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Sangre de Cristo Lodge Ride
Colorado
USA
An odyssey on horseback to some of the best high valleys in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. We travel south along the ancient range, riding from mountain lodge to lodge. This spectacular five day trip combines adventurous riding with all the comforts. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are one of the longest mountain chains on Earth. We journey south from Gibson Creek via the Rainbow Trail riding up the spectacular valleys of North Taylor, Goodwin, Comanche, Venable and Horn Creek. Each night we arrive at a mountain lodge for hot showers, a sit down feast in the dining room and a comfortable queen sized bed.
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Meeting:
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Colorado Springs
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Airport:
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Colorado Springs
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Transfer:
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Colorado Springs hotel 7:30 am on Day 2. Drop off after 5:00 pm on Day 6.
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
13 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates include:
Accommodations - 4 nights at mountain lodges and first night in Colorado Springs hotel, all meals from Day 2 to lunch on day 6, 5 riding days
| A | 2009 | 6 day trip incl.first night hotel | 6d / 5n | $1605 |
| Single supplement for first night | $75 |
| Single supplement for mountain lodges tba | $0 |
| Small group supplement (3 only) pp | $220 |
Tax:
3
%
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from/to Colorado Springs Airport is included by hotel shuttle bus
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Your trip will include the first night at the Radisson in Colorado Springs.
On arrival in Colorado Springs, call the hotel on the airport courtesy phone. They will come and pick you up.
Day 1: Arrival in Colorado Springs and transfer (shuttle) to the Radisson Hotel near the airport. Meals are not included, but the hotel offers a 20% discount for our guests on all meals.
Day 2: Full hot breakfast the next morning starting at 6 AM. Please be ready at the lobby for 7:30 AM pick up and transfer to trailhead …..meet with your duffle bag and with your day pack or saddlebags packed.
Departure on Day 6: your return to Colorado Springs is in time for late evening flights. Or book an extra hotel night in Colorado Springs (not included).
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Additional dates are available throughout the summer season for groups of 4+
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Rates do not include:
Meals on first day (20% off for dinner at the hotel restaurant).
Day 1 Arrival in Colorado Springs. The hotel shuttle will transfer you to the hotel for check in at the Radisson Inn or similar for overnight. No meals included today.
Day 2 We meet you at the hotel in Colorado Springs at 7:30 AM and travel to the trailhead. 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. Your luggage is carried in our support vehicle to arrive ahead of you to the lodge. We ride several hours up into the North Taylor valley, one of our favorites. This less used trail winds up to a flower filled meadow near timberline where we pull lunch from the saddle bags and lay out a nice spread. After lunch we’ll return to the Rainbow Trail and ride south to where the abandoned runs of the Conquistator ski area reach up to the Rainbow and provide access down through the timber to the former ski lodge now called Hermit Basin Lodge. The lovely rooms have 2 queen beds. - saddle time 4 hours.
Day 3 After enjoying a hearty breakfast in the dining room, we venture out to where the horses and assistant guide have camped for the night above the lodge. We saddle up and head south to Goodwin Valley. The Rainbow Trail runs 80 miles along the eastern base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains connecting the trails that head up to the many alpine valleys. Our destination is the lovely Goodwin Beaver Ponds. Besides fishing this is an 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. We spend another night at Hermit Basin Lodge.
- saddle time 4 hours.
Day 4 Morning breaks and we’re off for the next adventure- Commanche Lake. Each day we go progressively higher. Today we're riding to the beautiful Commanche Lake just at timberline. Keep your eyes open, and you may find signs of Rocky Mountain mammals. 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. 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 give us a thrill when they howl as we tell tales on the porch of our cabin at our new accommodations at the Alpine Lodge. We have individual cabins with two rooms each with queen beds that sleep either two or four. - saddle time 4-5 hours.
Day 5 Our destination today is the high pass of Venable. 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 spectacular 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. If lucky, we have a quiet moment in the brilliant sun to enjoy a picnic lunch on top the world. 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! Exhilarated we descend back down to happy hour and another excellent dinner at the lodge to celebrate a great day. Saddle time 5-6 hours.
Day 6 We’ll travel the Rainbow across the range clear south to Horn Creek. Deep in the trees you may see a sharp-shinned hawk, a Cooper's hawk, or the northern goshawk. We have the option for the gung ho to explore further up this valley or depending on time we may just need to descend to our waiting van. We're at the trailhead too soon. Saddle time 3-4 hours. We drive you back to Colorado Springs in time for evening flights or hotel overnight (not included).
Due to factors beyond our control, we occasionally find it necessary to change the order or the route of these activities.
Meeting:
Colorado Springs
Airport:
Colorado Springs
Transfer:
Colorado Springs hotel 7:30 am on Day 2. Drop off after 5:00 pm on Day 6.
