This horseback tour lets you experience American history up close with a real Apache guide! Your guide, Joe Saenz, an expert on flora and fauna, will introduce you to the world of the Native Americans and teach you the most important techniques for surviving in the wilderness. Gila was once home to various Native American tribes who settled here in the mountains, valleys, and canyons. The Ndee tribes, known as the Chiricahua Apache, are the oldest inhabitants of the area, which is very diverse in terms of landscape due to the large differences in altitude. On your way through the mountains, you will have the opportunity to see old Native American settlements and reflect on the survival strategies of America's original inhabitants in the face of harsh conditions.
Since Gila was fiercely defended by the Apaches until recently and they led a predominantly nomadic lifestyle, the wild nature here has been well preserved. You will need to be reasonably fit for this adventure, as you will be riding for many hours through challenging terrain. Gila, in southwestern New Mexico, is the largest and most rugged wilderness in America, covering approximately 1.3 million hectares. The altitude varies between 1,500 m in the desert and 3,300 m in the alpine mountains. The landscape is correspondingly varied and largely shaped by enormous amounts of water. Countless different animals live in this intact ecosystem: eagles, falcons, and herons soar through the skies, while deer, elk, antelope, lynx, wolves, bears, and coyotes make their home in the forests and meadows.

Itinerary

This ride is suitable for riders with basic skills as well as advanced riders. A certain level of fitness is important, as you will be sitting in the saddle for up to 8 hours and riding through challenging terrain on narrow, winding paths. The pace is leisurely, with the focus on adventure and experiencing nature in the wilderness. You will receive tips on how to survive in the wilderness, where the Apaches hid from their pursuers, and you will also spend the night under the open sky. The endless trails lead through varied terrain such as green meadows and forests. Enjoy the picturesque sunrises and sunsets.
This adventurous horseback tour allows you to ride deep into nature under the guidance of an authentic guide. You will gain insight into the wilderness and history from the perspective of the indigenous people.

Meeting point: On the morning of the first day at the ranch. Program ends: Last day in the late afternoon.

Accomodation
You spend the night in self-built camps. You spend the night on mats on the ground and, depending on the weather, a rain canopy and/or mosquito net is stretched between the trees. You will need a sleeping bag for this tour, the rest of the equipment is provided.
We recommend an overnight stay in Silver City before and after the ride.

Meals are prepared in the camp, with a saddlebag picnic for lunch.

Saddle & Tack: Western.

Experience: At least basic riding knowledge and good fitness required. Daily riding time 6-8 hours! If you have good riding skills, you can also trot and gallop.

Horses: Quarter and Quarter-Mix.