Overnight horsepacking trips
Explore the backcountry
We offer several different overnight pack trip options:
Base Camp: our most popular offering in which guests pack in to a traditional outfitter camp and enjoy relaxing day rides, hikes and camp entertainment - fun, comfortable, appealing to riders of all abilities
Aspen to Crested Butte 4-day Adventure: an unforgettable pack trip offering a mix of camping and hotel accommodations, connecting two of Colorado’s most renowned mountain towns
Custom Pack Trips: enhanced comfort and private chefs, progressive pack trips, fishing trips, etc. - we are happy to work with you to craft your dream trip
Our overnight base camp pack trips offer a traditional horseback adventure in the Colorado backcountry. Guests ride approximately 2.5 hours from the trailhead to a scenic wilderness camp in the mountains near Aspen. Camp features traditional outfitter-style wall tents, cots, tables, chairs, etc. with guides handling camp setup, horse care, and meals. From this central base camp, guests can enjoy guided hikes, scenic day rides of varying lengths, wildlife viewing, fishing, or relaxing around camp. Because guests return to the same comfortable camp each night, these trips are well suited for families, children, and less experienced riders, while still offering advanced riders access to hundreds of miles of rugged trails in the Snowmass-Maroon Bells Wilderness.
Trips can also be upgraded with private chefs and premium backcountry meals for a more luxurious wilderness experience.
base Camp
1 night, 2 days
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Group of 4 or more: $900 per person
Group of 3 or less: $1,000 per person
We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, refundable up to 30 days prior to departure. The remaining balance is due on the pack-in day.
2 nights, 3 days
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Group of 4 or more: $1,275 per person
Group of 3 or less: $1,500 per person
We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, refundable up to 30 days prior to departure. The remaining balance is due on the pack-in day.
3 nights, 4 days
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Group of 4 or more: $1,750 per person
Group of 3 or less: $2,000 per person
We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, refundable up to 30 days prior to departure. The remaining balance is due on the pack-in day.
Adventure Trips
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Group Size: Maximum 6 Guests
2026 Dates: July 23–26
Price: $3,000 / person (includes transportation and hotel in CB)
Experience a classic Colorado wilderness journey on our Aspen to Crested Butte pack trip, a four-day horseback adventure through the spectacular Elk Mountains between Aspen and Crested Butte. Guests will travel with experienced wranglers and pack horses, and ride through high alpine basins, wildflower meadows, and remote backcountry rarely seen by most visitors.
With only six guests and one trip offered each year, this is a rare opportunity to experience a traditional Colorado horseback pack trip with a small, relaxed group.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of the journey. Along the route we may see moose, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, mule deer, red foxes, and a variety of alpine birds that inhabit this rugged wilderness.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart East Maroon Portal trailhead and ride approximately 5 miles to camp
Day 2: Ride over East Maroon Pass, transportation provided from Gothic to Crested Butte, stay at the charming Nordic Inn, where guests can explore town and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of their choice
Day 3: Shuttle back to Gothic, ride over East Maroon pass to camp
Day 4: Return ride to trailhead
Camping will take place in scenic backcountry camps with comfortable dome-style tents; our wranglers prepare and serve meals in camp. We have intentionally designed an itinerary that allows for relaxing travel and quality wilderness experiences rather than punishing days in the saddle.
Because of the logistics involved and our commitment to small groups, this trip is offered only once per year.
Explore Colorado’s stunning high country and two of its most renowned mountain towns on a once-a-year guided pack trip
Aspen to Crested Butte 4-day Pack Trip
Contact us.
Please reach out directly to schedule pack trips.
ted@capitolpeak.com
(970) 948-6905
FAQs - Base Camp
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We are here to outfit your adventure; let us handle the details while you relax and explore! We will provide camping accommodations, including traditional canvas tents on timber frames (unless otherwise discussed), cots, sleeping pads, chairs, tables, etc.; food prepared in camp as well as snacks, picnic lunches, etc.; and saddle horses for all group members. We will take care of all camp chores and horse care while you enjoy the mountains.
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Yes, we can make a day trip to one of several high country lakes in the area. The horseback ride to the nearest lake is several hours, so is only feasible on trips of at least two nights. If you are interested in fishing, please let us know ahead of time so we can bring the necessary gear, and please remember to purchase your fishing license through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
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We will tailor our overnight pack trips to suit your desires, so please be sure to communicate with us your goals for the adventure. Once in camp, we can lead day rides, fishing excursions, hikes, nature and wildlife watching, etc.
Our typical overnight pack trip begins at the Hay Park Trailhead, where we will pair you up with your horse and load up our pack animals. The ride into our summer basecamp is about 4.5 miles and winds through aspen trees, dark timber, wildflower meadows and along creeks and wetlands.
Once in camp, we will eat lunch and enjoy an afternoon or hiking, horseback riding or relaxing before cooking and eating dinner by the campfire (subject to local fire restrictions).
On full days, we can pursue activities of your choice, including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, etc. after a hearty breakfast in camp.
On packout day, we will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before packing up and heading back down the trail to camp.
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Our base camp includes two fully furnished canvas wall tents erected on timber frames, a tent outhouse, fire ring and outdoor chairs. The horses are highlined in camp!
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On overnight trips, the goal is to pack as light as possible (since horses and mules will be transporting our gear) while still ensuring you have the necessary gear to be warm, dry and comfortable. Weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, and summer days are often hot, while nights are cool. Please pack gear in a duffel bag. Let us know if you do not have anything on the list, and we can assist you.
Toiletries
Medicine, inhaler, epi-pen and other necessary medical supplies
Sleeping bag (please let us know if you do not have a sleeping bag and we will work with you to acquire one)
Phone or camera for taking pictures
Footwear: 1) cowboy boots or riding boots and 2) hiking / camp shoes
Good hiking / riding socks (including a pair of wools socks)
Underwear
Small towel
Jeans or comfortable riding pants
T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection
Warm base layer (merino wool or synthetic, not cotton)
Fleece / puffy / warm jacket(s) (not cotton)
Rain coat or slicker
Cowboy hat or sun hat
Warm hat / beanie
Gloves
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses
Bandana or Buff
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
2× 32oz water bottles
Optional: fishing license and fishing gear if you prefer to use your own
Optional: knife
Optional: binoculars
Optional: reading material
Optional: adult beverages for yourself
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Our main base camp for overnight pack trips sits at 9.7k feet above sea level.