Surf and Turf Getaway Colorado USA A Fantastic Combo: Three days riding high country trails, followed by two days rafting the wild Arkansas River! Groups meet in Colorado Springs each Sunday for an overnight at a hotel. Leaving the flatlands behind on Monday, we drive high into the heart of the Rockies. The sawtooth back bone of the massive Sangre de Cristo Range dominates the western horizon as we reach our trail head. Learning to saddle and care for our mounts while pack horses are loaded, we climb anxiously into the saddle. Snaking our way up switch back and canyon we reach a remote meadow where we pitch camp among the pines and wild flowers. From this comfortable bivouac we spend our time riding and exploring the ridges, lakes and forests of an unspoiled alpine wilderness. With the helpful assistance of knowledgeable, experienced guides, you learn to saddle, feed and care for your horse. After three adventurous days, it is reluctantly 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 paddle through the churning waters of Brown's Canyon, followed the next day by a memorable trip along Colorado's best stretch of white water through world renown Royal Gorge. For young or less intrepid guests we arrange a less demanding alternative. We combine horses, wilderness camping, and white water fun with two nights of comfortable lodging. A Friday evening return allows weekend exploration of historic Colorado Springs. No previous riding experience necessary. We teach the basics as we ride. Camps are placed between 9000-10,000 feet with day rides going as high as 13,000 or more feet in elevation. For the river portion, no prior experience is necessary. However, there is an age limit of 18 and over for the Royal Gorge section which we raft the second day. Kids 18-13 years will be rafting Brown's Canyon both days. There is some flexibility depending on water level. If a child under 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. Camping Ride with pack horses Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Colorado Springs Airport:   Colorado Springs Transfer: Colorado Springs hotel at 7:30 am on Day 2. Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 3 %  

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that we may alter the itinerary due to weather, trail conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival in Colorado Springs and transfer (shuttle) to the Hotel near the airport. Dinner is not included, but the hotel offers a 20% discount for our guests.
Overnight at Hotel in Colorado Springs

Day 2 (Monday): First Ride
Early morning full hot breakfast at the hotel (starting at 6 AM). At 7:30 AM, our transfer will pick you up from the hotel lobby and take you 2-hours drive to the 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 mid day, we wind up through aspen groves, gamble oak and lodge pole pine, up and into a long glaciated valley. The trail is almost lost as we work around downfall Engle Mann spruce, fording the tumbling stream that gurgles down toward the Arkansas river and eventually the Mississippi. A black tuff 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride across the mountains
The aroma of brewing coffee and the fluttering of Canada 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 ride up valley in search of the emerald green lake above or perhaps, press on over a barren high pass, beyond the last wind-twisted Brislecone pine for a breathtaking view of the great San Luis valley to the west.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride back to Trailhead
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. Thunder clouds 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 too soon, back at the road and waiting transport to our lodging near the Arkansas River. Hot showers and sheets await.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Salida

Day 5 (Thursday): Rafting on the Arkansas River
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 Slidell's 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Salida

Day 6 (Friday): Rafting through Royal Gorge and departure
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. At the end of your trip you will be brought back to the Colorado Springs sometime between 5:00 and 8:00pm. We recommend making prior lodging reservations if you plan to spend the night on Day 6. If you must fly out that evening, please do not schedule a flight before 8:30pm, to make certain you can make your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                            Westcliffe area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	40	42	49	56	66	77	81	78	72	61	49	40
Average Low Temperature (°F)	7	11	19	26	34	41	45	44	37	26	16	8
Average High Temperature (°C)	4	6	9	13	19	25	27	26	22	16	9	4
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-14	-12	-7	-3	1	5	7	7	3	-3	-9	-13
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	2	2	5	4	5	4	8	8	4	3	2	2

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The weather is quite 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 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!

Colorado has 4 distinct seasons. Autumn brings unpredictable snowstorms, generally beginning in September, before relatively mild winters create a heaven for outdoor enthusiast. March is often the snowiest month, though the weather is notoriously undependable.

Summertime sees the temperature increasing, but it never gets too hot. It is usually dry at that time of the year; however, thunderstorms can happen anytime.

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 or biker shorts (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 (slicker with rain pants) NO PONCHOS PLEASE (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 and neoprene bootieswill be provided for you. 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- we have some to borrow, but please ask ahead of time)
___ 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)

PACKING
Pack your gear into your duffel bag and day pack, 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 pack horses.) Your duffel bag will not be available during the day. Your day pack 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 zip lock. Any gear that you do not take on the pack trip 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.

We are able to sleeping bags, ground mats, and duffel on request for additional fee ($35US per item). Please inquire.

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date norma wood 7/30/2013 margo martin 8/16/2006 brit øvreås 7/14/2004

Accommodation
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent at different locations.

Description
The first night is spent at a hotel and the remaining 4 nights are spent camping.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport
Night 2 & 3: Camping
Night 4 & 5: accommodation in Salida

Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport
This hotel provides a free transfer service to the airport as well as free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast buffet.
The rooms are modern and include a flat-screen TV, microwave, min-fridge and a private bathroom. You can also relax in the hot tub, sun terrace or indoor pool.
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.

Camping
Guests stay in a dome tent (4-man tent). Clients should bring sleeping bags with a little foam pad. There are no showers.
The wranglers cook and take care of the horses. If you want to help, you are more than welcome to. 

We can supply: saddlebags, sleeping bags, ground mats, and duffel on request for additional fee. Please inquire at time of booking.

Room Occupancy
Single tents can be requested at no extra fee but a single supplement applies for the first night at a Colorado Springs hotel.


Meals
All meals are included (from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on last day) except in Colorado Springs. Meals on the first day are not included but we offer 20% off for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Dietary Restrictions
We have experience with and are happy to accommodate special dietary needs such as Kosher, vegetarian, and lactose-free. Just let us know when you make your reservations of your special needs.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Appaloosa and Quarter
Pace:		3-5 hrs riding a day. Moderate with trots | Walk | Trot |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Novice
Age:		Min 7
Weight:		Max 250 lbs
Riders:		Min 3	Max 8

Horses
The ranch owns 60 head of Appaloosa and Paint horses. The horses are sure-footed, no nonsense and willing. We will assign you your own horse and teach you how to saddle, picket and care for it.

Riding Experience
Our trip begin with hands-on instruction on saddling and care of your mount. At the same time, our program allows for diversity to accommodate and challenge the advanced rider as well. Our philosophy is simple; the more you know about your horse and equipment, the more you will enjoy your vacation.

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