Continental Divide Ride

Introduction
Alberta Canada

To the south of Banff, Alberta lies the fabled Kananaskis Range of the Rocky Mountains. The rugged topography and open forests of the region have made horses the preferred way to get around for centuries, first by the native Plains Indians and more recently by horseback explorers. This trip commences in the foothills south of Bragg Creek at an elevation of 1,350 meters. The ranch is surrounded by the open pine and aspen forest typical of the rolling foothills of the Alberta Rockies. 

This is a wilderness expedition into the breathtaking mountain wilderness of the Kananaskis range. This is a  rugged, minimum impact wilderness adventure, in small groups where everyone can get personal attention and develop their abilities and confidence. For the first two days we ride deeper into the mountains, guided by modern day mountain men through hidden passes and along craggy bighorn sheep trails. From an idyllic base camp in the Elbow Valley we will spend a few days exploring such spectacular places as Box Canyon Creek, the Cougar Cap and Tombstone Mountain. Weather conditions, grizzly bear sightings and other natural hazards may cause the itinerary, to vary somewhat, but the trails used are frequently invisible to all but a skilled tracker/guide. Very steep and narrow trails will be encountered and there are spots where riders must dismount and lead their horses.

This is not are not a big "corporate" ranch or pack outfitter. Indeed "big" is incompatible with our desire to leave as small as possible a footprint on the wilderness. We don't offer opulent luxury with simulated but tightly scripted "adventure". We don't stage mock gun-fights or hold-ups for the amusement of "tourists". This is a genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn as much as you can about horses, riding and living with nature.

Accomodation

The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13 km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide.

The trip includes all meals. You will stay 2 nights in the guesthouse at the ranch, and camp 7 nights.

Starting in spring 2009 we are offering accommodation in our recently finished guesthouse right at the ranch. Overlooking the horse pasture and riding ring, the "loft" is equipped with a full kitchen, spacious common area, two bathrooms and 5 well appointed bedrooms. Packtrip guests will spend their first and last nights in this cozy lodging.

On the camping portion of the trip, we will either sleep in large tents (up to 7 per tent), or leantos to enjoy the night sky whenever practical. Sometimes we are treated to a display of the Northern lights by doing so. If privacy is a major concern for you it is best tell us early so we can plan accordingly. We have found that most people are happy to sleep in close proximity to each other when in the wild.

Riding

This vacation is for riders with moderate or better experience and a keen sense of adventures. Four to seven hours per day will be spent on trail, though people wishing to spend a day or two doing other activities such as hiking or relaxing will have that option. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Since the pack train uses different trails we will often canter where the trail is suitable. The guests are expected to help in tending to the horses and other camp duties. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated. This trip is designed for keen riders who are up to the challenge of covering between 170 and 200 km of rugged mountain trails.

There are some trails we use where it is necessary to hike over rocky terrain, either to avoid undue risk or to enjoy a vista that cannot be ridden to. For most people this is a refreshing change that allows them to stretch their legs. We recommend that you bring or wear comfortable footwear that you can hike for a kilometer or two in.
 

Itinerary

While we have a route planned at the outset of every trip, changes are sometimes forced upon us by weather, bear activity or other environmental hazards. The guides reserve the option of changing the day's activity from the published schedule based on any concern they have for the safety of the party. In these cases, various alternatives will normally be presented to the group and a decision made in consultation with them.

Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer at 4:00 PM from the Calgary airport to Bragg Creek. Meet and greet at ranch. Review the week's schedule and issue kit. Transfer to B&B. Dinner (not included) and overnight in local B&B.

Day 2  After grooming and tacking your horse we leave the ranch and head out west through meadows, forests and creeks and reach our first camp in the afternoon.

Day 3  A long day in the saddle awaits the group. We pack up camp and ride further west, leaving the foothills into the Rocky Mountains. This is a very scenic and breathtaking ride with nice canters and trots as well as fantastic views. We arrive at our second camp in the valley of the Elbow River in late afternoon.

Day 4+5 We don't have to pack up camp for the next two days. There are a variety of scenic trails in the area we can choose from - all of them have their own beauty and fascination.

Day 6  We pack up camp and head further west over Tombstone Pass into the valley of the Little Elbow. We are now higher and deeper in the Rocky Mountains, more remote and off beaten tracks. We arrive in the third camp late in the afternoon. This will be our base camp for the following 3 nights.

Day 7 After breakfast we can ride up to Talus Lake, which is at the treeline and means a steep climb for the horses. The last km we have to do on foot as it gets too rugged for a horse to walk. We have lunch at the shores of the lake and you can go for a swim before we return to camp.

Day 8  The high point of the trip awaits you today. We attempt to climb up the High Pass, which at 8500 ft is well above the tree line. Bring your camera!

Day 9 We pack up camp and ride down the valley to the trailhead where the truck and trailer will meet us in the early afternoon. We return to the ranch where you can enjoy a hot shower and the farewell dinner.

Day 10  Departure Day. After breakfast we take you back to Calgary

Elevations range between 4400' at the Ranch, to over 8400' at Paradise Pass. Routes may vary due to a variety of natural conditions..

There are some trails we use where it is necessary to hike over rocky terrain, either to avoid undue risk or to enjoy a vista that cannot be ridden to. For most people this is a refreshing change that allows them to stretch their legs. We recommend that you bring or wear comfortable footwear that you can hike for a kilometer or two in. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required.

Subject to change

Rates and Dates for Continental Divide Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Bragg Creek
Airport: Calgary
Transfer: Calgary Airport 4 PM

Climate:

On day 1 you will receive a kit bag with  sleeping bag and mat.

We suggest to bring:

• 2 pair of jeans or riding pants
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• fleece or Sweater (fleece is lighter)
• jacket or vest as wind breaker
• brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches)
• healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
• gloves
• toque (warm hat)
• warm socks (1 pair per day)
• underwear (1 set per day)
• towel and swimsuit (optional)
• personal hygiene items
• comfortable campshoes
• warm underwear
• camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries!)
• flashlight
• knife
• chaps (if available)

If you have any medical condition like allergies, or are on medication, please tell your guide. Food preferences and intolerances should be specified before the trip.

These items are available to rent if you don't have your own:

• rainwear (oil-skin slicker)
• sturdy duffelbag

Weight of Gear
Because everything must be loaded on pack-horses, guests must pack their gear in 1 standard sized duffel bag, weighing no more than 25 lbs (11 kg) - not including what you wear and carry on your saddle horse.
If you have luggage that is not required for the horse trip you may leave that at the B & B.

Saddle bags
Your trailhorse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rainwear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle.