A Day in the Life at Aspen Ranch

As the sun rises over the Utah desert, the students at Aspen Ranch start their day with a delicious breakfast served in our dining room. Mornings are an opportunity for teens to learn daily living skills such as healthy eating habits, personal hygiene and cleanliness as they complete their chores and prepare for the day.

Students emerge from their cabins to breathe the crisp air and take in the stunning mountain and red rock landscapes bordering the ranch. After participating in a psychoeducational course, the boys attend classes at school and the girls spend the morning engaged in experiential activities such as equine therapy or initiatives on our ropes challenge course. The boys and girls switch after lunch, with the girls attending school and the boys participating in experiential activities.

At Aspen Ranch, students spend their days in the company of their peers, teachers and therapists. But for many students, the highlight of the day is the time spent with a herd of horses with personalities as distinct as the students themselves. Our students form a special relationship with these animals as they learn and grow together during equine therapy sessions.

In the evenings, students have time to eat dinner, study and relax in their cabins. The day winds down with an evening meeting, peer meeting and/or 12-Step group. After a productive day of school, therapy and fun, lights out is called at 9:30 p.m.

As a reprieve from a busy week at school, weekends on the ranch are packed with activities, field trips and movies. On any given weekend, you may find our students hiking in nearby national parks, skiing, rock-climbing or attending cultural events. There is also time set aside for ongoing peer meetings, study hall and personal time.

Sample schedule of a typical week at Aspen Ranch - Girls

Sample schedule of a typical week at Aspen Ranch - Boys

Sample schedule of a typical weekend at Aspen Ranch

Psychoeducational Courses
These instructional courses cover a variety of topics, including relapse prevention, thinking errors, anger management, stress management and interpersonal communications.

Experiential Activities
One of the most beloved and beneficial components of the experience at Aspen Ranch is our renowned equine therapy program. Students start with the basics of being around horses and gradually begin riding and even training them. Students also participate in initiatives on our on-campus ropes challenge course, which is designed to promote teamwork, leadership and self-confidence.

Peer Meeting
Peer groups are held throughout the day to manage and resolve issues and conflicts as they occur. 

Evening Meeting
At the end of each day, students process their thoughts and feelings related to the events of the day and report on their progress toward the goals they set in the morning. 

Recreational Activities
Led by our Certified Recreation Therapist and other staff members, recreational initiatives include a wide variety of activities designed to challenge teens and help them develop teamwork and communication skills. Students also participate in supervised overnight solo experiences.

Field Trips
In addition to a wide variety of on-campus activities, students are able to participate in off-campus field trips such as hiking, skiing, rock-climbing trips and cultural events.