Have you ever wanted to try horseback riding? Aspen is a great area to enjoy this because of the plenitude of wilderness and the beautiful forests. The mountain peaks and magic of the area really make this a special place to enjoy horseback riding and this summer will be the perfect time to do it.
You can enjoy this with your family or a group of friends, even a special date experience, or as a chance to check something off your bucket list. You’ll love being away from the crowds and typical Aspen attractions while you get back in touch with nature and learn a new skill. Take a look at how you can enjoy horseback riding in Aspen, CO this summer.
Private Ranch in Old Snowmass
A great place to start is by visiting The Private Ranch in Old Snowmass for a ride with adults or kids. Being so remote is what makes this location more private and secluded for your group. You’ll love being away from the crowds and getting more attention as you try this new experience in Aspen. There are different activities offered at The Private Ranch since it’s in a great location with St. Benedict’s Monastery on one side and the National forest on the other.
While everyone else is enjoying the public facilities, you’ll have your own unique experience with a private ranch which means 1900 acres to yourself on this private Colorado cattle ranch. The views of Mt. Sopris, the Monastery, and Old Snowmass are breathtaking. You’ll likely see bear, deer, elk, coyotes, and hawks as you ride through lush meadows, aspen groves, and surrounded by mountains. The kids will love the wild flowers too.
You can take a 2-hour ride for $90 per adult and $80 per child from 9am-5pm or you can make it a half day with lunch or BBQ dinner ride. The lunch is $165 for adult and child from 10:30am-2:30pm and the BBQ dinner ride is $225 for adults and $195 for kids from 4:30pm-8:30pm.
Snowmass Rodeo Grounds Horseback Riding
Another option is to go with a public option like the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds. They offer horseback rides for 2-hour options, dinner rides, and breakfast rides. You’ll love the 360 view of Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley. You’ll actually see the four ski mountains which include Vail, Daly, and Independence Pass as you gradually ride 1000 feet above the valley through their wildlife habitat.
Since it’s only 10 minutes from Aspen, you’ll be able to get free public transportation and this location is great for both the beginner and the experienced rider. Do a breakfast ride from 8:30am-11am for $115 for adult and child, the dinner ride for $225 for adults and $195 for children from 4:30pm-8:30pm, or the 2-hour ride for $95 for adults and $85 for children from 10am-1pm.
Snowmass Creek Horseback Rides
Going with Snowmass Creek Horseback Rides gives you plenty of great options to ride through the herat of the Rocky’s, an exclusive Outfitter permit for the wilderness area, a chance to experience the towering mountains, and to ride through untouched wilderness of the White River National Forest. You can choose from options including half day, full day, and full day on the west side.
The half day experience is $195 for adults or children and will last about 3-4 hours from 10:30am-2:30pm. You’ll get to meander the Creek towards the Maroon Bells Wilderness area where you’ll go through beautiful forests and see snow-capped mountains. You’ll also get a chance to dismount to enjoy a snack or full lunch and take some photos of the beautiful valleys. Choose from a morning ride or afternoon ride option.
The full day experience will cost $265 for adults and $220 for children from 9am-dusk. You’ll spend your whole day with your group riding with a customized plan to the day. You can choose from different options but you’ll begin at Snowmass Creek trail head and head up to the Snowmass Creek Valley. Ride as far as you like or stop at the beaver ponds for some fishing and time for a picnic.
You can also try the All Day West Snowmass Creek experience which offers you two options. For $245 per adult and $185 per child, you can choose between a less technical option which is also a bit less time on the horse as you pass through the most beautiful countryside up to Snowmass Creek before crossing the river to get to West Snowmass Creek. The second option is to keep going past there as far as you would like to ride or to stay there and enjoy a great lunch with cold drinks and gorgeous views. It takes place from 10:00am-3:30pm.
You can’t beat the horseback riding found in Aspen with the beautiful mountainside and exciting wildlife. Choose from these rides this summer between June and September.