Rocky Mountain Outfitters, owned by married couple Brandon and Aspen Peterson, has been named the Heber Valley Chamber Business of the Month for February 2026. This award recognizes businesses making a meaningful impact on the local economy, visitor experience, and community culture. For the Petersons, this recognition reflects years of dedication, deep agricultural roots, and a genuine love for sharing the Heber Valley Western way of life with others.

Building on Tradition, Investing in the Valley
Operating out of the Soldier Hollow area, Rocky Mountain Outfitters offers authentic, horse-powered experiences that connect guests to the land, seasons, animals, and a culture that has shaped this valley for generations.

Rocky Mountain Outfitters has a long history in Heber Valley, and in August 2021, Brandon and Aspen Peterson purchased the stables at Soldier Hollow along with the organization's horse-drawn event operations. Since then, they have grown the company while honoring the traditions that make it special.

The business offers a wide range of experiences, including year-round horseback rides, wagon rides, carriage rides, winter sleigh rides, and seasonal events such as chuckwagon dinners and the special “Midway to Santa” experience each December. As the company approaches five years under the Petersons’ ownership, Aspen reflects on how much they have loved building something together, and staying rooted in both family history and shared passion.

Why Heber Valley Matters
One of the most unique aspects of Rocky Mountain Outfitters is that it operates year-round, something not all outfitters in the region can offer. Even in winter, horseback rides continue—sometimes through snow; other times during warmer spring skies. The horses themselves are well-trained and accustomed to novice riders. And the guides support each guest through the entire process from start to finish. The result is an experience that feels accessible, relaxed, and memorable, focused just as much on enjoying the scenery as on the ride itself.

Guests, many of whom travel from out of state, are immediately struck by the surrounding natural beauty of the mountain landscapes, flowing river and streams, and the nearby Deer Creek Reservoir and State Park. The natural beauty becomes part of every experience, offering a sense of place that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The connection to scenery, history, and community is central to what Rocky Mountain Outfitters provides.

The business is intentionally welcoming to all experience levels. In fact, many guests have never been on a horse before. Aspen describes the experience as “one size fits all,” whether someone is a first-time rider or highly experienced. Every ride begins with a brief safety and basic knowledge lesson where experienced guides take the time needed to ensure guests feel comfortable, confident, and safe.

Community Traditions Old & New
Among the many offerings, Aspen shares that one of their favorite events each year is the holiday wagon rides through Christmas lights, held in December. Named “Midway to Santa,” this experience recently relocated to Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway. The festive rides have become a cherished way for families and visitors to celebrate the holiday season.

These types of events reflect what Rocky Mountain Outfitters does best: blending tradition, community, and celebrations into experiences that bring people together.

Life Behind the Scenes
Running Rocky Mountain Outfitters is anything but routine. No two days look the same, and that’s exactly how Aspen and Brandon like it. Their workdays often start before sunrise and usually stretch late into the evening—especially during the busy winter months.

Daily responsibilities range from feeding and caring for horses and livestock to coordinating vet visits, transporting animals, setting up events, and providing hands-on customer service throughout the day. Aspen often manages communication on the go, balancing logistics while meeting and greeting guests from around the world.

Despite the long hours, Aspen emphasizes they wouldn’t trade it. Working together, outdoors, with animals and people, is at the heart of why they do what they do.

Sharing Agriculture, Sharing Passion
For Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Heber Valley is more than just a place to do business. This is home. Brandon’s family has deep roots in the area, and Aspen emphasizes that the valley’s natural beauty and strong tourism economy make it a prime location for an operation like theirs.

Both Aspen and Brandon grew up with horses as a central part of their lives. Horses, while a critical part of their business, are also woven into their personal history and identity. Aspen brings a lifelong background with horses, having grown up on a ranch in eastern Wyoming. Brandon, a Heber Valley native, grew up immersed in rodeo and agricultural traditions. Together, their experience and passion allow them to operate a business that feels both professional and deeply personal. That connection fuels their desire to share agricultural traditions with others.

Through Rocky Mountain Outfitters, they are able to introduce guests to the agricultural heritage of the region in a way that is genuine and joyful. It’s a business built on education, appreciation, and connection.

A Strong Chamber Partnership
Aspen credits the Heber Valley Chamber as a key partner in their business success. Through the Chamber, Rocky Mountain Outfitters has gained increased visibility, meaningful business opportunities, and valuable relationships, including collaborations with influencers and local businesses.

The Petersons believe strongly in collaboration over competition and see the Chamber as a connector that helps elevate the entire business community. Their openness to partnerships reflects a shared understanding that when local businesses support one another, everyone benefits.

Why This Award Matters
Being named Heber Valley Chamber Business of the Month shines on a local business to highlights its celebration of commitment, resilience, and community impact. Rocky Mountain Outfitters exemplifies what the award stands for as a locally owned business that honors tradition, delivers exceptional experiences, and contributes positively to the region’s economy and identity. This local business truly embodies the spirit of Heber Valley where hard work, heritage, and hospitality come together in every season.