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Horseback riding tours
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Colorado Plateau - San Rafael Swell Rides
Utah
USA
Trail Rides to the San Rafael Swell: The San Rafael Swell is 2,800 square miles of uninhabited wilderness–nearly two times the size of Rhode Island without a single human resident.
The Swell is a gigantic bubble in the earth’s crust which has eroded into a maze of deep, multi-hued canyons punctured by the mesas, buttes and pinnacles typical of the world famous canyonlands geography. Riders will explore intricate trails established by native Americans, herdsmen and outlaws during the day, then hear stories about these trailblazers while relaxing around the camp fire at night..
Always a high point of the trips are views of mustangs or bighorn sheep which occur, with rare exception, daily. From a deluxe basecamp riders will visit Red Canyon, The Penitentiary, The Chute, Muddy River Gorge, Chimney Canyon Gorge, Head of Sinbad, Courthouse Butte, Family Butte, Golden Gate, Twin Priests, Devil’s Monument, Devil’s Racetrack, Joe and his Dog, Sid’s Mountain, Swasey Arch, Dutchman Arch, Saddle Horse Canyon, Cold Canyon, The Snake Dance pictographs, South Fork pictographs, The Blue Man pictographs, and more.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Family Vacation
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Torrey
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Airport:
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Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
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Transfer:
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Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2020 | 2021
Rates include*:
Accommodations, Meals from lunch on day 2 through lunch on day 6, Camping Equipment, 5 riding days, Park fees & Land-use fees.
| A | 2020 | 6 day Camping ride, AP | 6d / 5n | $1600 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Gratuity:
18
%
(to be paid locally)
Tax:
6.95
%
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2020
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Best to rent a car in Las Vegas or Salt Lake and drive in
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$0
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2020
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Ground transportation from/to Salt Lake City airport (pp, return)
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$450
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2020
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Single supplement for first night hotel and single tent
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$120
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Pick-up / Drop-off is available from Salt Lake City Airport.
It might also be possible to arrange transfers from St George Airport (please inquire).
Rates do not include:
Gratuities, Meals at the hotel (dinner on Day 1 & 6, breakfast on Day 7), Alcoholic Drinks, Transfers (recommend rental car) & Taxes
Sample Itinerary- subject to changes
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrive in scenic Torrey, Utah and check into your specified lodging, to be confirmed at the time of reservation. Torrey is a town of a little over 200 population which is located at the junction of highways 12 and 24 near the west entrance of Capitol Reef National Park. At 7:00pm meet for an orientation and final packing session with your trip leader and the trip's interpretative specialist.
Meals included: none
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Basecamp
After breakfast, you'll travel a short distance down the road to our headquarters, located on highway 24 in the middle of downtown Torrey. Here, we'll pack your gear in the camp 4X4, meet the remainder of the crew and your horse, then depart (9 am) for our trailhead near Penitentiary Canyon or at the Head of Sinbad.
From the Penitentiary trailhead you'll ride wild horse trails to the mouth of Red Canyon, past Tomsich Butte, by Hondoo Arch, and on to our basecamp at the old mining camp on Muddy Creek.
From the Sinbad Trailhead you'll visit Locomotive Point, Devil's Race Track, Twin Priests and the Golden Gate before arriving at basecamp in Cold Canyon.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp
Day 3 (Tuesday): Full Day Ride
After breakfast and preparing lunch, from the Muddy Creek basecamp you'll visit Red Canyon Narrows, Courthouse & Family Buttes or The Chute and Penitentiary Canyon before returning to camp situated under majestic cottonwoods along the picturesque stream.
From the Cold Canyon basecamp you'll ride thru the Golden Gate to Bullock Canyon and the Blue Man pictograph panel, then on to the South Fork of Coal Wash and the pictograph panel there before returning to the hot showers and cold drinks at the slickrock canyon basecamp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp
Day 4 (Wednesday): Full Day Ride
From the Muddy Creek camp you'll explore the upper reaches of the Muddy Gorge where it meanders through the splendidly colored slickrock of Triassic sandstones. Mustangs are numerous along the stream where they come for water from their pastures in the deep side canyons.
From the Cold Canyon location you'll ride to the Long Neck for views of Swasey Arch, Saddle Horse Canyon and upper Cold Canyon. After lunch, you'll ride up the McCarty Canyon trail to the head of Mesquite Canyon where a promontory point will provide a striking vista encompassing all the country you've covered during your trip.
