Adventure Specialists Inc.
and Bear Basin Pack Trips LLC.
info@adventurespecialists.org
The Ultimate Pack Trip
“A memorable wilderness journey through some of the most remote and spectacular mountains in North America...with comfortable camps, world class guides and Colorado’s best mountain trained horses!” Far from the crowded trials and backpacking hoards, this five day ultimate horseback vacation takes you through forgotten valleys of Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. We designed these trips many years ago for the horse enthusiast and high country lover who wants to disappear completely into a lost mountain world.
This adventure is for fit, experienced or confident riders only. We cross 12,000-ft high passes, riding up to six or seven hours almost every day. Some traveling is along rough, unmaintained trails that may require moving rockslides or chopping a fallen tree blocking passage. We sometimes cross between valleys over old herder's tracks above timberline where it is necessary to dismount and lead our horses over rugged terrain.
Our route crosses over the top of the Sangre de Cristo Range into the wilds of the Rio Grande National Forest. Traversing the spine of mountains, we steer clear of roads and habitations until we descend on the last day. The group works as a team. Everyone participates in saddling, care of horses and in setting-up/breaking-down camp. The staff cook, clean up, and pack horses. This is an expedition, lightweight and mobile, utilizing all hands towards the ultimate goal of reaching the next pass, or catching sight of the moving forest of elk. Doing it simply. Responding to the call.
ULTIMATE PACKTRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1 We meet in Colorado Springs and travel to the trailhead (or you can meet us in Westclffe). This route takes you from the eastern plains below Pikes Peak, traveling back into western history up Hardscrabble Pass through the Wet Mountains, across the Wet Mountain Valley, to the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These locations are aptly named. Hardscrabble is just that -- a narrow, steep, twisting canyon found and used by the white man for less than, maybe, 200 years. Over 12 feet of snow fell on much of the Wet Mountains this winter, and rain, hail, and snow can find riders in the Wet Mountains every summer. You will get the opportunity to learn how the Sangre de Cristo range gets its name (in English, the "Blood of Christ") if you see the morning sun strike the mountains and, for just a few moments, the snow-covered peaks turn the pink of snow brushed with blood. If you need to buy a fishing license, remember to ask your guide to stop before we pass through the town of Westcliffe. You will arrive at the trailhead mid-morning, where we begin with a detailed lesson on riding, saddling and care of your mount, then we pack up and head out. Quiet riders will discover the joys of meandering through age-old aspen, pine, and spruce to round a blind corner and discover mule deer, a porcupine, a wild turkey, cottontail rabbits, or maybe a snowshoe hare. We will ride about four hours to our first camp in a lush meadow amongst the aspen at the base of the valley that will lead us up and over the Range tomorrow. We set up tents, picket horses, and soon the scents of a mouth-watering feast mingled with woodsmoke entice us to gather round the fire for drinks and dinner.
Day 2 After a delectable breakfast with a bracing cup of cowboy coffee, we saddle up, load the packhorses, and begin the ascent up South Brush. The trail may wind through low-lying bogs, across downfall timber, through dark groves of evergreens, past fields of wildflowers, and ultimately will lead you above timberline to a windswept pass. Here you may hear strange whistling sounds warning others we're coming -- we're the invaders here. If you look closely, you may see this whistler -- a rotund, waddling funny-looking fellow known as a yellow-bellied or mountain marmot. He's a friendly fellow who lives in the rocks, subsists entirely on the greens of summer, and then hibernates through the harsh winter.
That's "marmot," not "varmint.") It's an incredible day of riding over a 13,000' pass to our first glimpse of the vastness of the San Luis Valley framed by each peak and ridgeline descending sharply below us. Ask your guide to point out our route for the next four days from this incredible vantagepoint. We ride down and establish camp amongst the aspen in Horsethief Basin for a well-earned restful evening, another gourmet feast around the campfire, and a peaceful night.
