The Vail to Aspen Ride is a unique and memorable way to explore some of Colorado's most beautiful backcountry trails, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, as well as to experience a piece of history: the 10th Mountain Division huts. Enjoy charming, rustic, off-the-beaten-path accommodations, gourmet meals, and the camaraderie between riders created by many shared miles in the saddle.

The horses and all tack and gear are provided for this trip. The horses are gentle and very accustomed to mountainous terrain, and they will be on a highline overnight at each location.

Riders may not bring their own horses for this trip.

While this is a great trip for riders of varying abilities, some riding experience is required.  The focus of the trip is the spectacular scenery and the terrain does not allow for fast travel, however, riders should be able to navigate horses through difficult terrain, control horses in a group, and mount from the ground if needed.

Horses will be in Western tack, and saddle bags will be provided. 

What's My Riding Level? 

The Ride & Hike trips showcase the same beautiful trails, to be explored on horseback AND on foot, with the same unique accommodations and gourmet meals. Spend the first two days on horseback, the third day on horseback + hiking, and the final day will be a longer and more challenging hike. Your extra effort will be rewarded with more breathtaking views you will never forget! 

The trip covers 56 miles in total, so expect to spend long hours in the saddle. Terrain is mountainous, with considerable elevation gain and descent each day, and terrain will consist of mountain meadows, pine and aspen forests, and single-track trails which will sometimes be rocky. 

Accommodation will be provided in 10th Mountain Division huts for the first and third nights, featuring shared sleeping areas and outdoor bathroom facilities. On the second night lodging will be at a private guest ranch, where riders can enjoy all the comforts of home, a warm bed and a hot shower after a long day on the trail.

There is no cell service along the trail or at the huts. Cell service can be found with a short walk from some of the accommodations, but is not guaranteed.

Gourmet dinners and hot breakfasts will be provided at each accommodation, and picnic lunches will be prepared to carry on the trail. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but guests are welcome to bring their own, which will be transported to the accommodation for you.

Rider Resources:

• 10 Things to Pack for a Horseback Trek

8:00 am - Meet at stables in Edwards, meet the wranglers and fellow guests, and of course, your horses! 9:30am - Hit the trail, riding up Squaw Creek trail, meandering along and across the creek several times and through serviceberry and pine trees, past an old saw mill. Then, begin climbing towards the New York Mountains. Picnic in Fulford area for lunch, then steady climb towards the hut. 6:30pm - Arrive at the hut, appetizers on the deck for sundown

Dinner at the hut

Accommodation: Peter Estin Hut

Ride time: 8 hours

6:00 pm campfire dinner.

Breakfast in the hut
Ride down from the hut through aspens and meadows with sweeping views over Colorado ranchland. After lunch, ride past Lime Creek Canyon towards the Fryingpan River above Ruedi Reservoir towards the ranch.

Dinner at the ranch

Accommodation: Private guest ranch

Ride time: 7 hours

Breakfast and leisurely morning at the ranch
Ride towards the summit of Mt Yeckel, stopping for lunch in a secluded meadow before summiting. Take in the sweeping, panoramic views from atop - Maroon Bells, New York Mountains, the Flattops, and more. Afternoon arrival at the hut, with views of the WIlliams Range from the dining room.

Dinner at the hut

Accommodation: Margy’s Hut

Ride time: 5-6 hours

9:30 am tack up

10:00 am shorter ride for those interested. Picnic back at the trailers before heading out.

Breakfast at the hut
Ride in and out of valleys on the way to Aspen, skirting the historic mining town of Lanedo. Pause for lunch with views towards Aspen.

Arrival at the Hunter Creek trailhead.

Say goodbye to the horses, board shuttle back to Vail.

Departure from Vail