Family Trail Rides for Riders 8+: Serving Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Vail & Beyond
Expert Wranglers, Steadfast Horses, and Memories Your Kids Will Talk About for Years to Come
Clear instruction, trustworthy horses, and plenty of photo stops. Perfect for first-timers and kids. Easy drive from Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Vail, and across the Roaring Fork Valley.
Building Confidence from the Very First Howdy: Beginner Horseback Riding Experience
Here’s what we know: the hardest part of family horseback riding Aspen isn’t the riding itself. It’s the nervous anticipation beforehand. Will I be comfortable? Will I know what to do? We get it. We’ve been doing this for years, and we’ve seen it all. That’s exactly why we’ve designed our family horseback riding to put everyone at ease from the moment you arrive.
We genuinely love teaching new riders, whether they’re twelve or eighty. Before anyone climbs into a saddle, we take time on the ground to introduce each rider to their horse by name. We explain the simple cues you’ll need in clear, straightforward language. We check stirrups carefully, and helmets are required for riders 8-15 (optional for 16+), and make sure everyone feels comfortable and ready.
Our horses are the real heroes here. These are steady, reliable partners who seem to understand exactly what riders need. They help new riders feel confident and experienced riders relax into the experience. If you’re putting together a list of things to do in Aspen with your family or teens, this is one of those experiences that actually lives up to the hype. The kind of memory your family will talk about for years to come.
Most days you’ll find us in the saddle, not at a desk. For a quick reply, text us… or skip the wait and hit that booking button
What Our Guests Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from families, couples, and adventurers who’ve ridden with us and discovered why Crown Mountain Outfitters creates memories that last.
Ages, Helmets, and How We Keep Everyone Stable
When you book family horseback riding Aspen adventures, we’ll talk through age and weight guidelines to make sure everyone in your group is set up for success. Riders must be at least 8 years old, and helmets are required for riders 8-15. Riders 16 and older may choose whether to wear a helmet. There’s absolutely no judgment either way.
Out on the trail, we keep things gentle and manageable. Trails stay easy with comfortable grades. Speed stays at a walk or slow pace that lets everyone feel in control. Your wrangler keeps spacing between horses safe and watches constantly to see how each rider is doing. We have clear, simple rules that make the ride feel organized and secure without taking away any of the fun. Riders respond really well to knowing exactly what to expect, and families appreciate that we take out the guesswork.
One-Hour & Two-Hour Family Horseback Ride Options
Families often choose our one-hour ride when schedules are tight or riders want to test the waters before committing to a longer adventure. It’s long enough to feel like a real trail ride adventure but short enough that nobody gets overtired. The two-hour option adds more scenic views, more time to really bond with your horse, and a deeper sense of accomplishment for riders who are ready for something bigger.
Because every ride is completely private, we can move at your groups preferred pace. There’s never pressure to keep moving because another group is waiting. This is your family’s time, and we will make adjustments on the fly if someone needs extra encouragement. This flexible approach is what makes family horseback riding Aspen with Crown Mountain Outfitters different from the crowded group experiences offered by larger outfitters.
What to Wear & Bring for Your Family Horseback Riding Adventure
We’ll share all the practical details in your confirmation email. For clothing, the basics are simple: closed-toe shoes and long pants. Jeans and boots are ideal. Mountain weather can change quickly, so bring layers. A light jacket or fleece is smart even if it seems warm. Don’t forget sun protection, water bottles, and your camera for all those priceless shots.
If you have first-time riders who might need some extra time to warm up, just let us know when you book. We’re happy to build in extra time at the beginning. There’s zero rush. We’d rather spend an extra ten minutes helping a new rider feel confident than push forward before everyone’s ready.
Perfect to pair with Day Trips from Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Vail
From Aspen, start with coffee downtown, meet us mid-morning for your ride, then spend the afternoon in Snowmass Village or the Maroon Bells. From Vail, create a perfect Colorado loop by pairing your horseback riding near Vail adventure with lunch in Basalt and an afternoon soak at Glenwood Hot Springs. The drives are short and scenic, so even getting here becomes part of the experience.
Whether you’re searching for horseback riding near Vail for families or Aspen horseback riding for teens and adults, our Basalt location makes it easy to add authentic mountain adventure to your vacation itinerary. We serve families from across the Roaring Fork Valley including Aspen, Carbondale, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, and the Vail Valley.
Private Ride Options
2 Hour Private Trail Ride
- $295 (per person)
- $590 single rider
A true Western experience. Wide open valley vistas, mountain terrain, wildlife and priceless stories included. We ride rain or shine!
1 Hour Private Trail Ride
- $195 (per person) $390 single rider
Short on time, not on views. Hit all the highlights on this jam packed 1 hour trail ride. *Best option for children and folks who prefer flatter terrain* We ride rain or shine!
Over The Top Private Trail Ride
- $500(per person)
- $1000 single rider
Head out on a 20 minute Can-Am ride to our upper mountain corrals where you will mount up, and wander through Aspen Groves that lead you to a perfect view with Mount Sopris as your backdrop. 2 plus-hour experience. We ride rain or shine!
Private Half Day Lunch Trail Ride
- $495 (per person) $990 single rider
More time in the saddle, with lunch on the range. 3 plus-hour experience.
Checkin' Cows Private Ride
- $375 (per person) $750 single rider
- May 16 - Sept 15
Trade your desk for a saddle and spend the day riding the range, checkin’ cows and living free. 2-hour experience. Riding experience required.
Engagement Trail Ride
- $425 (per person)
2 hour ride with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and photos to capture the big moment!
Helpful Hints
Our 1 hour trail ride is the best option for young and folks that prefer flatter terrain. Perfect for people who have never been in the saddle. Giddy up!
- Give us a call at (970) 710-0285
Need a lift? Not a problem.
- Car service available upon request
- Give us a call at (970) 710-0285
Setting Your Family Up for Success
When you book your family horseback riding Aspen experience, share a bit about who’s riding and any concerns you have. We are here to answer any questions you may have and the more you tell us, the better we can prepare. We’ll match the right horses to your group and pair you with a wrangler who has patience and solid teaching skills to make this the positive experience you’re hoping for.
This isn’t just a horseback ride. It’s a memory you’re creating together as a family. We take that seriously.
Most days you’ll find us in the saddle, not at a desk. For a quick reply, text us… or skip the wait and hit that booking button