Experience the Castle Creek Valley on horseback with one of our world class private rides.

Our Lunch Tour offers a genuine Colorado cowboy who leads your group on a private tour through the vast aspen meadows as you wind your way to the restaurant for lunch. A truly beautiful way to see the history of the valley and turn your lunch into an unforgettable experience. Tours leave from the King Cabin at the Ashcroft Ghost town and last approximately 1 hour to the restaurant where you enjoy lunch at your leisure, finishing with a 1 hour ride back to our base lodge.

For those more adventurous our Sunset Tour leaves from the Cookhouse riding up valley for a two hour ride through quaking aspens, open meadows, and across the river before returning you for dinner. Get your hooves wet as we wander through Castle Creek while enjoying our stunning views of multiple 13,500ft mountains. A pit stop half way through brings you to a secret pond with one of a kind views and a chance to stretch your legs before returning to dine at one of Aspen’s most iconic restaurants; The Pine Creek Cookhouse. We strive to provide authentic experiences in Ashcroft and we’re proud to say there’s no other ride like this in the state!

Minimum age of 8 years old, those 16 and under require adult supervision. 

While our standard tours are 2 hours, we are happy to extend your stay in Ashcroft with 3 and 4 hour rides as well. Please contact us to build a custom ride for your group and interests. Include fly fishing, star gazing, or a picnic in the meadow.

We are always honored to host your engagement, anniversary or elopement. With a private cabin onsite we have the ability to build an unique experience that celebrates you as a couple and adds an exceptional feature to your already unforgettable day. Please email [email protected] to design your personalized experience.

River Run is one of Aspen’s most stunning hikes, with a 5 star lunch awaiting you at the end. River Run starts at the Ashcroft Ghost Town where you can explore Aspen’s early history ($5 entrance fee) or start across from our King Cabin welcome center for free access. Approximately 1.5 miles and a 40 minute hike to the restaurant. The hike offers beautiful fly fishing opportunities, wildflowers, and stunning views.

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Curious about the local Flora and Fauna of the upper Castle Creek Valley? Book a guided tour with one of Aspen Center for Environmental Studies experienced naturalists. The hikes depart from the Catto Center at Toklat, and take visitors through the historic Ashcroft Ghost town, before following the stunning Castle Creek river through Aspen Groves, coniferous forests, and wild flower meadows, taking in the wildlife, the history, and the flora. Tours end with either an A La Carte Lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse, or choose to order a Picnic to bring and picnic in one of the stunning meadows at the base of the Elk Mountains. Reservations can be made by called A.C.E.S. at 970-925-5756.