Indian Summer Ride

Introduction
Alberta Canada
Fall scenery in the Rockies.

Many people around the Rockies will tell you that their favourite time of year is when the aspen trees turn golden yellow and the mountains get their first dusting of snow. We call it Indian Summer: when warm and clear days with blue skies generate crisp, vibrant colours. The air smells fresh, the play of light and shadow is dramatic and foreshadows the change of season. The foothills and lower slopes of the Eastern Rocky Mountains are an ideal setting to experience this natural spectacle. We will take you to the best locations to witness this annual event. Fall is statistically the driest season of the year. Night time temperatures are often below zero, but the day time highs are typically in the high teens and can reach the mid-20s.What better way to immerse yourself in nature than on horseback?

At the beginning of the week we will pair you with a horse partner to match your skill set to be your companion for the week. You may however enjoy trying a variety of different horses through out your stay, and that is possible. You will be staying in our cozy ranch- the ideal place to get together, enjoy the scenery of the foothills and experience western hospitality. The heart of the guest quarters is a large, bright communal space where we socialize, eat, cook, listen to stories or just enjoy the view over the horse pasture.

No other places experiences the breathtaking golden hues of the fall colours as well as the Rockies. Come watch the Mother Nature offer her best work yet!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13 km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide! This is one of the prettiest areas for riding in the world. On the Eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta has a tradition of ranching that started in the late-1800's and continues today. Riding westward from the ranch toward the Continental Divide, landscape changes from one of rolling ridges and open forests to one of high alpine meadows, thick primal forests, and shear limestone cliffs. The highest peaks in the region are around 11,000 feet with permanent snowfields and glaciers on their shoulders. This variety of ecosystems makes each day’s ride different and beautiful in its own unique way.
The guesthouse has 5 rooms (2 single rooms with one double bed, and 3 rooms with king bed, two twins, or two double beds). There are 2 full bathrooms, which are shared amongst all guests. We provide all bed linen and towels, but please bring your own soap and shampoo. There is a hairdryer in each bathroom. We have an outdoor fireplace with picnic area. 
Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property except for around the outdoor fire pit. There is no TV or cell service in the guest house, but there is complimentary WIFI. You are welcome use the i-pod docking station, boards games, and a large selection of books and magazines available. There is a telephone in the guest house that can be used for local calls or long distance if you bring a calling card.
Laundry is available for an additional fee at certain times of the day.



Room Occupancy
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share. Note there are only 2 single rooms available at the ranch.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

All our meals are made fresh using as many local ingredients as possible. The menu changes daily and offers typical local dishes but also internationally inspired cuisine. As much as we take pride in preparing all meals from scratch, we are not a restaurant and typically, there is only one choice for a meal. Following the tradition of the “Good old days ranch life” we sit down all together, staff and guests, and enjoy a good meal and company together.

Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM, dinner around 6.30 PM. In most cases, you will have lunch on the trail. We will stop at a scenic place, enjoying a picnic lunch in great scenery.

Coffee, teas, water, juice for breakfast, and hot chocolate are complimentary while you stay with us.
Please note that we do not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own as well as any other favorite drink you like.

Dietary Restrictions
We cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Gluten-free requests are $10 extra per day.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Pace
Intermediate level required. Moderate pace. Slow in the mountains, but nice opportunities for faster paced riding across open meadows, 4 -7 hours per day. Some dense forest areas and extreme steep and rocky terrain sections.

Horses
We have Canadian, Arab, Missouri Foxtrotters, Paints and Quarter horses. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated.

Trails and Terrain
All our trips are customized, using a network of over 300 km of trail that we have access to. Because we must consider a variety of factors in route planning, like bear activity, river conditions and snow depth in the high passes, we resist the temptation to publish a detailed schedule and trail description. After all, this is a back country-adventure you’re embarking on, not a bus trip! The amount of terrain and spectacular scenery you will experience depends largely on the length of trek you take. You will encounter forest trails, open alpine meadows, rugged and rocky trails, exposed passes and river crossings.

Guides
Our team includes a number of enthusiastic and knowledgeable people, some are family, and the rest are like family. The amazing and dedicated people who work here never tire of sharing their passion for this lifestyle with our guests.
 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We pick you up from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) around 4:00 in the afternoon. It is about a 1 hour drive to ranch, welcome and check-in.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
After breakfast, you will meet “your” horse. After grooming and tacking you can get comfortable in our arena first before we head on our first ride to Whiskey Ridge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3 (Tuesday): Bragg Creek Ride
A four hour ride is planned in the foothills west of Bragg Creek, followed by some time to tour and shop in the hamlet of Bragg Creek before returning home for supper
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4 (Wednesday): North Fork Ride
North Fork is a 23 km loop southwest of the ranch offering some stunning views of the Rockies. This one takes us through the aspen forest, which should be stunning in late September.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5 (Thursday): Elbow Valley Ride
We’ll trailer the horses a bit further into the mountains this time, and explore the upper Elbow Valley. There are more evergreens in this area where you will pass beneath 3000m mountains and splash through the icy waters of the Elbow. Our route will depend on how hard everyone wants to ride, but there are many trails to choose from.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 6 (Friday): Powderface Ridge Ride
We’ve saved a ride over Powderface Ridge for the last day as a culmination of the week. From the 2100m high summit you will enjoy sweeping views of over a hundred kilometers to the east, and almost as far to the north and south.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure is normally scheduled for 9:30, which will have you at the airport (or other Calgary location by 10:30).
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riding activities on the ranch
The trails around the ranch are also suitable for walks. There is a small lake at the north end of the property and 2 canoes are docked there if you want to enjoy a paddle or watch the beavers. Massages can also be booked for an additional fee.

Rates and Dates for Indian Summer Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Bragg Creek
Airport: Calgary
Transfer: Calgary Airport 4 PM

Climate:
                                            Bragg Creek area