minutes away from our university. Elitch Gardens has a horror attraction for every type of person, consisting of 6 sections: Carn-evil, Lock Up: No Escape, Seance, Terror-tories, Insidious, and Insidious: The Summoning. The terrifying night starts up at 6:00 pm and admission is a generous $150, which sadly, does not include parking but does include admission. This experience is one of the more expensive routes for a scary night, but the price defines the quality and amount of things that are available to any guest who is crazy enough to enter the gardens for a time of seeing terrifying creatures.
7: Haunted Field of Screams
Rating: 3.9 Stars
Address: 10451 McKay Rd, Thornton, CO 80233
This is a maze that will haunt your dreams till you’re dead! The Haunted Field of Screams is in Thorton, Colorado and is so close it can almost kill you being a 14 minute drive away. This maze is 40-acre worth of land and will make you run away crying. This attraction is to be avoided by younger audiences as there is no “less scary” version of the maze. Throughout this maze, you will experience the gates of hell opening up to bring you in through haunted houses and corn fields. Pricing for the Haunted Field of Screams begins at $30 per person for general admission. Do you think you can manage 40-acres worth of fear?
8: The 13th Floor
Rating: 3.8 Stars
Address: 3400 E 52nd Ave, Denver, CO 80216
Last, but not least we have The 13th Floor located 9 minutes away in Commerce City. USA Today has stated that the 13th Floor is one of the scariest haunted houses in the country. It currently holds 2 haunted houses and as of this year, an additional haunted house. The themes for the haunted houses consist from deep sea terror to a taxidermist who has decided humans are better fitted for him than animals. Tickets start at $25 and can include each type of haunted house. The 13th Floor is open until November 9th and offers a possibility to get out of the attraction if it becomes too scary. The actors cannot touch you and you are not allowed to take photos during the experience. Also, if you are 21+, there are various bars within the location. Can you handle the 13th floor’s monsters?
And that completes our list of the top 8 haunted houses near Regis University! Do you think you’ll be brave enough for all of these or are you too frightened to try? In the spirit of spooky season, I highly recommend that everyone attends at least one haunted house in their life. Maybe one of these will be your first one!
Fall Activities to Welcome the Season
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
As of September 22nd, we are officially in the fall season! Below are some fall events and activities to get you into the fall spirit:
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
As of September 22nd, we are officially in the fall season! Below are some fall events and activities to get you into the fall spirit:
Anderson Farms
September 25th through November 2nd, 2024
Full of fall fun, with corn mazes and an awesome pumpkin patch, it's the perfect event to start off the season!
Cider Days
October 5th and October 6th, 2024
Celebrates Colorados apple harvests. Enjoy yummy cider and some CO history.
Click here to read more
Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
September 20th through November 2nd, 2024
A magical pumpkin show full of light and laughter!
Take a Denver Ghost tour!
Ghost tours offered year round.
Explore the legends and spirits of Denver, CO!
The Prairie Harvest Fest
October 5th, 2024
Costume contests, pumpkin decorations, and more!
Cottonwood Farms
September 28th through October 31st, 2024
Offers a pumpkin patch and maze!
13th Floor Haunted House
September 7th through November 9th, 2023
Enjoy a good scare in this classic haunted house!
The Stanley Hotel
Hotel is open year round.
See the iconic hotel and learn some spooky history.
Broadway Halloween Parade
October 19th, 2024
This event showcases the uniqueness of local Broadway businesses.
Glow at the Gardens
October 22nd through October 27th, 2024
Experience all things spooky, silly and spirited!
A Visit to the Museum of Illusions
By James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
The Museum of Illusions is located in Denver, CO and offers a plethora of artistic demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and fun for all ages.
By James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
The Museum of Illusions is located in Denver, CO and offers a plethora of artistic demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and fun for all ages.
A mystifying exhibit is found at the Museum of Illusions. Photo by James Ortiz
A portrait is seen in an exhibit at the Museum of Illusions. Photo by James Ortiz
Photography is an artistic medium found in the Museum of Illusions. Photo by James Ortiz
A drawing in the Museum of Illusions. Photo by James Ortiz
Themes of geography are expressed in this exhibit at the Museum of Illusions. Photo by James Ortiz
Interactive exhibits are made available to guests at the Museum of Illusions. Photo by James Ortiz
Valentine's Day Activities
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again! Valentine's Day is coming soon and here are some ideas for you on how to spend Love Day!
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again! Valentine's Day is coming soon and here are some ideas for you on how to spend Love Day!
At the Denver Botanic Gardens, there is a beautiful showcase of orchids for your loved one! Watch beautiful and rare orchids bloom while enjoying all the gardens have to offer.
Date(s): January 12th - February 19th, 2024
Mother Daughter Valentines Baking Class
Take your mom to Littleton to make the cutest treats for this day of love!
Date(s): February 3rd, 2024
Enjoy all kinds of vendors and activities!
Date(s): February 9th - 10th, 2024
Run with your loved one and get that heart pumping! Hosted by Washington Park.
Date(s): February 11th, 2024