WILDERNESS PACK TRIPS

Matterhorn, Wetterhorn, Uncompahgre, these are but a few of the towering peaks that call the Cimarron country home. If beautiful vistas, breathtaking scenery, pine fresh alpine forests are what you are looking for, well look no more! The headwaters of the Cimarron and Blue offer one of the most scenic areas found in the lower 48. Peaks that tower to 14,000 feet and above, lush green valley floors and abundant wildlife are but a few of the amenities to be found in this vast road less region of Western Colorado.

Is this sounding good so far? How about, we add crystal clear streams, brimming with native trout, waiting to snatch a carefully placed fly or lure.

Interested yet? Then there's always the aroma of freshly perked coffee and bacon sizzling, not to mention the brisk mountain air that greets you each morning. Or maybe the tranquil setting of the camp horses grazing in the tall meadow grass below.

Are you starting to imagine it? Lets add the creak of the saddle, methodical beat of horses hooves, the calming sounds of the wilderness. Birds chirping, creeks babbling, wind gently whispering through the pines, the lonesome call of a far off coyote.

Beginning to settle in? Steaks grilling, your horse nickering from across the meadow, a band of elk feeding across the valley. A warming camp fire, marshmallows on a stick, mesmerized by the array of stars in clear night sky.

Hooked? How could you not be! Come experience Colorado away from the crowds, the noise and hustle and bustle. Your adventure is waiting.