Day 3 Morning breaks and while easing a few stiff muscles we work as a team to break camp after enjoying a traditional packtrip breakfast and lots of cowboy coffee. Today we're riding totally on the West Side of the range. Depending on our Forest Service permit, we either cross another 13,000' pass above Cotton Lake and make camp along Rito Alto Creek, or go over two passes to settle in San Isabel Creek. Keep your eyes open, and you may find more signs of other Rocky Mountain mammals. When we drop into Elk Valley, we hope to see the larger cousins of the mule deer we spotted earlier. Unlike mule deer, who are more territorial, the elk are nomadic - constantly searching for food and a warm thicket to bed down in during the day. A bull elk, who stands about one and a-half feet taller than a mule deer, can run up to 35 mph, and during the rutting season you may hear them "bugling" as they call to their potential mates and warn off other bulls. Where there are so many small forest critters as well as deer and elk,
there are predators, and deep in the mountains we cross live both cougars and black bears. Like the marmots, the black bears have a very short season to store enough fat to feed them all winter while they snooze in some dark den, so they munch all summer on whatever they can find. It's not unusual to see tracks or scat of these fat, lumbering old fellows where they have stepped in some mud near a creek for a drink. If we're very, very lucky, we may see one from a distance casually crossing our trail on a path of his own. The cougar, or puma, are even more reclusive, and few guides in these mountains have yet to see more than sign that one of these big cats have passed our way -- but, you never know. . . . The smaller predators, such as bobcats or coyotes, are more often seen and heard, and the coyotes have been known to gives us a thrill when they howl as we tell tales around the campfire after delighting in a delicious classic packtrip dinner.
Day 4 We lay over for the day to allow us time for hiking, fishing, or just relaxing -- enjoying the day basking in the beauty to be found around camp. A hiking trip allows you the time and opportunity to enjoy the wildflowers close up. There are an amazing variety of wildflowers, especially at the peak of their seasons if there's been sufficient water. In addition to the ever-present small yellow composites,
you may find larkspur, elk thistle, monk's hood, mountain bluebells, scarlet gilia, Colorado blue columbine, Parry primrose, wild roses, wild geranium, and harebells, or if you're truly fortunate, a Calypso orchid, also sometimes called a fairyslipper, Venus slipper, or lady's slipper. If you climb above timberline, look closely at the paintbrush. Something unequaled at lower elevations happens here; often the paintbrush bloom in startling shades of fuscia or even a delicate off-white. If you choose to fish, in these high waters it is a true delight. There are indigenous trout, but the Dept. of Wildlife also stocks many of these alpine lakes and streams with Pikes Peak Native fingerlings, a hybridization of Greenback and Yellowstone or Colorado River, and purebred Greenbacks. You may also find Brookies or a Rainbow in some of the creeks and beaver ponds. These waters are not specially restricted, so pack your favorite gear: flies, lures, or hooks for bait, and come prepared to enjoy and share your catch for dinner if there's enough! That night, after a sumptuous dinner, as the fire dies down and you drift off to sleep, you may hear the calls, hoots, and flight sounds of some of our spectacular nocturnal birds of prey: great horned owls, screech owls, and night hawks.
Day 5 After breakfast we break camp and cross over our last two passes (or three! depending on where we had our layover) and descend back to the trailhead arriving by 4-6pm. This is truly the most spectacular day yet. These breath-taking, lofty views are perfect locations to watch for some of our air-borne predators: large, swift, powerful hawks and eagles who swoop to dine from the skies. You may see Swainson's hawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and, most majestic of all, golden eagles. Imagine what it is like to look down from your perch on high to see a golden eagle soaring with a wing span of over seven feet, or to see him perched standing 3 feet tall! Deeper in the trees you may see a sharp-shinned hawk, a Cooper's hawk, or the northern goshawk. We're at the
trailhead too soon. We drive you back to Colorado Springs in time for late evening flights or for a restful evening in a hotel.
