Natural Hot Springs

Introduction
Colorado USA
Crossing the backbone of the continent on seldom traveled trails through the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, we descend into the broad San Luis Valley to camp two relaxing nights at the historic Valley View Hot Springs. The trails are steep and challenging; the camps are remote and scenic. We may see any variety of wildlife, including hawks, eagles, elk, deer, and bear. Participants must have some familiarity with horses, and be in good health and physical condition. This is mainly a journey for experienced riders, though a confident beginner with some experience can enjoy the trip just fine.

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. We'll share our extensive knowledge of geology, plants, wildlife, and history of the area, as well as teach you minimal impact camping skills. Tasty camp meals are served around the campfire beneath a weatherproof kitchen canopy.

At the hot springs, we'll have camp tables, chairs, a wood-fired sauna, and a heated bathhouse. There are numerous hot soaking pools in a natural setting of wildflowers, birds and wandering deer. These are not well-visited pools and have been only minimally 'improved' from their natural state. Be prepared: like most western hot springs, many soak without clothes. Bathing suits are optional, to wear or not is your choice!

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent at different locations.

Description
The first night is spent at a hotel and the remaining 4 nights are spent camping.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport
Night 2-5: Camping

Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport
This hotel provides a free transfer service to the airport as well as free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast buffet.
The rooms are modern and include a flat-screen TV, microwave, min-fridge and a private bathroom. You can also relax in the hot tub, sun terrace or indoor pool.
If you need an extra night in Colorado Springs on Day 6- please let Hidden Trails know and we will be happy to book this for you.

Camping
Guests stay in a dome tent (4-man tent). Clients should bring sleeping bags with a little foam pad. There are showers and toilets at the hot springs campground.
The wranglers cook and take care of the horses. If you want to help, you are more than welcome to. 

We can supply: saddlebags, sleeping bags, ground mats, and duffel on request for additional fee. Please inquire at time of booking.

Room Occupancy
Single tents can be requested at no extra fee but a single supplement applies for the first night at a Colorado Springs hotel.


Meals
All meals are included (from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on last day) except in Colorado Springs. Meals on the first day are not included but we offer 20% off for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Dietary Restrictions
We have experience with and are happy to accommodate special dietary needs such as Kosher, vegetarian, and lactose-free. Just let us know when you make your reservations of your special needs.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
The ranch owns 60 head of Appaloosa and Paint horses. The horses are sure-footed, no nonsense and willing. We will assign you your own horse and teach you how to saddle, picket and care for it.

Riding Experience
Our trip begin with hands-on instruction on saddling and care of your mount. At the same time, our program allows for diversity to accommodate and challenge the advanced rider as well. Our philosophy is simple; the more you know about your horse and equipment, the more you will enjoy your vacation.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to change

Please, note that due to factors beyond our control, we occasionally find it necessary to change the order or the route of these activities

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival in Colorado Springs and transfer (by shuttle) to your Hotel near the airport. Dinner is not included, but the hotel offers a 20% discount for our guests.
Overnight at Hotel in Colorado Springs

Day 2 (Monday): First ride
Early morning full hot breakfast at the hotel (starting at 6 AM). At 7:30 AM, our transfer will pick you up from the hotel lobby. We drive 2 hours to a trailhead on the eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As the pack string is carefully loaded with duffels and supplies, one of two colorful wrangler/guides picked for the adventure (our staff fight to go on this one) gives detailed instructions on riding, saddling and caring for your mount. Setting out around midday, we wind up through aspen groves, Gambel oak and lodge pole pine, up and into a long glaciated valley. The trail is almost lost as we work around downfall Engelmann spruce, fording the tumbling stream that gurgles down toward the Arkansas river and eventually the Mississippi. We stop to rebuild a section of trail that has slid away from a section of muddy down-sloping rock. A dark tassel-eared squirrel chatters indignantly as we pass. Higher up, a cow elk with ungainly calf in tow ambles across a meadow lush with purple larkspur and yellow composites. We set camp below a gigantic rock glacier just at timberline. The horses are picketed out. The tents are up in carefully selected flat areas well away from each other, and the small campfire is glowing cheerfully as we sip happy hour spirits while awaiting dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Hot Spring
The aroma of brewing coffee and the fluttering of Steller's jays signals the start of the day. After a leisurely breakfast, the packhorses are carefully packed with balanced loads. Staff competes to tie the best load. If perfectly packed, the load should not have to be touched until we unpack at the end of the day. Not much is worse than a load sliding off on the steep pass, creating a scene from a Charlie Russell painting! Leaving the last twisted spruce and bristlecone pine behind, our train winds up and over a wind sweep 12,500’’' pass. Awestruck, we silently stare at the immense vast grandeur of the San Luis Valley stretching beyond vision to the hills of Taos far to the south. Then, down, down winding switchbacks to lunch in an alpine meadow. A small herd of elk scramble indignantly down into the dense timber below. Leaving the forest behind, we ride out on a vast open prairie framed by towering peaks. We wait for the burst of orchestral music that Hollywood would surely furnish, but only the quiet whisper of the afternoon wind disturbs the solitude. Evening finds us soaking peacefully in a warm pool, favorite beverage in hand, as the orange-red globe of the Sun settles behind the western mountains. We camp among the aspen along a warm water stream, minutes from the pools.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at Valley View

Day 4 (Wednesday): Rest day (no riding)
Valley View is a private, minimally developed resort with limited public access. The Springs were considered sacred by the Mountain Ute who came to revitalize and give thanks after a successful buffalo hunt. Although quiet during the week, we share the resort with other members coming to soak in this magical spot. The day is set aside to soak, take saunas, to relax. Numerous natural pools offer a choice of soaking with others or finding a private small pool. You may decide to hike or explore the old Orient Iron mine nearby, returning in time for another sunset soak.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at Valley View

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Horse Thief Basin
Breakfast, a last early morning dip, then back in the saddle again. Relaxed and stress-free we ride quietly up into the silent pine forest to make a late afternoon camp at the base of the great pass. Around the evening campfire, our wranglers share tales of the days when The Ute hunted these high valleys or when John Fremont's ill-fated expedition wintered here. A horse whinnies in the darkness, an owl hoots out a reply, the camp Winchester rests nearby as we drift off in restful sleep.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at Horse Thief Basin

Day 6 (Friday): Ride back to Trailhead
Up early, we help break camp, catch the horses, pack loads. Now a seasoned, trained outfit, we are soon moving across the meadow and up the pass. Thunderclouds threaten, so we hasten along, stopping only to check chinches and loads. Dropping easterly over the crest, we stay well above timberline to find the beginning of an old cow trail leading down past a series of blue green glacial lakes. Finding a better trail below, we hurry into the valley as the high ridges erupt in claps of rolling thunder and electric display. We are, too soon, back at the road and waiting transport to urban reality.
At the end of your trip you will be brought back to Colorado Springs 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.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Natural Hot Springs

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Colorado Springs
Airport: Colorado Springs
Transfer: Colorado Springs hotel 7:30 am on Day 2.

Climate:
                                            Westcliffe area