WILDERNESS PACK TRIPS RATES

Click on any of these horseback vacations packages for more information

WEEKENDER: 3 days 2 nights $625 per person

HORSE THIEF:  4 days 3 nights $825 per person

MOUNTAIN MAN: 7 days 6 nights $1525 per person

Uncompahgre Wilderness The Uncompahgre Wilderness spans more than 99,000 acres on the Uncompahgre National Forest and 3,400 acres on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Elevations range from 8,400 to 14,000-plus feet. This Wilderness contains 150 miles of foot and horse trails. Trails lead into the wilderness from trailheads located in the West, Middle, and East Forks of the Big Cimarron River. The Big Blue Trail, beginning south of the campground by the same name, also is a major route into the Wilderness. Additional trails enter the wilderness from the vicinities of the towns of Ouray and Lake City. While the lowest elevations of the Uncompahgre Wilderness may be snow free starting in June, the normal snow-free conditions are from mid-July to early September, but conditions vary from year to year. Points of interest include: Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 ft); Wetterhorn Peak (14,015 ft); Matterhorn Peak, Coxcomb Peak, Silver Peak, Slide Lake, and Big Blue Creek. Weekender Horseback Vacation (Pack Trip) This popular horseback vacation starts on Friday morning and lasts until Sunday afternoon. This pack trip is a popular choice for those that live within a short driving distance. It is a great long weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle. We pack you into the Uncompahgre Wilderness early Friday morning and follow the East Fork of the Cimarron River to nearly timberline. We camp just above the historic Silver Jack Mine site, where there are cascading waterfalls on each end of camp. Upon arriving at camp, we unpack and unsaddle the riding and pack animals then turn them out to graze for the evening. While you unpack, relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, dinner is being prepared. Friday night is always steak night. You may want to hike down to the creek and do some exploring while; the hearty baked potatoes slowly cook in the fires embers. You will not want to venture far because the aroma of your t-bone will drift down the valley and send you scurrying back. The evenings are peaceful, with mule deer wandering through camp, or maybe a distant heard of elk edging out of the timber. As the sun sets you might hear the lonely call of a lovesick coyote. The hobbled horses nicker back and forth while the night horses are brought in. Nighttime brings an array of stars that, well they just have to be experienced, to be completely appreciated. Saturday morning starts early with the horses being jingled in from the meadow, then curried down and saddled. While all this is going on, the coffee is perking, and the bacon is sizzling. I do not know what could be better than waking up in a high country meadow. There is a hint of dew on the grass, a refreshing breath of cool mountain air, and a trip to the creek to wash the night off your face. After a hearty breakfast, we head out for the day, with trail lunches packed. Some will go fishing and exploring the Silver Jack Mine site, while others head up and over the pass for a good days horseback ride among the towering peaks of what we call “Little Switzerland”; known for its craggy towering peaks the Matterhorn, and Wetterhorn. Do not forget Uncompahgre Peak, which looms right over camp at 14,309 feet above sea level. While the fishermen in the group are tightening their lines on native cutthroats and brookies, the horseback riders are watching a herd of elk in the bottom of the next drainage or maybe watching bighorn sheep napping on a precipitous ridge. We have lunch on the trail, usually by a stream or on a mountainside; followed by an afternoon siesta. Late in the afternoon, we trail back to camp, and turn the stock out for a well-deserved rest. Our return finds the cook busy with supper; barbequed spare ribs tonight. The evening filled with talk of the day’s events. The campfire feels good and stories are even better as time goes on, but after the eventful day, most are ready to crawl deep inside their bags and let the babbling creek lull them to sleep. Sunday is pack out day; some go for an early morning ride while others are content to enjoy their coffee and the scenery. After another home cooked breakfast, we pack the horses and head back to civilization, with memories that can only be found in the wilderness. "WEEKENDER" WILDERNESS PACK TRIP 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS $625 per person "HORSE THIEF" HORSEBACK VACATION (WILDERNESS PACK TRIP)  The 4-day 3 night progressive horseback pack trip is our most popular. On this trip, we stay in at least two different camps. You will need to pack light for this horseback adventure, because we will be on the move. Generally, we go in one end of the Uncompahgre Wilderness and come out on the other. These trips start on Monday but we can rearrange to fit your schedule. Monday is pack in day. We usually start these trips at East Fork of the Cimarron Trailhead, but with enough notice, we can begin at a different trailhead. You will arrive at the packing station early Monday morning; these trips require a little more packing because we will be taking our camp wherever we go. Lunch will be on the trail. After packing camp and everyone’s gear, we trail towards the headwaters of the Cimarron. First nights camp will be above the old Silver Jack Mine (now ghost town). Upon arriving at camp horses are unpacked and turned out. Camp is set up while the cook prepares supper (garden salad, t-bones, baked potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and ranch beans. You will be able to relax and enjoy the wilderness, while not required, always feel free to jump in and help. Tuesday morning starts early. Camp has to be picked up and moved to our next destination. After a hearty breakfast, we pack up and head for Big Blue Creek. This ride is one you will never forget; we ride along the famous Uncompahgre Peak and drop down into the “Blue”.  The scenery is un-matched; it is not unusual to see several hundred elk on this trip.  Tonight finds us at the head of Big Blue Creek; we will camp here for the next 2 nights. The anglers in the group hurry down to the stream; “The Blue” is famous for its cutthroats. Others in camp may enjoy a leisurely walk. As always, another great meal waits as you return for supper. Wednesday is a layover day; some will spend their day on the stream while others horseback to Ridge Stock for some amazing views of the drainage below.  This camp has several trail intersections with unlimited riding. We usually do an evening ride after supper to view the abundant wildlife this area has to offer. This eventful day ends back at camp, with s’mores around a crackling campfire. Thursday is pack out day. We will pack up and either head down the Big Blue drainage, or go over the pass and come out in Fall Creek "HORSE THIEF" WILDERNESS PACK TRIP 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS $825 "MOUNTAIN MAN" HORSEBACK VACATION ( WILDERNESS PACKTRIP) This 7-day 6 night wilderness pack tip is a progressive trip. We stay in at least three different camps. This is for the adventurer, who feels more at home on the mountain than in town. This pack trip generally starts on Monday but we can tailor it to meet your situation. One of our past guests kept a journal on this trip. I will let her tell the story. Day 1- Monday July 15th: Our long awaited Colorado vacation is finally here!!! I am anxiously waiting to see my horse. We were here 2 years ago, and I fell in love with a paint filly that had one blue eye. The outfitter said he would reserve Missy for me again. Last time we only went for 3 days and decided that just was not long enough. We are going to be gone for a week this time. Jay said; there would be two other couples on this trip, I hope they like to ride.  We were picked-up at the motel about 7am, it is about 8:45 now, and we are almost there. When we arrived, I could see Missy tied to the hitching rail. I went right over to get reacquainted with her, I think she remembers me!!! Got to camp late that afternoon, it sprinkled on us on the way in. One of the other guests left his slicker in his bag on the packhorse and one of guides had to let him use his. We had the biggest steak I have ever seen for dinner. I wasn’t too hungry; I guess it was the altitude. Jim said there was a herd of elk down the valley, I was to busy bonding with Missy. Day 2 - We are staying here today and going for a ride toward Wetterhorn Peak, We saw a mountain goat today; at least that’s what the guide said. It just looked like a white spot on the mountain to me. We are going to be back early today so we can go explore around the Silver Jack Mine ruins. Day 3 - We had to get up early today, we are moving camp. This is exciting because we were here for such a short time last time; that we had to stay in the same camp. We had a great day except for a little rain, and the ride was more breathtaking than Jay had said. We are now in the Big Blue valley or as the guides call it, “The Blue”. It is beautiful here. Day 4 - We are going to stay here for a few days. Everyone is a little slow getting around today. The couple from Ohio said they were going to rest today and enjoy the scenery. The rest of us went for a ride to El Paso Creek. We saw a lot of elk and heard the elk making calls. It was a great ride; we were all back in time to take a solar shower and clean up a bit. Day 5 - The men went down stream to fish while the women went for a long horseback ride on the Ridge Stock Driveway. I guess this is where they used to trail sheep across. I am going to have a hard time giving up Missy at the end of trip; I wish I could take her home. The men had a good day fishing. Jim said that one of the guys was a real good fly fishermen and he caught and released more than everyone else combined. Day 6 - We are moving today. It was another great day. I love watching the pack string. Two mules are characters they come up form the meadow each night and see what they can find to get into.  I can’t believe we have to leave tomorrow, it seems like we just got started. We went for an evening ride after dinner and saw over a hundred head of elk. Day 7 - Well it’s time to pack up and go home. I wonder if I can sneak Missy out of here without anyone knowing. The trip back to the trailhead was too quick for me, everyone was talking about showers and real beds, and all I could think about was going back to the real world and leaving my horse. Since I could not sneak Missy away, I guess I will have to come back and see her next year. What a great trip! "MOUNTAIN MAN" WILDERNESS PACK TRIP 7 DAY 6 NIGHT $1525