Sand Dune National Park Ride 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. Camping Ride with pack horses Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Colorado Springs Airport: Colorado Springs Transfer: Colorado Springs hotel 7:30 am on Day 2. Riders: Min 3 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 3 %    

Transfer and Other Charges:

Your trip will include the first night at the Radisson in Colorado Springs (free airport shuttle)
On Day 2, please be ready in the hotel lobby for 7:30 AM pick up and transfer to trailhead.
On Day 6, your return to Colorado Springs is in time for late evening flights (do not schedule a flight before 8:30PM). Or book an extra hotel night in Colorado Springs (not included).

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

                                            Westcliffe area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	40	42	49	56	66	77	81	78	72	61	49	40
Average Low Temperature (°F)	7	11	19	26	34	41	45	44	37	26	16	8
Average High Temperature (°C)	4	6	9	13	19	25	27	26	22	16	9	4
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-14	-12	-7	-3	1	5	7	7	3	-3	-9	-13
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	2	2	5	4	5	4	8	8	4	3	2	2

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The weather is quite unpredictable; it can snow even in August, so be prepared for anything! Use the layer system of clothing, where items can be added or taken off with changes in temperature. On May, June or September trips snow and hail are common. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store!

Colorado has 4 distinct seasons. Autumn brings unpredictable snowstorms, generally beginning in September, before relatively mild winters create a heaven for outdoor enthusiast. March is often the snowiest month, though the weather is notoriously undependable.

Summertime sees the temperature increasing, but it never gets too hot. It is usually dry at that time of the year; however, thunderstorms can happen anytime.

Riding helmets are mandatory for riders 16 year and under. Riders over 16 yrs can sign a Waiver locally if they prefer not wear a helmet (always recommended). The ranch does have helmets available, but we recommend to bring your own for best fit. Saddle bags are available to borrow for the trip.

Clothing:
Pants
2 pr. long
2 pr. shorts

Shirts
1 heavy long sleeve (cotton is cold when wet)
1 lightweight long sleeve
1 short sleeve
2 T-shirts or tank tops

Underwear
Long underwear bottoms or biker shorts (to combat saddle sores)

Footwear
Boots for riding (lightweight narrower hiking boots are more versatile)
Tennis shoes or something similar for around camp
Socks -- 4 or 5 pairs of heavy cotton or wool

Outerwear
Bandana
Sweater (wool or synthetic)
Warm parka or jacket
Windproof outer jacket (optional)
Two piece rain suit (slicker with rain pants) NO PONCHOS PLEASE (essential!)
Gloves (for warmth)
Hat with brim (for sun, hail, and snow protection (must have some form of stampede string if worm while riding)
Wool hat (for warmth)

Other Items
Duffel bag or sea bag (to pack items onto packhorses -- (must be soft-sided))
Day pack or saddle bags (to carry things during the day- we have some to borrow, but please ask ahead of time)
Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F.) (We can rent bags for you if told in advance.)
Foam pad or air mattress (such as a CampRest or ThermoRest)
Sunglasses (all glasses must have string/elastic strap)
Pocket knife
Flashlight
Canteen or plastic water bottle

Toiletries
Towel & washcloth
Biodegradable soap
Tooth brush and paste
Sun screen
Lip balm
Mirror
Comb
Hand lotion
Shaving kit
Personal medication
Insect repellent

Optional
Candy, gum or tobacco items
Camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable waterproof camera for rainy days)
Note pad, guides & field glasses
Liquor / Alcohol (placed in unbreakable containers)
Cash for incidentals, tips, etc.
Fishing gear (collapsible rod is best)

PACKING
Pack your gear into your duffel bag and day pack. The maximum weight allowable for your duffel bag is 40 pounds (for the sake of the pack horses.
Your duffel bag will not be available during the day. Your day pack or saddlebags should hold rain gear, water bottle, gloves and other items you will want during the day.
Your guide will show you how to best strap it to your saddle. Line the duffel and day bag with a garbage bag or zip lock.
The weather is unpredictable; it can snow even in August, so be prepared for anything. Use the layer system of clothing, where items can be added or taken off with changes in temperature.
On May, June or September trips snow and hail are common. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store! 

We are able to sleeping bags, ground mats, and duffel on request for additional fee ($35US per item). Please inquire.

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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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Appaloosa and Quarter
Pace:		Moderate with trots | Walk | Trot |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Novice+
Age:		Min 7
Weight:		Max 250 lbs
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 8 riders

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.

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.