The Catto Center at Toklat has been beautifully restored, and reopened in 2024. Through ACES, Toklat continues to honor its legacy as a cornerstone of the Aspen community and a beacon for ecological education and inspiration. 

Once the family home of Stuart and Isabel Mace, this remarkable site holds a significant place in the American conservation story, inspiring generations to connect with nature and embrace stewardship of the environment. Nestled in the pristine Castle Creek Valley, Toklat offers visitors an unparalleled window into wilderness.

Guests are invited to explore thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect their rich history and community spirit. Isabel’s Kitchen, where she once fed the world with warmth and hospitality, remains a hub of connection. The Reading Room offers a quiet space for reflection, while the Geranium Room brings the natural world indoors. Visitors can gather around the potbelly stove for stories, sit by the Council Fire under the stars, or enjoy the terrace overlooking the valley. Stop by for tea, water, snacks, or a chance to meet our artists-in-residence and experience the creative and ecological inspiration of this special place.

Toklat is a thriving center of activity, offering guided snowshoe tours, hikes, and ACES’ Naturalist-led workshops that deepen visitors’ connection to the land. Residencies invite artists, writers, and scientists to immerse themselves in the serenity of Castle Creek Valley, while enriching the community’s understanding of the natural world. Recent restoration efforts reflect ACES’ dedication to preserving the Mace family’s legacy while advancing sustainability, with upgrades like microhydro systems, solar energy, and air-source heat pumps. This thoughtful blend of innovation and preservation honors Toklat’s history while equipping it for the future.

For generations, Toklat has been a place where minds, bodies, and spirits are nourished. Whether visiting for a program, stopping in for tea after a snowshoe, or gathering around the fire, every moment at Toklat is a reminder of the importance of our connection to the land and each other. ACES is thrilled to welcome you to this treasured wilderness retreat, a place that inspires action and appreciation for the natural world, carrying the legacy of Stuart and Isabel Mace forward for generations to come.