Saddling Up in Aspen’s Ghost Town Valley: The Ashcroft Horseback Adventure
A guided, two-hour ride through aspen meadows, ghost town history, and a lunch option at Pine Creek Cookhouse.
By the time the horses swing their ears toward the aspen meadows, the morning has already stitched itself into memory. Castle Creek murmurs like it has secrets to keep. Winds slide through the white-barked trunks, rattling coin-shaped leaves that flash silver when the sun tilts just right. From the King Cabin at Ashcroft Ghost Town, your guide—cowboy hat tipped to the high country—gives the simplest instruction of the day: breathe, relax, and let the horse do its work. You step into the stirrup, settle into the saddle, and the valley takes it from there.
Trail Wisdom
Hydrate Early at Altitude
Start drinking water an hour before your ride and keep a bottle in your saddlebag; the 9,500-ft elevation can sneak up on you.
Dress the Part (Function Over Fashion)
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a small heel for better grip in the stirrups; avoid loose scarves or dangling straps.
Sun Rules the High Country
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and bring sunglasses; UV intensity is strong even on overcast days.
Listen to Your Horse
Keep a relaxed seat and follow your guide’s spacing; your horse reads the trail and will respond to your calm, steady cues.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk through Ashcroft Ghost Town’s cabins before or after your ride for context on the valley’s silver boom.
- •Look for moose sign in willow flats near Castle Creek—go with your guide’s lead and give wildlife ample space.
Wildlife
Moose, Marmot
Conservation Note
Stay on established trails to protect sensitive alpine meadows; pack out everything and follow horse-specific Leave No Trace principles.
Ashcroft boomed during the 1880s silver rush, briefly housing thousands before the mines dwindled; today it’s preserved as an open-air historic site.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Quiet trails, Snow-dusted peaks views
Challenges: Mud, lingering snow patches
Expect variable conditions from chilly mornings to mild afternoons; trails can be soft from melt, so rides may adjust routes.
summer
Best for: Wildflowers, Long daylight hours
Challenges: Strong sun, afternoon thunderstorms
Prime riding with lush meadows and active wildlife; start early to beat heat and typical 2–4 p.m. storm windows.
fall
Best for: Aspen colors, Crisp air and stable weather
Challenges: Cool mornings, early season frost
Golden aspen corridors and clear skies make for superb photos; layers are key as temps swing quickly.
winter
Best for: Snow scenery (if operations run), Quiet valley ambiance
Challenges: Cold temps, limited operations
Some services are seasonal; confirm availability and dress for sub-freezing conditions if winter riding is offered.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight Rain ShellEssential
Afternoon storms pop up fast in the Elk Mountains—keep a packable shell in your saddlebag.
Sun Hat or Helmet VisorEssential
High-elevation sun is strong; a brim or visor keeps glare at bay without impeding your helmet.
1–2L Water BottleEssential
Staying hydrated at 9,500 feet prevents headaches and fatigue on mellow rides.
Riding-Friendly FootwearEssential
Closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel help keep your foot properly positioned in the stirrup.
Common Questions
How long is the Ashcroft Horseback Adventure ride?
Plan for about 2–3 hours total, including one hour to the Pine Creek Cookhouse area and an hour back.
Is lunch included in the price?
No. Lunch at the restaurant is optional and billed separately; if you prefer a one-way ride that ends at the restaurant, arrange in advance.
What ages can participate?
Riders must be at least 8 years old; youth should be comfortable following guide instructions and sitting in the saddle.
Do I need prior horseback riding experience?
No. This is a guided, beginner-friendly ride on well-trained trail horses with instruction provided at the start.
What should I wear?
Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel, and layered tops; bring sun protection and a lightweight rain shell.
What happens in bad weather?
Mountain weather can change quickly; the outfitter may delay or reschedule rides during thunderstorms or hazardous conditions for safety.
What to Pack
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) for high-elevation UV; 1–2 liters of water to handle the altitude; lightweight rain shell for fast-moving mountain storms; long pants and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety in the saddle.
Did You Know
During its 1883 peak, Ashcroft supported about 2,000 residents, 20 saloons, and two newspapers—then faded rapidly after richer strikes near Aspen pulled miners away; the site is now preserved by the Aspen Historical Society.
Quick Travel Tips
Reserve ahead—summer and fall rides sell out fast; Start early for cooler temps and calm weather; Expect limited cell service up Castle Creek Road—download directions; Confirm lunch plans with the restaurant if you want the one-way ride to end there.
Local Flavor
Post-ride, linger over lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse for mountain fare with big-window views. Back in Aspen, celebrate with a pint at Aspen Brewing Company or a hearty bite at White House Tavern. If you have time, stroll the Aspen Art Museum or catch music on the lawn at the Benedict Music Tent during summer.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE). Trailhead: King Cabin at Ashcroft Ghost Town on Castle Creek Road, ~11 miles (25–30 minutes) from Aspen. Cell service: Spotty to none—plan offline. Permits: No special permits required for the guided ride; reservations essential. Lunch at restaurant is separate.
Sustainability Note
This high-alpine valley is fragile—stay on established tracks, pack out all trash, and give wildlife plenty of room. Horses have right-of-way; yield to minimize trail widening and erosion.
Continue Reading
Gold Mountain Trail: Big Bear’s Badge-of-Honor Jeep Ascent
Climb Big Bear’s Gold Mountain Trail, a Jeep Badge of Honor route that blends technical rock crawling with high-country views and a living slice of California history. Guided spotters, named obstacles, and a steady pace make this advanced 4.5-hour ascent both challenging and surprisingly approachable.
Big Bear Lake, California
Riding TourZilla: Big Bear Lake’s Off‑Road Safari Into History
Trade pavement for pine-scented air on a guided 1.5-hour safari through Big Bear’s backcountry. TourZilla blends mountain views, mining lore, and flexible routes—from lake loops to Pioneertown—for an easy, memorable way to meet the San Bernardino Mountains.
Big Bear Lake, California