Mountain Sports at Bear Basin

A fantastic combo: three days riding high country trails followed by two days rafting the wild Arkansas River. Leaving the flatlands behind, we drive high into the heart of the Rockies. The granite backbone of the massive Sangre de Cristo Range dominates the western horizon as we reach our trailhead. This wilderness journey is for both experienced and beginning riders. The horses are surefooted, no nonsense and willing. We assign a personal horse and teach how to saddle, picket and care for it while pack horses are loaded.

We climb anxiously into the saddle. Snaking our way up switchback and canyon, we reach a luxurious meadow where we pitch camp among the pines and wildflowers. From this comfortable bivouac we spend our time fishing, riding and exploring the ridges, lakes and forests of an unspoiled alpine paradise. Mountain riding techniques are taught as we travel. Our philosophy is: The more you know about your horse and equipment, the more you will enjoy your vacation. Although the distance traveled is not far, the riding is adventurous along steep trails with spectacular scenery. We share our extensive knowledge of geology, plants, history and minimal impact camping.

Those who have never ridden before particularly enjoy this trip as an excellent learning experience. Advanced riders enjoy the additional ands-on experience and scenic country of this little known area of Colorado. After three days of fun and fantasy, it is 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 ride through the churning waters of Brown's Canyon, followed the next day by a memorable trip along Colorado's best stretch of whitewater through world-renown Royal Gorge. For young or less intrepid guests, we arrange a less demanding alternative. We combine horses, wilderness camping, and whitewater fun with two nights of comfortable lodging. A Friday evening return allows weekend exploration of famous Colorado Springs.

Participants should be in good physical condition. Camps are usually placed between 9,000-10,000 feet with day rides going as high as 13,000 or more feet in elevation. For the river portion, no previous experience is necessary. However, there is an age limit of 18 and over for the Royal Gorge section which we raft the second day on the river. Kids 13-18 will be rafting Brown's Canyon both days. There is some flexibility depending on water level. If a child less than 13 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.

SURF & TURF ITINERARY

Day 1 Meeting at the Colorado Springs Hotel, 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 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 Englemann Spruce, fording the tumbling stream that gurgles down toward the Arkansas River and eventually the Mississippi. 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 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 Steller's 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 may ride up the valley in search of an emerald green lake above or perhaps, press on over a barren high pass, beyond the last wind-twisted Bristlecone 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. Thunderclouds 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 back at the road too soon, 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 Seidels 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.

Due to factors beyond our control, we occasionally find it necessary to change the order or the route of these activities. Water levels on the River vary constantly, so we make every effort to make your white water experience both safe and exciting by offering alternatives such as duckying at lower water levels, or rafting alternate river runs at severe high water levels.

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.

ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS... WHO WE ARE:We are a small company based at an 1890s working ranch in the heart of Colorado. Owners Amy Finger, Gary Ziegler, and a staff of hardworking guide/wranglers run a selection of horse pack trips, wilderness programs, guided climbs,combination trips, research adventures in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Peru and Mexico’’'s Copper Canyon. Gary and Amy combine extensive outdoor experience to make Adventure Specialists a successful and unique operation. Gary's unusual background includes a Ph.D. in archaeology, discovery of archaeological sites in remote Peru, first ascents of seven Andean peaks above 18,000 ft. and extensive exploration of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico by horseback.. Along the way, he did a stint with U.S. Army Special Forces in Viet Nam, instructed for Colorado Outward Bound, staffed for the Peace Corps, worked for National Geographic, and chased bad guys as County Sheriff.
Amy has led more than one hundred groups into Mexico’’'s rugged Copper Canyon since 1980, and countless more in Colorado, Spain and Peru. She brings a lifetime involvement with horses to our programs. She has been guiding pack trips into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness since 1981. Amy’s degrees in geology, climatology and her studies of flora and ecology strongly influence our emphasis on natural history and environmental awareness. The Adventure Specialists’ staff form the Ranch’s vital core. Most have been with us for many years. A talented, colorful crew of well-educated, experienced guide/wranglers help insure an exciting and memorable mountain vacation.
During summer months Amy, Gary and the Ranch staff don boots, spurs and crumpled cowboy hats to disappear with a string of pack ponies into the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area. Or, on occasion, with rope and ice ax, to stand on the airy summit of nearby 14,000 foot high Crestone Needle.

