Sand Dune National Park Ride

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is the United States newest National Park, which officially came to be in September 2004. They are North America's highest and tallest dunes, with the tallest one, Star Dune, reaching 750 feet above the valley floor.
This wilderness journey is for both experienced and beginning riders. The horses are sure-footed, no nonsense and willing. Mountain riding techniques are taught as we travel. Our philosophy is simple; the more you know about your horse and equipment, the more you will enjoy your vacation.

Although the distance we'll travel is not excessive, the riding is adventurous along steep trails with spectacular scenery. We'll share our extensive knowledge of geology, plants, wildlife, and history of the area. Those who have less riding experience particularly enjoy this trip as an excellent learning experience. Advanced riders enjoy the additional hands-on experience and scenic country of this little known area of Colorado.

You will see a unique sight in North America - the largest sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere! In addition, we'll take you to remote mountain valleys, ride past old west ghost towns, and allow you time to play in mountain creeks and waterfalls. Maybe we'll even see some Bison!

The route begins at Music Pass and then over the top of the range into the wilds of the Sand Creek drainage. We work our way down Sand Creek to a little known route at the base to join a trail heading to the Sand Dunes. We'll camp close to the Sand Dunes and enjoy a day riding on sand mountains. Then we exit out Madano Pass to our trail head once again on the eastern side of the Sangres.
The group works as a team. Everyone participates in saddling, care of horses and in setting-up/breaking-down camp. The staff cook, clean up, and pack horses. This is an expedition, lightweight and mobile, utilizing all hands towards the ultimate goal of reaching the next pass, or catching sight of the moving forest of elk. Doing it simply. Responding to the call.

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Itinerary / Highlights

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. 7:30 Am pick up and transfer to trailhead. We'll drive two hours to the Ranch where we'll rendezvous with those who've chosen to meet us there. Traveling by van we drive south to the trailhead on the eastern side of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Range. On the way we drive past the five 14,000 ft. peaks which sit together in a towering cluster in the heart of the Sangres - Humboldt, Kit Carson, Challenger, and finally Crestone and Crestone Needle, some of the most difficult 14ers in the state.

Arriving at the trailhead, as our pack string is loaded with duffels and supplies, one of your two wrangler-guides will give you and your friends or family detailed instructions on riding, saddling and the care of your mount. When all is ready, we pack up our gear and head out for our camp in the National Park.

Traveling further south along the Rainbow Trail we work our way down to Medano Pass, where we travel over the pass via a rough and rocky 4-wheel drive road. According to legend, this is the pass reportedly used by one-time [residential candidate Captain John Fremont in his ill advised foray into the San Luis valley where he lost over half his men in the bitter winter passage and just before he was captured by the Spaniards. Hoping to fare better than Capt. Fremont, we travel over and down the West side of Medano pass until we reach one of our several high camps, which will become our home for the next three days. While some help water and picket the horses, others help set up the kitchen and personal tents. Soon we are indulging in favorite beverages around the campfire and thinking about tomorrow while waiting for a sumptuous meal cooked cowboy style.

DAY 3: The next morning we awake to cowboy coffee and a hearty breakfast before saddling our horses and riding down to the Dunes, located along the western base of the Sangre's. Riding in to the Monument Portion of the park we turn south to ride along Medano Creek to the highest dunes. In the middle of the day we are all free to explore the mysterious and overwhelming sand dunes, check out the visitors center and splash around in Medano Creek. Later we'll enjoy lunch amongst the ancient pines and cottonwoods. Leaving the Monument and re-entering into our alpine preserve we return to our comfortable camp for another evening of tall tales around the campfire under the brightest stars you've ever seen..

DAY 4: Again we start the day with unlimited cowboy coffee and a hearty breakfast and then it's off to the high timberline section of the Park. Today we ride to Medano Lake which sits at 11,750' and is nestled in an Alpine Cirque, right below 13,297 ft. Mt. Herald. Here we will have lunch and spend the afternoon hiking, fishing, climbing or just relaxing.

DAY 5: By day four we are old hands at saddling and handling our horses. Riding back to the Monument this time we turn our horses north along the Sand Creek Trail. Passing through Heavenly Valley, we cross Cold Creek on our way to Sand Creek and the Star Dune Complex. Returning to Camp for our last night we are tired but find ourselves already reminiscing about our adventurous past few days.

DAY 6: Reluctantly departing our peaceful camp, we climb out over a Medano Pass once more, looking back over our shoulders at the top for one last look at the mysterious Sand Dunes, and the wide, shimmering San Louis valley. Descending down the pass, we soon meet the waiting van and the end of our mountain odyssey. We are back at the road too soon, and talk and reminisce about our adventure as we our horses neigh softly, awaiting transport home. We drive you back to Colorado Springs in time for late evening flights or for a restful evening in a hotel (not included).

POST TRIP INFORMATION
At the end of your trip you will be brought back to Colorado Springs sometime between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. We recommend making prior lodging reservations if you plan to spend the night. If you must fly out that evening, please do not schedule a flight before 8:30 pm, to make certain you can make your flight.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

The group will work as a team. Everyone participates in the care and saddling of their horses and the setting up and breaking down of personal tents. The staff cooks, cleans and pack the horses.

This is an expedition, light-weight and mobile, utilizing all hands towards the ultimate goal of reaching the next pass...catching sight of the moving forest of elk.....simply, responding to the call.