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Explore the mountain watershed
of the Great Sand Dunes.
Rugged 13,000' summits, alpine lakes, tundra, and ancient forests are
protected in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
This wilderness journey is for both experienced and
beginning riders. The horses are sure-footed, no nonsense and willing.
We'll assign you your own horse and teach you how to saddle, picket and
care for it. Mountain riding techniques are taught as we travel. Our
philosophy is simple; the more you know about your horse and equipment,
the more you will enjoy your vacation.
Although the distance we'll travel is not excessive, the riding is
adventurous along steep trails with spectacular scenery. We'll share our
extensive knowledge of geology, plants, wildlife, and history of the
area. Those who have never ridden before particularly enjoy this trip as
an excellent learning experience. Advanced riders enjoy the additional
hands-on experience and scenic country of this little known area of
Colorado.
At the Great Sand Dunes National Park, you'll see a unique sight in
North America - the largest sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere! In
addition, we'll take you to remote mountain valleys, ride past old west
ghost towns, and allow you time to play in mountain creeks and
waterfalls. Maybe we'll even see some Buffalo!
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY
1: Meeting at the Colorado Springs Hotel at 7:30 a.m., we'll drive
two hours to the Ranch where we'll rendezvous with those who've chosen
to meet us there. Traveling by van we drive south to the trailhead on
the eastern side of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Range. On the way we
drive past the five 14,000 ft. peaks which sit together in a towering
cluster in the heart of the Sangres - Humboldt, Kit Carson, Challenger,
and finally Crestone and Crestone Needle, some of the most difficult
14ers in the state.
Arriving at the trailhead, as our pack string is loaded with duffels and
supplies, one of your two wrangler-guides will give you and your friends
or family detailed instructions on riding, saddling and the care of your
mount. When all is ready, we pack up our gear and head out for our camp
in the National Park.
Traveling further south along the Rainbow Trail we work our way down to
Medano Pass, where we travel over the pass via a rough and rocky 4-wheel
drive road. According to legend, this is the pass reportedly used by
one-time [residential candidate Captain John Fremont in his ill advised
foray into the San Luis valley where he lost over half his men in the
bitter winter passage and just before he was captured by the Spaniards.
Hoping to fare better than Capt. Fremont, we travel over and down the
West side of Medano pass until we reach one of our several high camps,
which will become our home for the next three days. While some help
water and picket the horses, others help set up the kitchen and personal
tents. Soon we are indulging in favorite beverages around the campfire
and thinking about tomorrow while waiting for a sumptuous meal cooked
cowboy style.
DAY
2: The next morning we awake to cowboy coffee and a hearty breakfast
before saddling our horses and riding down to the Dunes, located along
the western base of the Sangre's. Riding in to the Monument Portion of
the park we turn south to ride along Medano Creek to the highest dunes.
In the middle of the day we are all free to explore the mysterious and
overwhelming sand dunes, check out the visitors center and splash around
in Medano Creek. Later we'll enjoy lunch amongst the ancient pines and
cottonwoods. Leaving the Monument and re-entering into our alpine
preserve we return to our comfortable camp for another evening of tall
tales around the campfire under the brightest stars you've ever seen..
DAY 3: Again we start the day with unlimited cowboy coffee and a
hearty breakfast and then it's off to the high timberline section of the
Park. Today we ride to Medano Lake which sits at 11,750’ and is nestled
in an Alpine Cirque, right below 13,297 ft. Mt. Herald. Here we will
have lunch and spend the afternoon hiking, fishing, climbing or just
relaxing.
DAY 4: By day four we are old hands at saddling and handling our
horses. Riding back to the Monument this time we turn our horses north
along the Sand Creek Trail. Passing through Heavenly Valley, we cross
Cold Creek on our way to Sand Creek and the Star Dune Complex. Returning
to Camp for our last night we are tired but find ourselves already
reminiscing about our adventurous past few days.
DAY 5: Reluctantly departing our peaceful camp, we climb out over
a Medano Pass once more, looking back over our shoulders at the top for
one last look at the mysterious Sand Dunes, and the wide, shimmering San
Louis valley. Descending down the pass, we soon meet the waiting van and
the end of our mountain odyssey. We are back at the road too soon, and
talk and reminisce about our adventure as we our horses neigh softly,
awaiting transport home. We drive you back to Colorado Springs in time
for late evening flights or for a restful evening in a hotel.
POST TRIP INFORMATION
At the end of your trip you will be brought back to the hotel sometime
between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. We recommend making prior lodging reservations
if you plan to spend the night. If you must fly out that evening, please
do not schedule a flight before 8:30 pm, to make certain you can make your
flight.
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