Your trip will include the first night at the Radisson in Colorado Springs. On arrival in Colorado Springs, call the hotel on the airport courtesy phone. They will come and pick you up. Day 1: Arrival in Colorado Springs and transfer (shuttle) to the Radisson Hotel near the airport. Meals are not included, but the hotel offers a 20% discount for our guests on all meals.
Day 2: Full hot breakfast the next morning starting at 6 AM. Please be ready at the lobby for 7:30 AM pick up and transfer to trailhead …..meet with your duffle bag and with your day pack or saddlebags packed. Departure on Day 6: your return to Colorado Springs is in time for late evening flights. Or book an extra hotel night in Colorado Springs (not included).
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Appaloosa and Quarter
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Pace:
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Moderate with few trots and canters.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
215 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
13 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
The weather is unpredictable, it can snow or rain so be prepared for anything. Use the layer system of clothing, Items can be added or taken off with changes in temperature. On May, June or Sept trips snow is not uncommon. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store.
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.
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… this list is only a guideline for you |
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X = Necessary |
Check List |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
X |
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Flight tickets |
X |
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Passport |
X |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding pants (jeans) (used if possible!) |
X |
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Boots for riding (lightweight narrower hiking boots are more versatile |
X |
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
X |
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Riding gloves (warm) |
X |
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Two piece rain suit (poncho or slicker with rain pants |
X |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Windproof outer jacket (optional) |
X |
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Shirt – 1 heavy, long sleeved; 1 short sleeved; 3 t shirts or tanks |
X |
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2 pr. Long pants |
X |
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2 pr. shorts |
X |
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Sweater (wool or synthetic) |
X |
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Sockes 4 or 5 pairs of heavy wool, liners also help prevent chaffing |
X |
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Wool hat (for warmth)
___ Hat with brim (for sun, hail, and snow protection - must have some form of stampede string if wearing while riding |
X |
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Tennis shoes or tevas (for around camp) |
X |
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Long underwear bottoms or biker shorts (to combat saddle sores |
X |
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Gloves (for warmth) |
X |
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For Camping trips - no applicaple: |
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Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F. -can rent bags and
thinsolite pads if they are reserved in advance) |
X |
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Foam pad or air mattress (such as a CampRest or ThermoRest) |
X |
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Day pack or saddlebags (to carry things during the day) |
X |
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Duffel bag or sea bag (to pack items onto packhorses -- (must be soft-sided)) |
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Canteen or plastic water bottles |
X |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
X |
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Insect protection |
X |
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Towel & washcloth |
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Personal medications |
X |
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Biodegradable soap |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
X |
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Sewing kit |
X |
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Handkerchief/ Bandana |
X |
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Flashlight |
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Mirror, comb |
X |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
X |
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Sun glasses with strap |
X |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
X |
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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 (There is no bar at Hermit Basin but there is at the Alpine Lodge.
You may bring your own but there is a no drinking policy at Hermit Basin outside the room which applies for the first two nights of the ride.)
___ Cash for incidentals, fishing license, tips, alcohol, etc.
Pack your gear into your suitcase or rolling duffle and daypack or saddlebags. 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 day bag with a garbage bag or ziplock. 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!
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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susan wolske
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8/7/2009
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geraldine kupcha
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8/7/2009
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..view other reports for different trips
First night will be at the Radisson Inn - Colorado Springs Airport. http://www.radisson.com/coloradospringsco_airportDay 2 and 3: Hermit Basin Lodge/InnHermit Basin's Inn has thirty six non-smoking rooms - sixteen with kichenettes and twenty with bunk beds. All rooms include a queen size bed, queen size sofa sleeper, private bathroom, television, and telephone. Located in the Inn is a hot tub/sauna facility. We also have a heated indoor lap swimming pool http://www.hermitbasin.com/Day 4 and 5: Alpine LodgeNestled at the base of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo mountain range; the Alpine Lodge provides a cultured but relaxed dining experience for the patron. The interior is paneled with rough cut planks of native pine with a large cheery fireplace. In the late afternoon the restaurant is already in the shadow cast by the mountains; yet the large windows allow the patron to gaze upon the Wet Mountain Valley to the East that catches the ever reddening glow of the last rays of the Sun. The staff of the Lodge are kind and well trained and from our experience strangers soon become Friends. Dinner companions can browse the paintings on the walls from the local artists including Ardith Stewart whose oil paintings have been digitized and are featured in some parts of this Website. Musicians and poets sometimes weave their Magick for the patrons. If you need an extra night in Colorado Springs on Day 6- please let Hidden Trails know and we will be happy to book this for you.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Appaloosa and Quarter
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Pace:
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Moderate with few trots and canters.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
215 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
13 riders
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Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Sangre de Cristo Lodge Ride
Tour Code: IRCO01
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,605.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Appaloosa and Quarter
Pace:
Moderate with few trots and canters.
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Colorado Springs
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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