EARLY SEASON ULTIMATE GRAPE CREEK
This ultimate packtrip takes place in the lower elevations of the Wet Mountains and canyons of Grape Creek allowing for an equally spectacular trip when the Sangre de Cristos are still clogged with snow. Days 1 & 2 are spent up amongst the peaks of Tanner and Curley in the San Isabel National Forest. Laying over at one camp allows for a great day-ride with spectacular views of the canyons and the Front Range peaks covered with snow. Day 3 moves from the peaks to Grape Creek on a little known trail. We momentarily pop out onto the Grape Creek access road, a point at which we may meet others coming in to fish. We move the next two days crossing and re-crossing the creek and exploring the canyon (now a BLM designated wilderness area) with its stories of old west mining and homestead history. We allow time to fish and relax in the contrasting lush green of the creek bottoms and the wild craggy country towering above us
ALTERNATE ULTIMATE
Those times when the snow is so deep at the top of the Sangres that the horses' bellies would drag through drifts, but when we still can't resist the call of the Sangre Wilderness, we traverse the eastern slopes of the Sangres in the San Isabel National Forest. The description of this trip closely parallels the traditional Ultimate, but this trip runs from south to north instead, and we ride and explore on the sun-facing slopes, leaving the deeper snow in the darker, hidden valleys for another adventure on warmer days.
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 8:00pm. 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.
RESERVATIONS: Call the Adventure Specialists staff at Bear Basin Ranch for booking
information. 719-783-2076 phone 866-244-9641 toll free fax
Or email us at: info@adventurespecialists.org. Visit us at our website at:www.adventurespecialists.org for information on other Adventure Specialist offerings.
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
Time: 7:30 a.m. on the first morning of the trip. Place: Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport Location:1645 N Newport Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80916
719/597-7000800/333-3333
Please meet in the lobby with your duffel bag, and your day pack or saddlebags packed. You can travel to and from the Ranch in our van for an additional fee of $60/person round trip, or follow our van to the Ranch in your car.
TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS
Hotel: We recommend that you stay at the Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport Location: 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.
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 and follow 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, for example, or other trip emergencies.
EXCLUSIONS
Items listed on the equipment list, alcoholic beverages, and tips are excluded. (Tipping is at your own discretion, of course, and is certainly optional. Please direct the tip to the trip leader. The standard in the industry is 10 - 15% of the trip cost.)
EQUIPMENT/PREPARATION LIST
In order to best acclimate to our higher altitude, we recommend that you begin increasing your water intake to 8 or more glasses of water per day at least 24 hours before you are due to arrive -- this will help your body to adapt to the higher altitude.
CLOTHING
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 tevas (for around camp)
___ Socks -- 4 or 5 pairs of heavy wool, liners also help prevent chaffing
Outerwear
___ Bandana
___ Warm parka or jacket
___ Windproof outer jacket (optional)
___ Two piece rain suit (poncho or slicker with rain pants - they're
not called the Wet Mountains for nothin')
___ Gloves (for warmth)
___ Wool hat (for warmth)
___ Hat with brim (for sun, hail, and snow protection - must have some
form of stampede string if wearing while riding)
OTHER ITEMS
___ Day pack or saddlebags (to carry things during the day)
___ Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F. - we can rent bags and
thinsolite pads if they are reserved in advance)
___ Foam pad or air mattress
___ Sunglasses (all glasses must have string/elastic strap)
___ Pocket knife
___ Flashlight
___ Canteen or plastic water bottles
Toiletries
___ Towel & washcloth
___ Biodegradable soap
___ Toothbrush and toothpaste
___ Sun screen
___ Lip balm
___ Mirror
___ Comb
___ Hand lotion
___ Shaving kit
___ Personal medication
___ Insect repellent (few bugs at the ranch but sometimes near water)
OPTIONAL
___ Candy, gum or tobacco items
___ Camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable
waterproof camera for wet days)
___ Note pad, field guides & field glasses
___ Cocktail liquor (place in unbreakable containers)
___ Cash for incidentals, fishing license, tips, alcohol, etc.
Pack your gear into your duffel bag, daypack or saddlebags, and a third optional bag. The maximum eight allowable for your duffel bag is 40 pounds (for the sake of the pack horses.) Your duffel bag will not be available during the day. Your daypack or saddlebags should hold rain gear, water bottles, sunscreen, 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. To help reduce the weight on the pack horses, please separate out anything in your luggage that you do not need to take on the packtrip with you, and place it in a separate, third bag marked with your name. We will be glad to keep it for you at the ranch until you return. 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 Sept trips snow and hail are common. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store!
HAVE A GREAT TRIP!
AdventureSpecilaists
Bear Basin Ranch
Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
719-783-2076
BACK