|
A CLASSIC FIVE DAY WILDERNESS HORSE TRIP TO
A HISTORIC NATURAL HOT
SPRINGS
 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, camps remote and scenic. We see elk, deer and
bear. Participants must have some familiarity with horses, be in good
health and physical condition. This is a journey for experienced riders
although a confident beginner with some experience can enjoy the trip. The
horses are surefooted, no nonsense and willing. We assign a personal horse
and teach how to saddle, picket and care for it. Mountain riding
techniques are taught as we travel. We share our extensive knowledge of
geology, plants. history and minimal impact wilderness travel. Tasty camp
meals are served around the campfire beneath a weatherproof kitchen
canopy. At the Hot Springs, we have camp tables, chairs, a wood fired
sauna, heated bath house and numerous hot soaking pools in a natural
setting of wild flowers, birds and wandering deer. Be prepared that like
most western hot springs, many soak without clothes. Bathing suits are
optional, to wear or not is your choice.
 RTCO03
Rates include lodging and meals
5 days / 4 nights $ 1,100
2008 Dates:
08/11-08/15
08/18-08/22
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
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY
1 Meeting in Colorado Springs, 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 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 lodgepole 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.
 DAY 2 The aroma of brewing coffee and the fluttering of
Steller’’'sjays 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.
DAY 3 We camp among the aspen along a warm water stream, minutes
from the pools. Valley View is a private, minimally developed resort with
limited public access. (Of course, we are members.) 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 intime for another sunset soak.
DAY 4 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 camp fire, 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.
DAY 5 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.
Due to factors beyond our control, we occasionally find it necessary to
change the order or the route of these activities.
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.
|
