The Weekender
Three Days Two Nights
This well-liked pack trip begins on Friday
morning and concludes Sunday afternoon. This
horseback vacation is popular for those that live
nearby and are looking for a relaxing extended
weekend away form the hustle and stresses of work
and town. Early Friday morning we meet at the
trailhead in the Big Cimarron Valley. Then we pack
your gear on mules and get you acquainted with a
mount for the weekend. We pack deep
into the Uncompahgre Wilderness, following the East
Fork tributary of the Cimarron River to near
timberline. Camp is set in a stunning meadow, just
above the historic Silver Jack Mine site, with
cascading waterfalls at each end. Upon arrival, we
unpack and unsaddle the riding and pack animals then
turn them out to graze for the evening. After a long
ride it feels good to get out and stretch your legs
and take in the truly amazing surroundings. While
you unpack, and settle in, dinner is being prepared.
Friday night is always steak night. While waiting
for the potatoes to bake in the red embers of the
fire, you will find yourself down at the creek
exploring and marveling at the waterfalls. Don’t
venture too far. The aroma of your t-bone will drift
down the valley and send you scurrying back.
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 the lonely call
of a lovesick coyote fills the night sky. The
hobbled horses nicker back and forth while the night
horses are brought in. Nighttime brings an array of
stars that can only be seen far away from the lights
of town, and will leave you completely amazed.
Saturday morning starts early. The horses are
jingled in from the meadow, then curried down and
saddled. Meanwhile, the coffee is perking, and the
bacon is sizzling. There is nothing better then
waking up to a new day in a high country meadow.
With 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
starts you day. After a hearty breakfast, we head
leave camp to explore the wilderness with an range
of activities to choose from. Some will go fishing
and exploring the Silver Jack Mine site, while
others will head up the trail 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. A sack lunch is served on the trail, usually
by a stream or on a mountainside. That is then
usually 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 made with Action Adventures in the remote Colorado Wilderness.
Rate: $625 per person.
800-383-1888
Action Adventures
Guide Outfitter, LLC
PMB #194236 South 3rd Street
Montrose, CO 81401
Phone: 800-383-1888
Fax: (970)240-8330
Email: justin@actionadventures.net
jay@actionadventures.net
Action Adventures Guide Outfitter, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider, that is a licensed, bonded, and insured, operating under a special use permit by the USDA National Forest Service in the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Colorado License # 660
Colorado Wilderness Pack Trips, Ranch Vacations, Dude Ranch, Guest Ranch, Pack Trips, Horseback Vacations
