About
Horsethief Ranch
Located 30 miles west of Moab, Utah, Horsethief Ranch is one of the last standing private homestead deeds that is completely surrounded by public lands. In the early 1800’s Horsethief Ranch saw cowboy outlaws and bank robbers. Butch Cassidy and his gang even hid out at the ranch! Eventually the isolated and off-the-grid ranch was “settled” and was used for cattle and horse ranching.
Today, Horsethief Ranch still has original structures from the 1830’s that are currently being restored for maintaining operations. Besides the sheer desert beauty that surrounds the ranch, Horsethief sits at 5000 feet and holds its own artisanal spring water rights which gives life to surrounding vegetation like apple, apricot, pear, peach, and plum trees, and over five varieties of grape vines. The nearest neighbor is a 45 minute drive as you are surrounded by Canyonlands National Park, Deadhorse Point State Park, Arches, and the Green River. A desert oasis it is indeed!
Ranch Schedule
See what training programs, clinics, and emergency medicine courses are happening at the ranch.
Current Operations
Today at Horsethief Ranch you will find original structures being restored to maintain their original operations. The caretaker stays in the original bunk house and cares for the homestead’s horses, dog, and cat. The ranch is sustained by solar thermal and photovoltaic electricity, and has a large water tank on site.
Privately Guided Trips
Are you looking for your next desert adventure? Aspen Alpine Guides at Horsethief Ranch offers every excursion to satisfy your adventurous side. Since 1987, AAG has provided professional, quality mountain guiding adventures in the Aspen area and beyond.
Our desert adventures span guided-year round trips including rock climbing, mountain biking, trial running, horseback riding, and plenty of other ranch and river activities like pack rafting, SUPing, yoga, canyoneering, jeep tours, & UTVing. With areas of operation spanning from Horsethief Ranch, to Moab, to the La Sal’s, we specialize in creating single-day or multi-day custom desert adventures for individuals and groups of all abilities and sizes.
Group Programs, Clinics, & Emergency Medicine Courses
Besides privately guided trips, Horsethief Ranch also offers multi-day group training programs, clinics, and emergency medicine course all based out of the ranch. Whether you are looking for a nutrition and hydration clinic for trail runners, an intro to mountain biking on slick rock, or an emergency medicine clinic for equestrians, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our ranch schedule to see what is up and coming.
Getting to the Ranch
Located 30 miles west of Moab, Horsethief Ranch sits in a remote location with no cell phone service. We recommend having a 4-wheel drive car to access the ranch as you drive on a combination of paved and dirt roads. *The dirt access road turns into a dedicated 4 wheel drive road when wet.
Airport
The closest airport is located in Moab, Utah. There are twice a day United flights from Denver to Moab. The drive time from Moab Airport to the ranch is approximately 25 minutes.
Grand Junction airport in Colorado is also another option. The drive time from GJ to the ranch is approximately 2 hours.
Driving
When you book a trip at Horsethief Ranch, we will be sure to provide you with directions to the ranch. Please make sure you have a 4 wheel drive car whether it’s your own or a rental.
Accommodations
At Horsethief Ranch you can except to find: a main bunk house, covered wagons, canvas tents with cots, and room for tents. Eventually, a main lodge will be built.
Ranch FAQ
How much do trips cost? As every trip is different, please call or email us to discuss pricing.
How far of a drive is it to downtown Moab from the ranch? Approximately 45 minutes
Is there drinkable water? Yes, the ranch has a large water tank
Is there a restroom? Yes, there is a rustic outhouse on the ranch.
Is there cell service? No.
How hot does it get?
Spring months: 64 - 83 F (day), 35-50 F (night)
Summer months: 95-100 F (day), 58-65 F (night)
Fall months: 58-88 F (day), 30-54 F (night)
What gear and clothing should I pack? Depending on what trip or clinic you book, you will receive a suggested packing list.
Will you provide all of the gear? We will provide the necessary gear for your specific trip, and your guide will carry all safety and medical equipment.
How to Book
Book your next desert adventure
We specialize in custom single-day or multi-day privately guided trips.
As every guided trip is different, please give us a call or email us to book your trip and ask any questions. We will be able to better serve you this way.
To book a group program, clinic, or emergency medicine course that is on the ranch schedule, please email or call us.
p: (970) 925-6618
e: guides@aspenalpine.com