You will always arrive back at camp with plenty of daylight and time to clean up and enjoy hors d'oeuvres before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp
Day 5 (Thursday): Full Day Ride
Daylight at the Muddy Creek camp brings the prospect of visiting the magnificent Chute Gorge and Chimney Canyon.
From the Cold Canyon basecamp you'll ride to the pinnacles of Devil's Monument and Joe and his Dog then on the return to camp you'll stop at the historic outlaw camp and mining ruins at ZCMI mine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp
Day 6 (Friday): Back to Torrey
After packing personal gear and breaking camp, you'll ride to McKay Flat via Red Canyon and the Grey Breaks. This route will take us to a favorite watering spring of the wild horses and furnish breath-taking panoramas of the country you've visited on your trip. At trail’s end you'll exchange your saddle seat for the cushioned comfort of a vehicle ride over the San Rafael Swell to Torrey, Utah arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Note: This is a sample itinerary for two of several camps we may use. Each camp is unique and often offers more trails to explore than time will permit.
2020 Dates and Highlights
April 19th to 24th: Wild horses at Muddy River Gorge & Red Canyon
April 26th to May 1st: Wild horses at Muddy River Gorge & Red Canyon
October 18th to 23rd: Wild horses and fall foliage: brilliant hues, cooler weather in a maze of redrock canyons
October 25th to 30th: Wild horses and fall foliage: brilliant hues, cooler weather in a maze of redrock canyons
Meeting:
Torrey
Airport:
Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
Train station:
--
Transfer:
Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
Distance:
350 km / 218 miles
Pick-up / Drop-off is available from Salt Lake City Airport.
It might also be possible to arrange transfers from St George Airport (please inquire).
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter and Quarter cross
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Pace:
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5-6 hrs per day; 6 - 12 miles
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
8
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Weight:
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Max
300 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.
You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.
Guests/Hikers
It should be noted that although these trips are designed to accommodate hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us know so we may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.
If you want to accompany someone on a trail ride but you are not a rider, or you simply want to spend time camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting, or you want to hike this spectacular landscape, then you're welcome to join a trail ride. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. Daily guided hikes will venture forth as arranged. Non-riders may travel with the cook and campjack to and from the base camp, however we should know in advance.
Horses
Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.
Saddle Time
Usually about 6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On camping trail rides, you'll ride to and from basecamp on first and last day of riding, otherwise, ride or rest as you please. Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distances covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common.
About Your Guides
Patricia Kearney or Gary George, lead each and every trip. Pat and Gary have been guiding backcountry travelers for over three decades. They are joined by a small group of seasoned guides who share a similar interest and enthusiasm for the canyonlands.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
Torrey area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
|
Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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46
|
48
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54
|
59
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67
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79
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83
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80
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74
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63
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52
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44
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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18
|
19
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26
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32
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40
|
49
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54
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53
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46
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36
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25
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17
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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8
|
9
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12
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15
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19
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26
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28
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26
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23
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17
|
11
|
7
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-8
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-7
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-4
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0
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4
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10
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12
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12
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8
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2
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-4
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-8
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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2
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1
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2
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2
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2
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1
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4
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5
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3
|
2
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2
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1
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
Utah's portion of the Colorado Plateau region is a semi-arid tableland. It is generally dry with most precipitation falling as snow in the winter and occasional thunder storms during the summer. Higher elevations are cooler and receive more moisture than lower environs. Our trips explore the lower, slick rock and pinyon-juniper forested areas. With warm days and cool nights, it is best to layer your clothing to maintain comfort and you should always pack rain gear just in case.
The trip features tent camping at primitive sites and are supported by 4 WD vehicles. The camp wagons allow us to furnish cooking, eating, and shower tents, chairs, a commode, as well as feed for our horses. Participants on the trail rides will be assisted with final packing during the pre-trip orientation, the evening prior to departure.
We recommend that you:
1) pack as light as possible,
2) pack practically and with a utilitarian eye, and
3) pack so you may layer clothing for warmth.
Suggested Items to Bring
- Wide brimmed hat with a string
- Heeled, smooth soled, riding boots
- Riding gloves
- Long underwear, underwear and socks
- Long sleeved shirts and pants
- Sweater, medium and heavy weight jackets
- Bandanas
- Rubber overshoes (optional--For spring & fall mud)
- Camp shoes (Tennis shoes or light hiking boots are good.)
- Quality rain coat and pants (We don't often use them but always have them.)
- Camera and plenty of film (Padded travel case is recommended.)
