This extraordinary adventure is a special treat for experienced, fit riders (no fast riding, but more difficult terrain) who love mountainous terrain. Along the way, you will cross several passes between 3,500 and 4,000 meters, far above the tree line. Here, it may be necessary to dismount and lead your horse over rough terrain. The expedition stretches across the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the uncivilized areas of the Rio Grande National Forest. You will ride high in the mountains, staying away from all roads and settlements until you descend again on the fifth day. The group will work as a team during the pack trip: everyone helps with grooming and saddling their horse and setting up and taking down the tents. Luggage is transported by pack horses.
After the six-day tour, you have the option of spending two more wonderful days at Bear Bassin Ranch, where you can ride at a slightly faster pace. You will take part in ranch activities and learn a few tricks for herding cattle and roping.

Itinerary

Tour itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Colorado Springs Airport. Shuttle bus transfer to the hotel, where you will spend the night before the horseback tour.

Day 2: After breakfast, you will be picked up at 7:30 a.m. and taken to the starting point near Westcliffe. Today's stage takes you from the eastern prairie over Hardscrabble Pass and the Wet Mountains to the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. These places are aptly named: Hardscrabble is a narrow, deep, winding canyon that was discovered by settlers less than 200 years ago. Almost four meters of snow fell this winter in large parts of the Wet Mountains, and even in summer you can sometimes encounter rain, hail, and snow here. Find out where the Sangre de Cristo mountain range got its name (meaning “The Blood of Christ”): when the morning sun hits the mountains, it looks as if the snow-covered peaks are bathed in blood. You ride for about four hours to the first camp, which is located in a green valley between the aspens. Enjoy a hearty meal and delicious drinks around the campfire.

Day 3: After breakfast with fresh coffee from the campfire, you saddle the horses, load the pack horses, and begin the ascent at South Brush. The trail winds through the woods, past wildflower meadows, and eventually takes you above the tree line to a windswept pass. Here you will often hear whistles as wild animals warn their fellow creatures of your arrival. If you look closely, you may spot the droll pfeiffer – the round, yellow-bellied mountain marmot. The route takes you over a 4,000-meter-high pass, from where you can catch your first glimpse of the vast expanse of the San Luis Valley, framed by peaks and mountain ranges. Your guide will be happy to show you the route for the next four days, which you can see from here. Then you ride down into Horse Thief Basin and set up camp among the aspens. Another gourmet feast and a cozy evening around the campfire await you.

Day 4: Early in the morning, you break camp and ride along the western side of the mountain range. If possible, you cross the 4,000-meter pass above Cotton Lake and camp at Rito Alto Creek. Or you can cross two passes and then settle down at San Isabell Creek. If you keep your eyes open, you may spot traces of other mountain animals. Once you reach Elk Valley, there is a good chance of seeing some elk.

Day 5: You take a day off to hike, fish, or just relax. A hike allows you to see the wildflowers up close. There is an incredible variety of wildflowers, especially at the height of the season when there is plenty of water. In addition to the ubiquitous small yellow daisies, you may find delphiniums, elk thistles, Colorado bluebells, primroses, wild roses, wild geraniums, and, if you're really lucky, a calypso orchid. Above the tree line, take a close look at the castilleja. The plant often blooms in stunning colors such as fiery red or light beige. Anglers will be in their element on the many bodies of water. There are native trout, but the state also stocks many of the alpine lakes and rivers with young salmon. In the evening, after a hearty dinner, when the fire dies down and you slowly drift off to sleep, you may hear the sounds of nocturnal birds on the hunt: Virginia owls, screech owls, and night hawks.

Day 6: After breakfast, you will break camp and cross the last two passes, riding back down to your starting point, where you will arrive between 4 and 6 p.m. This day of riding is particularly spectacular: you will enjoy breathtaking, sublime views and see some predators of the skies: large, swift, powerful falcons and eagles swooping down from the sky. You may see large falcons, red-tailed hawks and, most majestic of all, the golden eagle. If you wish to depart in the evening, your flight should not be before 8:30 p.m. However, you are welcome to book an extra night at the ranch and fly out the next morning.

NOTE: If the snow is still too deep in the higher elevations, you will ride along the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range through the San Isabel National Forest. The tour itinerary is similar to the regular itinerary, but runs from south to north. You will ride along sunny mountain slopes and avoid the deeper snow in the dark, hidden valleys.

For reasons beyond our control, it is occasionally necessary to change the order of the riding days or the itinerary of the tour.

Accomodation
The 1st night you stay at the Radisson in Colorado Springs, the 4 other nights are in tent camps on the way.

Saddle & Tack: Western

Experience: Slow pace, but challenging terrain

Horses: Quarter Mix