Trail Rides Horseback rides Vail

GENERAL TRIP INFORMATION

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RIDING

• The horseback trip is suitable for beginning intermediate riders.

• Gentle horses and easily navigable terrain make the trip possible for beginning intermediate riders, while the stunning scenery and backcountry nature of the trip make it an adventure for even the most experienced of horse people. The amount of time to be spent in the saddle must be taken into account, especially for those unaccustomed to riding on a regular basis. 

• We highly recommend that you ride before you come if only to prepare the old seat bones for the journey.

• Standard physical conditioning should also be taken into account. This trip is not recommended for individuals with chronic health problems, and those who have never ridden a horse prior to the trip. Please consult your physician with any health concerns.

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WEATHER

• We usually offer our Vail to Aspen rides during July and August when we have found the weather along the trail to be most favorable.

• Days are usually sunny and warm; around 75-85 degrees with little or no humidity (remember to bring sunscreen).

• Evenings will be cool and crisp, with skies full of countless stars. 

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HUTS

• The first and third nights on the trail will be spent in Tenth Mountain Division Huts, nestled in the woods with beautiful decks overlooking spectacular vistas. 

• The second floors are sleeping quarters, with everyone sharing one large sleeping room. Each individual sleeping area is equipped with a sleeping pad (very comfy) and a pillow. You only need to bring your own sleeping bag, and if you like, pillowcase.

• The ground floors are "living" areas with couch-like benches for lounging on, picnic tables for communal meals or games, and of course a kitchen where your meals will be prepared by our cook. Not only will our cook be using the wood stove to prepare your meals, it will also serve to heat the hut, and creates cozy warmth welcome in the cool Colorado evenings.

• Bathroom facilities at the huts are outhouses - a big step up from the trees along the trail. Toilet tissue and even scented candles will make this experience a relatively comfortable one.

• Personal hygiene (brushing teeth, washing up, etc) will be handled in pans of water, as all water at the huts is either hauled in or hand-pumped. Please prepare accordingly by bringing your own towel, etc.

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GUEST RANCH - Yolande Mountain Cabins

• The second night on the trail is spent on the Fryingpan River where we'll spend the night at a beautiful guest ranch.

• Hot showers await trail-weary bodies.

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MEALS

• All meals while on the ride will be provided for you. Meals will be three cooked breakfasts, four lunches on the trail, and three dinners. Trail snacks (i.e. candy, granola bars, and fruit) and drinks will be made available for you to have on your horse with you during the day.

• We will do our best to accommodate any special requests you might have, as long as you tell us about them well in advance of the trip.

• Breakfasts and dinners are always hot meals, freshly prepared.

• Lunch will be eaten on the trail each day and usually consists of sandwiches or wraps, chips, fruits, cookies, and drinks.

• Each trip's menu is different depending on guest's requests and our cook's fancy so let us know if there's something you'd particularly like. It is imperative that you inform us of any (even mild) food allergies well before the start of the trip so that we can plan around them and prevent an emergency in the backcountry!!!

• Please also note that the Vail to Aspen ride is a BYOB affair. Please bring along any adult beverages you may like to have at the end of each day (not on the trail please!), as well as mixers for said libations. We will provide plenty of coolers and ice to transport everything for you.