So...that’s our story. We’re not the big California travel company with 1-800 numbers and a staff of dozens ready to sell you a trip. When you call, you reach our solar-powered, wood stove-heated, 1900 log cabin office at Bear Basin Ranch. Perhaps Gary is in Peru, Amy in Mexico or West out pushing cows, but one of us will soon return your call. You can, however, count on talking personally with someone who genuinely lives horses, cows and adventure, with hands on knowledge of our programs.

RESERVATIONS: 719-783-2076 (May-Nov) or 719-630-7195 (Dec-April). Call the Adventure Specialists staff at Bear Basin Ranch for booking information. Or email us at: info@adventurespecialists.org.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE Time: 7:30 a.m. on the first morning of the trip.Place: Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport 1645 N Newport Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80916 719/597-7000 800/333-3333 Please meet in the lobby with your duffel bag, and your day pack or saddlebags packed. Travel to and from the Ranch in our van, or follow to the Ranch in your car.

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS Hotel: We recommend that you stay at the Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airporton 1645 N Newport Rd in Colorado Springs. Call 719/597-7000 or 800/333-3333 for reservations and mention you are with Bear Basin Ranch to receive the special discount rate.
AIR: Most major airlines serve Colorado Springs daily. Calling1-800/530-8828 will put you in contact with Earl at Taylor Travel for the best rates on your air, rental car or alternate lodging reservations; fax: 719/636-3879; email: earlf.taylor@wspan.com. Travel Insurance, highly recommended, can also be arranged through Earl.

BUS: Greyhound serves Colorado Springs on a daily scheduled basis. For Information phone 719/292-6111.
CAR: You can drive to the Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport and, with prior notice, leave your car in the parking lot while on the trip. Arrangements can also be made to drive to Bear Basin Ranch where the trip is based. Let us know and we will send you details and a map, or you can meet the van in Colorado Springs andfollow us to the Ranch.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness, forexample, or other trip emergencies. (See AIR above.)

EXCLUSIONS Items listed on the equipment list, alcoholic beverages, and tips are excluded.

EQUIPMENT/PREPARATION LIST

Clothing
___ Swimsuit
Pants
___ 2 pr. long
___ 2 pr. shorts
Shirts
___ 1 heavy long sleeve (cotton is cold when wet) sweater
(wool or synthetic)
___ 1 lightweight long sleeve
___ 1 short sleeve
___ 3 T-shirts or tank tops
___ Underwear
___ Long underwear bottoms (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
___ Warm parka or jacket
___ Windproof outer jacket (optional)
___ Two piece rain suit (poncho or slicker with rain pants - essential!)
___ Gloves (for warmth)
___ Hat with brim (for sun, hail, and snow protection - must have some
form of stampede string if wearing while riding)
___ Wool hat (for warmth)
___ Clothes to wear for two casual evenings out to dinner

RIVER Normally you would wear a swimsuit and nylon or synthetic shorts. You will be provided with a water resistant spray jacket and life jacket. Have a wool or synthetic sweater available and warm wool or synthetic socks to wear with tennis shoes or tevas that can get wet. Polypropylene or fleece is perfect water wear to keep you warm. Do not wear long cotton pants or cotton shorts as they are cold when wet. If the weather is stormy, wetsuits can be rented for about $7/day and neoprene booties for $3 per
day. A semidry storage bag accompanies each raft for storing extra clothing, or clothing can be left in a bag at the take-out.

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)
___ Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F. - we can rent bags if
reserved 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
___ Toothbrush and paste
___ Sun screen
___ Lip balm
___ Mirror
___ Comb
___ Hand lotion
___ Shaving kit
___ Personal medication
___ Insect repellent (few bugs at the ranch but sometimes at the river)
Optional
___ Candy, gum or tobacco items
___ Camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable
waterproof camera for river/rainy days)
___ Note pad, guides & field glasses
___ Cocktail liquor (placed in unbreakable containers)
___ Cash for incidentals, tips, alcohol, etc.
___ Fishing gear (collapsible rod is best)

Pack your gear into your duffel bag and daypack, and a third bag, if you so choose, for the rafting portion of your trip. The maximum weight allowable for your duffel bag is 40 pounds (for the sake of the packhorses.) Your duffel bag will not be available during the day. Your daypack 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 ziplock. Any gear that you do not take on the packtrip but wish to take with you for the rafting portion of your trip, you can leave safely at the Ranch. Pack this gear in a separate bag marked with your name.

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 packtrips snow and hail are common. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store!