Sand Dune Park Ride

Introduction
Colorado USA
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is the United States newest National Park, which officially came to be in September 2004. They are North America’s highest and tallest dunes, with the tallest one, Star Dune, reaching 750 feet above the valley floor.

This wilderness journey is for both experienced and beginning riders. The horses are sure-footed, no nonsense and willing. 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 less riding experience 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.
You will 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 Bison!

The route begins at Music Pass and then over the top of the range into the wilds of the Sand Creek drainage. We work our way down Sand Creek to a little known route at the base to join a trail heading to the Sand Dunes. We'll camp close to the Sand Dunes and enjoy a day riding on sand mountains. Then we exit out Madano Pass to our trail head once again on the eastern side of the Sangres.
The group works as a team. Everyone participates in saddling, care of horses and in setting-up/breaking-down camp. The staff cook, clean up, and pack horses. This is an expedition, lightweight and mobile, utilizing all hands towards the ultimate goal of reaching the next pass, or catching sight of the moving forest of elk. Doing it simply. Responding to the call.

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.

Camping
Guests stay in a dome tent (4-man tent). Clients should bring sleeping bags with a little foam pad. There are no showers.
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.

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 changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival in Colorado Springs and transfer (shuttle) to your Hotel near the airport. Dinner is not included but you have a 20% discount at the restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel in Colorado Springs

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Basecamp
Full hot breakfast the next morning starting at 6 AM.  7:30 Am, pick up and transfer to trailhead. We'll drive 2 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Sand Creek
After a delectable breakfast with a bracing cup of cowboy coffee, we saddle up, load the packhorses, and visit the spectacular Upper Sand Lake before descending down Sand Creek to our beautiful meadow camp above the Little Sand intersection. We hope to see the larger cousins of the mule deer. Unlike mule deer, who are more territorial, the elk are nomadic – constantly searching for food.
We establish camp alongside Sand Creek for a well-earned restful evening and a peaceful night. We may poke our fishing poles in the notorious Sand Creek holes. If you choose to fish, in these high waters it is a true delight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride to the Dunes
We break camp after enjoying a traditional packtrip breakfast and lots of cowboy coffee. Today we’re riding totally on the West Side of the range. It will be a long day- perhaps as much as 18 miles. We take a little known route down Sand Creek to the base of the mountains in the San Luis Valley. Here, we intersect with a trail that heads south to the Sand Dunes. Big skies and the gradually emerging dunes dominant the day. These breath-taking, lofty views are perfect locations to watch for some of our air-borne predators: large, swift, powerful hawks and eagles who swoop to dine from the skies. Deeper in the trees you may see a sharp-shinned hawk, a Cooper’s hawk, or the northern goshawk.
 We camp at the foot of the Dunes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 5 (Thursday): Relax
We lay over for the day to allow us time for a day of fun on the dunes. We’ll play with horses, hike, fish or just relax in the beauty of camp. 
That night, after a sumptuous dinner, as the fire dies down and you drift off to sleep, you may hear the calls, hoots, and flight sounds of some of our spectacular nocturnal birds of prey: great horned owls, screech owls, and night hawks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 6 (Friday): Departure
After breakfast we break camp and head up to Medano Pass. As we approach the high country again, there are an amazing variety of wildflowers, especially at the peak of their seasons if there’s been sufficient water.
We descend to the trailhead arriving by 4-6pm. We drive you back to Colorado Springs in time for late evening flights or for a restful evening in a hotel (not included).
At the end of your trip you will be brought back to Colorado Springs sometime between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. 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 Sand Dune Park Ride

Dates Note:

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

Climate:
                                            Westcliffe area