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A fantastic combo:
three days riding high country
trails
followed by two days rafting the wild Arkansas River
Groups meet in Colorado Springs each Monday. Leaving the flatlands behind,
we drive high into the heart of the Rockies. The sawtooth back bone of the
massive Sangre de Cristo Range dominates the western horizon as we reach
our trail head. Learning to saddle and care for our mounts while pack
horses are loaded, we climb anxiously into the saddle.
Snaking our way up switch back and canyon we reach a remote meadow where
we pitch camp among the pines and wild flowers. From this comfortable
bivouac we spend our time riding and exploring the ridges, lakes and
forests of an unspoiled alpine wilderness. With the helpful assistance of
knowledgeable, experienced guides, you learn to saddle, feed and care for
your horse. After three adventurous days, it is reluctantly back to
civilization where a hot shower, sit-down dinner, and soft bed await.
The next morning, it's on to the Arkansas River for a thrilling paddle
through the churning waters of Brown's Canyon, followed the next day by a
memorable trip along Colorado's best stretch of white water through world
renown Royal Gorge. For young or less intrepid guests we arrange a less
demanding alternative.
We combine horses, wilderness camping, and white water fun with
two nights of comfortable lodging. A Friday evening return
allows weekend exploration of historic Colorado Springs. No
previous riding experience necessary. We teach the basics as we
ride.
Camps are placed between 9000-10,000
feet with day rides going as high as 13,000 or more feet in elevation. For
the river portion, no prior experience is necessary. However, there is an
age limit of 18 and over for the Royal Gorge section which we raft the
second day. Kids 18-13 years will be rafting Brown's Canyon both days.
There is some flexibility depending on water level. If a child under13
years wishes to participate in this trip prior approval must be arranged.
For all activities, guests should be in good health and moderately good
physical condition.
 RTCO02 
Rates include meals, 3 riding days; 2 days rafting / 4
nights, all lodging
5 days/ 4 nights $ 995
2008 Dates:
05/19-05/23
05/26-05/30 06/02-06/06
06/09-06/13 06/16-06/20
06/23-06/27
06/30-07/04 07/07-07/11
07/14-07/18
07/21-07/25 07/28-08/01
08/04-08/08
08/11-08/15
availability & reservation
Taxes: 3%
Gratuities: 10-15% suggested
Meeting: Westcliffe
Airport: Colorado Springs
Transfer Colorado Springs
7:30 AM at the Radisson Inn
Transfer: $70 return
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Quarter mix
Pace : Slow
mountain riding
- weekends with trots
& canters
Level:
Novice+
Min/Max Riders: 4-8
Notes:
If less than 4 riders sign up for any trip ... there is
a surcharge of $220 per person
Add on Cowboy Weekend
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TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1..Meeting at the hotel
in Colorado Springs at 7:30 am, we drive two 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 the
two colorful wrangler/guides picked for the adventure, gives detailed
instructions on riding, saddling and care of your mount. Setting out
around mid day, we wind up through aspen groves, gamble oak and lodge
pole pine, up and into a long glaciated valley. The trail is almost lost as we
work around downfall Engle Mann spruce, fording the tumbling stream that
gurgles down toward the Arkansas river and eventually the Mississippi. A
black tuff 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 near a meadow surrounded by
high ridges and glacier chiseled summits towering skyward above. 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 hot drinks while awaiting dinner.
Day 2 The aroma of brewing
coffee and the fluttering of Canada Jays signals the start of the day.
Some will be up to greet the rising sun, others enjoy the leisure of a no
stress morning, awaiting the enticing smell of a traditional cowboy
breakfast to tempt them from the warm comfort of bedroll and tent.
Following the second pot of coffee, we saddle up for a day of exploration.
Leaving camp and pack horses behind we ride up valley in search of the
emerald green lake above or perhaps, press on over a barren high pass ,
beyond the last wind-twisted Brislecone pine for a breathtaking view of
the great San Luis valley to the west.
DAY 3... Up early, we help break camp,
catch the horses, pack loads. Now a seasoned, trained outfit, we are soon
moving across the meadow and down the valley. Thunder clouds threaten so
we hasten along, stopping only to check chinches and loads. Dropping into
the heavily timbered low country, we hurry along 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 our lodging near the Arkansas River. Hot
showers and sheets await.
DAY 4..After an early meal we drive to
Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas River for a wild ride down one of the
state's premier whitewater runs. Working together you'll master the art of
paddling through the rapids. Guides in each boat make sure safety comes
first. During the day you'll conquer rapids such as Zoom Flume, Raft
Ripper, Widow Maker and Slidell's Suckhole. You'll have lunch along the
river and after the trip everyone will be transported back to our
comfortable retreat for drinks and dinner.
DAY 5. Again, we head out early to
another wild section of the Arkansas. Now that everyone has rafting
experience, we challenge the best continuous section of whitewater in
Colorado. This 20 mile trip runs right through the famous Royal Gorge.
Rapids named Sunshine, The Wall, Sledgehammer, Squeeze Box and Corner
pocket will leave you hollering for more. After a full day, we'll meet the
van with everyone's gear and travel back to Colorado Springs. We may alter
the itinerary due to weather, trail conditions or other unforeseen
circumstances.
POST TRIP INFORMATION
At the end of your trip you will be brought back to the
hotel sometime between 5:00 and 8:00pm. 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 8:30pm, to make certain
you can make your flight.
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