- Flashlight, extra batteries, dark glasses and plenty of sun screen
- Beer and liquor
- Personal articles: towel, lip balm, moisturizing lotion, tooth brush and paste, soap like Ivory or Castile, band aids, mole skin, etc...
- Riding helmet (This is an optional item except for riders under l8 years of age. Stipulations of our insurance require that riders should be encouraged to wear helmets. The outfitter does provide helmets!)
- Chaps and swim wear (optional)
- Cash for staff/guide gratuities
- Stuff sacks or pillow cases (We recommend these for dirty laundry or pillow)
- Insect repellent (Avon's Skin-So-Soft is the only thing that repels the small gnats we sometimes encounter--a rare occurrence.)
Outfitter Provides
- Sleeping bag
- Saddle bags or day pack
- Sleeping pad or cot
- Saddle and tack
- Canvas tent
- Horse
- 2 quart canteen
- Helmets (some sizes are available)
- Water-proof gear bags
Additional Expenses
Airfare, rental car, personal items and alcoholic beverages. You should note that trip prices have been discounted to reflect the added expense for car rental incurred in reaching Torrey. In the final analysis, the cost for this quality trip make it one of the best buys in the adventure travel market. Also, for those participants who appreciate a cold beer after an eventful day or relaxing around the campfire with a cocktail, enjoy, but bring spirits in unbreakable containers if possible.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride where most nights are spent camping.
Description
On this ride we spend the first night in a hotel or Inn in Torrey (you will be notified the selection at the time of booking) and the 4 remaining nights are spent camping at one basecamp.
Accommodation Itinerary
Night 1: Hotel in Torrey
Nights 2-5: Camping
Red Sands Hotel (Torrey)
This hotel provides modern and comfortable rooms with TV, microwave, a small fridge, a coffee maker and an ensuite bathroom. The hotel features great views of the surrounding landscapes and offers free Wi-Fi. There is also an indoor heated pool and hot tub.
The Chuckwagon Motel (Torrey)
This motel offers clean and simple rooms with a TV, microwave, mini fridge and private bathroom. The hotel also features a swimming pool with hot tub and free Wi-Fi.
Camping
All trail rides utilize a base camp arrangement with daily forays to different points of interest. This allows us to spend less time packing and unpacking, and more time riding and seeing the country. Campsites are located in primitive, backcountry areas, which we seldom use more than once or twice each season. Low- impact camping techniques are practiced. All trips feature deluxe provisions and complete outfitting. We strive to provide the highest level of comfort while practicing low impact, not primitive camping.
Spring-bar tents (single, double or family occupancy) with floors provide our home away from home. Cots, foam pads, sleeping bags, sheets, and pillows are provided. Cook tent, dining tent, and heated shower tent round out the facilities. Chairs are also provided.
If you would like to charge up your phone, we suggest you bring your own solar charger.
Room Occupancy
A single supplement fee applies for single travelers.
Meals
All meals from lunch on day 2 through lunch on day 6 are included. Meals at the hotel are not included (dinner on Day 1 & 6, breakfast on Day 7).
South-western, home-style cuisine is our specialty! We use fresh food and salads, along with beef and pork that is grass fed and hormone free. Hot drinks in the morning help pull you out of bed while cold non-alcoholic drinks are the perfect touch after a day's ride.
Alcoholic drinks are not included in this trip but you are welcome to bring your own.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to some dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter and Quarter cross
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Pace:
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5-6 hrs per day; 6 - 12 miles
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
8
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Weight:
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Max
300 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.
You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.
Guests/Hikers
It should be noted that although these trips are designed to accommodate hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us know so we may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.
If you want to accompany someone on a trail ride but you are not a rider, or you simply want to spend time camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting, or you want to hike this spectacular landscape, then you're welcome to join a trail ride. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. Daily guided hikes will venture forth as arranged. Non-riders may travel with the cook and campjack to and from the base camp, however we should know in advance.
Horses
Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.
Saddle Time
Usually about 6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On camping trail rides, you'll ride to and from basecamp on first and last day of riding, otherwise, ride or rest as you please. Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distances covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common.
About Your Guides
Patricia Kearney or Gary George, lead each and every trip. Pat and Gary have been guiding backcountry travelers for over three decades. They are joined by a small group of seasoned guides who share a similar interest and enthusiasm for the canyonlands.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Colorado Plateau - San Rafael Swell Rides
Tour Code:
RTUT04
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,600.00
Dates :
April, October
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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