Fremont County: The "Climate Capital" of Colorado Horse Country

Escape the harsh mountain winters and discover a year-round equestrian paradise in Fremont County, Colorado. Nestled along the Arkansas River valley southwest of Colorado Springs, this region is famously known as Colorado’s "Banana Belt." For horse property buyers, Fremont County offers a unique value proposition: the ability to ride comfortably in January while enjoying some of the most affordable real estate prices along the Front Range. Anchored by the historic communities of Cañon City, Florence, and Penrose, this area attracts retirees, competitive riders, and ranchers who value a laid-back lifestyle, rich agricultural soil, and a stunning backdrop of red rock canyons and high-desert mesas.

Penrose: A Designated Equestrian Community

While the entire county is horse-friendly, the town of Penrose deserves special mention. Often referred to as a "rural residential" haven, Penrose was historically platted with agriculture in mind. Today, it is one of the densest equestrian communities in the state. Buyers here typically find homes on 5-to-10-acre parcels that come with valuable shares of irrigation water (ditch water). This access to affordable water allows residents to grow lush pasture and alfalfa, significantly reducing the cost of feeding horses. It is a community where hay barns, arenas, and loafing sheds are as common as garages, and where neighbors trade tips on irrigation schedules and pasture management.

Further west in Cañon City and Florence, the landscape varies from riverfront estates along the Arkansas River to larger ranch parcels in the surrounding foothills. The soil in the river valley is exceptionally fertile, supporting a long history of apple orchards and truck farms, which translates into productive grazing land for livestock.

Endless Trails and Western Heritage

Fremont County is the gateway to the Royal Gorge, but for locals, the appeal lies in the millions of acres of surrounding public land. The county is a patchwork of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas that offer rugged, scenic trail riding. Popular destinations include the Shelf Road climbing area, where riders can traverse limestone canyons, and the vast open spaces of the Phantom Canyon Road area.

The local equestrian culture is vibrant and unpretentious. The Fremont County Fairgrounds in Cañon City is a busy hub, hosting the annual Fremont County Fair & Rodeo, as well as team roping jackpots and barrel races throughout the year. Pathfinder Regional Park provides community arenas and riding paths, ensuring that everyone from 4-H kids to professional trainers has a place to work their horses.

Why Invest in Fremont County?

Fremont County is frequently cited as one of the best places to retire in Colorado due to its low cost of living and mild weather.

• Climate: The protected valley location blocks severe storms, offering warmer winters and a significantly longer riding season than Denver or Castle Rock.
• Affordability: Real estate prices here are often 30-50% lower than in El Paso or Douglas counties.
• Water Rights: One of the few areas where properties frequently come with transferable water shares for irrigation.

Browse our current listings of Fremont County horse properties below to find your warm-weather retreat in the Arkansas River Valley.