Avalanche Ranch is the perfect base camp for hikers. Within 5-15 minute car travel, there are at least 8-10 trailheads that feature easy to difficult hikes. To name a few; Avalanche Creek, Perham Creek, East Creek, Placita Trail, Raspberry Ridge, Carbonate Creek…. All beautiful, Rocky Mountain hikes. We also have a mile of trail on the Avalanche Ranch grounds for those looking to stretch their legs or take their kids on an adventure out the cabin door.

Avalanche Ranch is located on the Crystal River, certified Gold Metal waters for anglers. All lodging guests have access to our 500 feet of riverfront where there is a nice deep pool created by the confluence of Avalanche Creek and the Crystal River. In addition to the river, there is also a pond stocked with Rainbow Trout. As our riverfront is catch & release, all cabin guests are welcome to keep up to 4 fish per cabin from our pond.

Highway 133 is not great for road biking, but there is a bike path 9 miles North of Avalanche Ranch that links to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs, a great place to park and ride for adults and kids alike. Carbondale and Redstone have a network of incredible Mountain Bike trails that will keep all levels happy and challenged.

Horseback riding in the region is a memorable western experience for all ages.  Close to Avalanche Ranch, there are outfitters that offer seasonal trail rides: Avalanche Outfitters and Snowmass Creek Outfitters are two we recommend.

The Avalanche Ranch pond is located on the North end of the property and is a great place for family play, fishing, walking, and boating. There is a canoe and a paddleboat for lodging guests to use. Great for first time canoe experience! and the paddleboat is well-suited for young and old alike! Lifejackets are provided by Avalanche at the office.

In the 1800’s apple trees were planted on the Avalanche Ranch property.  Depending on the abundance on a given year the property may have apples hanging off many of the trees. In the fall, we are happy to share the bounty.  We pull out the cider press in the late autumn and press cider to share with family, friends, and guests.

Originally opened for public tours in 1886, the Fairy Caves were touted locally as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Our guests say this is well worth it and great for the whole family.  The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, located in Glenwood Springs, is a fun destination for its cavern tours, tram, and exciting rides.

The Lead King Loop is a famous 12-13 mile scenic mountain loop located out of Marble in the White River National Forest. It is well-known for off-roading, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and passing the historic Crystal Mill. Jeep tours are available in Marble once the road opens up in the Summer through the fall.

With great mountain terrain, take a day to go snowmobiling at Sunlight or T-Lazy 7 in Aspen. Both locations are about a 45-minute drive from Avalanche Ranch.

There are a number of trails near Avalanche Ranch that are great for hiking and snowshoeing.  Avalanche Creek, Coal Basin, and McClure Pass are within 5-15 minutes from the cabins.  If you need to borrow snowshoes, the office has a few pairs to lend out at no additional charge.

For cross-country enthusiasts there are both groomed and non-groomed venues for intermediate-advanced terrain.  Avalanche Creek, Coal Basin and McClure Pass are all beautiful areas for non-groomed access and are within a 5-15 minute drive.  The Spring Gulch Trail System is located 6 miles SW of Carbondale and offers more than 20 kilometers of groomed trails.  For Back-country skiers, Marble, 15 minutes South of Avalanche Ranch, offers unlimited back-country access.  Avalanche awareness and equipment is advised for ski adventures to Marble.

Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world! Aspen/Snowmass has four mountains to choose from for beginner to advanced riders.  Sunlight Ski Area near Glenwood Springs is a smaller, more affordable option for all abilities.  Both areas are about a 45-minute drive from the Ranch.