A Weekend Getaway to Carbondale, Colorado on Horse Ranch
If you're considering a trip to Carbondale, Colorado, with Aspen/Snowmass in mind, you're in for an amazing adventure. Carbondale, conveniently located near Aspen, offers a unique and captivating experience that should not be overlooked. From the moment I stumbled upon our incredible Airbnb, I knew we were in for something truly special. Discover why Carbondale is a hidden gem worth exploring and how you can have a unique, magical weekend getaway with horses.
About Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale is a charming town nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley, located about 170 miles west of Denver. Known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, Carbondale offers a unique blend of small-town charm and easy access to the great outdoors.
One of the highlights of Carbondale is its proximity to the mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area to explore the surrounding wilderness, including the nearby White River National Forest and the iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing are just a few of the activities that draw visitors and residents alike. And let’s not forget horseback riding as I detail below.
Carbondale also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. It has been recognized as a Green Power Community and strives to promote renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
Carbondale has a charming, small-town downtown area filled with locally-owned shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The town fosters a strong sense of community and a laid-back mountain town vibe.
Getting There (Denver to Carbondale)
You’ll take I-70 from Denver to Glenwood Springs. You’ll drive through downtown Glenwood Springs and continue on 82 until you reach Carbondale.
If you haven’t done the drive from Denver to Carbondale, it shows so many different terrains and landscapes. I always enjoy driving through Glenwood Canyon and seeing how it changes in different lighting. If you need a car break, I’d suggest stopping at one of the exits in Glenwood Canyon to take a little nature walk along the river. It’s really cool to think about the water levels that have changed over time. You take the Glenwood Springs exit so it’s definitely a good opportunity to plan a visit to the natural hot springs as you pass through.
Where We Stayed in Carbondale, CO
The Unique AirBnB Experience at Angel’s Camp
The rental had plenty of space (3 bedrooms), lots of natural light, and our pups were able to join us which is a major plus. The host, Ashley, offered the garage to us to park our car if we wanted. She was very accommodating and opened up her space to us as if it were our own. We were greeted with a cute tablescape, a bottle of wine, and lots of goodies in the fridge. She also left us carrots and apples to feed the horses during our stay. There were thoughtful details such as bath scrubs and more. I loved the main living room with floor-to-ceiling windows showing Mt. Sopris. We sat in the dark drinking wine and watching shooting stars at night. In the morning, we sipped our coffee on the wrap-around porch and watched Brian, the co-host and ranch hand bring the horses out of their stalls. There is also a cute firepit and grill area which makes a great place to stargaze under the Milky Way. There is a shared space on the back of her cabin where there is a spa area with an outdoor large bear-claw bathtub to soak and hot tub—a great place to take in the views.
The Tack Room
The tack room was a moment all in itself. From a cute, ranch-style bar to the beautiful ornate horse clothing, it was a vibe! Here we pulled supplies to dress the horses before our ride and of course-take a shot of whiskey!
The AirBnB Location
The rental sits on a 20-acre ranch nestled against BLM land and offers magnificent views. The property has a private entrance to the BLM where you can hike or bike. It was voted as one of the “Homes with the best views of Mt Sopris!”
It has a remote nature feel but It’s very convenient to access so much. Just the way I like it! We enjoyed eating out as well as cooking at the property. There is downtown Carbondale a few minutes away, Basalt about 15 minutes away which has a Whole Foods, Glenwood Springs is about 20 minutes away, and Aspen/Snowmass is about 30 to 45 minutes away. If you’re looking for food recommendations in Aspen, I highly recommend checking out my Aspen blog post.
The AirBnB Host
The view of Mt Sopris from the back porch of the shared spa area.
I think the story of this Airbnb and its host, Ashley Paige, makes it a special place. Ashley is a well-known, semi-retired fashion designer, primarily recognized for her work in swimwear and beachwear. Ashely gained popularity in the early 2000s for her innovative designs and contributions to the fashion industry. Ashley’s creations feature intricate details that reflect her artistic vision.
Throughout her career, Ashley Paige has become synonymous with luxury swimwear, drawing inspiration from her love for the beach and ocean. Her designs have been worn by many celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Mariah Carey, and so many more. She was featured in prominent fashion publications and runway shows. She is known for her ability to incorporate unconventional materials, such as cashmere and leather, into her swimwear collections, pushing the boundaries of traditional beach fashion. Her designs showcase a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that have captivated fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Remember how big crochet swimwear got? You can thank Ashley for that as she was the first to introduce this design of swimwear.
Fast forward and she left the fashion industry to move to Colorado and open up Angel’s Camp, a place where she stepped back from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to focus on saving horses. The ranch is named after a retired racehorse, Angel. That horse was the first of many horses Ashley rescued from slaughter and kept here. She dedicated her time to rescuing horses and transitioning them to heal and rehabilitate.
I had the pleasure of spending time with Ashley and learning about her background, story, and passion for saving horses. She is a beautiful person who opened up her home and allowed us to spend time grooming and riding the horses. I also was able to do horse yoga with Ashley which was an amazing experience.
Here are some photos of Ashley Paige’s work she showed me:
The Horses at Angel’s Camp
The horses at Angel’s Ranch are all rescued from slaughter. I didn’t realize how many horses’ lives are threatened if they do not perform or grow up to be perfect for show and riding. I learned all about this by talking with Brian and Ashley. Ashley taught us safe practices for the horses including not weighing them down with saddles and gear. I haven’t spent a ton of time around horses so it was also interesting to learn that they want and like to be ridden and trained.
Horse Yoga
Horse yoga is a unique practice that combines elements of yoga with interactions and exercises involving horses. I had never heard of this before arriving at Angel’s Ranch but Ashley spent the morning taking me through a practice and it was amazing. It is a holistic approach that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being for both humans and horses.
Here are a few photos of our session:
Explore more travel guides
-
Explore more travel guides -
Are you craving a weekend escape to the picturesque town of Carbondale, Colorado? Look no further than Angel’s Ranch, where adventure and serenity await. It’s sure to be an unforgettable getaway as you explore the natural beauty of Carbondale and indulge in the therapeutic companionship of rescue horses. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply in need of a rejuvenating retreat, Carbondale offers an idyllic setting for a weekend getaway like no other.