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It is that time of the year again. Yes we are still on our horses but it is hurting season in Colorado and from August through September we will be scouting & hunting for big game. During this time we will not be posting new rides and will not be documenting any of our adventures for the public. (sorry)

If you have any question regarding existing rides, or rides you would like go on, shoot us an email and we will try to answer it for you.

We will have a schedule for October, and possibly for November - we typically ride steadily through Thanksgiving and then it is hit & miss.

Riding during hunting Season

Season Dates:
West of I25: September - November
East of I25:  October - December

Most horseback riders are grateful when summer heat gives way to cooler autumn weather. What better time for a leisurely trail ride? Autumn is very often hunting season too. That may conjure up romantic images of blaze orange-coated riders racing across open fields.

The reality is that today’s hunters are more likely to be sitting in a tree stand, wearing camouflage and holding a loaded gun or bow. Bow hunters are not required to where blaze orange, and the chances are very high you’ll never see them; but rest assured, they will see you! Unfortunately incidents between horseback riders and novice hunters are not unheard of.

Sadly, horses have been shot from beneath their riders by over anxious hunters. Even people, horses and other livestock at pasture are at risk during hunting seasons, especially if their camps or pastures border on forests. There have also been documented cases where overly passionate equestrians thought it a good idea to help out wildlife by blazing through the woods; a dangerous and reckless act.

All sports enthusiasts have to learn to respect each other and that is certainly the case during hunting season - simply put, stay out of each other’s way. Horseback riding on the trails during hunting season means riders have to take extra precautions. As an avid hunter, it pains me to make this statement, but it can’t be more ture, especially the closer to the city you ride!

In Colorado it is unlawful to interfere with hunters. That includes, but is not limited to, alarming, distracting, or frightening prey; causing prey to flee by using light or noise; chasing prey on foot or by vehicle; throwing objects; making movements; harassing hunters by using threats or actions; erecting barriers to deny access to hunting areas; and intentionally injecting yourself into the line of fire. Violators face criminal prosecution and may have to pay damages to the victim, as well as court costs. Learn more on this topic by reading the Hunter Harassment page.

Before you horseback ride:

• Find out what the hunting regulations are in your area such as what time guns may be fired and what animals are in season. 
• Try to avoid known hunting areas!
• Try to stay in open fields where you will be more visible. 
• Avoid riding at peak times such as early morning. 
• No matter what the season, when headed out on trail with your horse, tell someone your planned route and what time you will be back. 
• If you meet hunters tell them your planned route. Try to keep the communication open, no matter what your opinion towards hunting.

When you ride your horse: 

• Ride with a buddy. 
• Wear a ‘hunting orange’ vest, saddle pads, ahlerts and/or saddle bags. 
• Wear a brightly colored helmet cover. 
• Make or buy a brightly colored rump sheet for your horse. 
• If there is any chance you will be near gun fire, be sure you are on a horse that is used to it!

At home or camp: 

• Use a ‘hunting orange’ turnout sheet.
• Keep your horses close to your house or camp during peak hunting times. 
• Mark your corrals well! Make sure that all contained stock is well makred
• Check your fence lines frequently and check for gates accidentally left open, you do not want your stock running loose around hunting areas.

Most hunters are conscientious sportsmen who follow the rules. Be respectful and courteous, and they will respond in kind. Remember that while we can enjoy our sport almost year-round hunters have a right to their relatively short time in the woods.

Location: Located just 40 minutes west of Colorado Springs and just south of Divide on the western slope of Pikes Peak.

Dates: July 12th, 2008

Photos: Click to view album

Description: The Crags is among the more popular of the areas parks. With that in mind, you should not plan for solitude in these heavily used campgrounds and trails, however the impressive views and close proximity to so many great attractions make The Crags worth enduring the crowds - but arrive early because reservations are not accepted and trailer parking is limited at best.

Not far off the beaten path, the amount of people quickly diminishes to the point that we only saw a few die hard hikers, and even at one point we left them all behind.

This is an incredibly magnificent place to take photos of some very unique Colorado Mountain formations. It is well worth all the hassle that you’ll endure at the Campground.

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ File

Location: Located just 40 minutes west of Colorado Springs and just south of Divide on the western slope of Pikes Peak.

Dates: July 19th, 2008

Photos: Click to view album

Trail Description:On a scale of 1 to 10 this is a 15! This ride give you everything from beautiful views of Pikes Peak and the Continental Divide to gorgeous rides through aspen groves and evergreens and deep river crossings. You’ll also be thrilled with the beauty of the huge granite rock formations, especially Dome Rock itself which rises 800 feet above the canyon floor. We started our ride at the west parking lot on the Willow Creek Trail #40 and rode for three (3) miles up a gentle slope on a packed sand two-lane trail. After about three (3), the trail narrows to a single file and shortly thereafter we came to a “Y” in the trail. We took the right branch, up a steep climb. [The left heads down to a locked gate] At the highest view point we were at 9,700 feet, which is a long way up from the parking lot which was at 8,800 feet. We then continued on this trail, passing the Sand Creek Trail #41 on the right which is a great short cut if you need a shorter ride. We turned off onto Spring Creek Trail #43 and followed it all the way to Dome Rock. The trail makes some steep drops as it approaches Dome Rock but nothing that was a problem¹. Just as we rode past the south side of Dome Rock we had our first water crossing. It was deep and wide² but the bottom of the river was sandy, so it was very easy to cross. We had lunch in a meadow by the rock. We then circled around the rock³on Dome Rock Trail #46. This trail takes you back and forth over Fourmile Creek nine times. It also takes you into Muller State Park at some points. About 2.5 miles from the end, we came across the ruins of Jackrabbit Lodge. This had been a private hunting lodge that burned to the ground in the 1940’s. All that remains is the stone chimney and part of the foundation.

At this lodge you can choose to go left into Muller State Park. We continued on the Dome Rock Trail having fun crossing the river and viewing the heard of Big Horn Sheep the live there. River crossing can be avoided by staying on the north side of the river along the footpath. We stayed on the wide road, that was once a stage coach road, and had fun playing in the water. At times the river was so deep²from the beaver dams that the water came above our horses’ bellies! About 0.5 miles from the end we came across the ruins of an old collapsed mine. This trail returns to the east parking lot. This is an easy trail and shoes would not be required as the surface is packed sand.

Note: This complete 9.4 mile loop is only open from July 16th to November 30th. It is closed for the rest of the year for the Big Horn Sheep lambing. But you can take shorter loops, such as Sand Creek Trail loop, or going out and back on the Willow Creek Trail or the Dome Rock Trail.

1. We took the opportunity to have lunch, water and graze our horses in a beautiful meadow just left of the base of Dome Rock right by the creek.
2. We were told by a local that last years rains flooded out most all the beaver dams; thus all the water crossings were very easy to negotiate and none of them were very deep.
3. From the meadow you will head slightly south and cross the creek; this will take you around a large pile of rock formations and them back heading north on Dome Rock Trail #46 following the river up the canyon.

About the author: This trail description was written by Margi Evens - Author of Riding Colorado I & II. If you would like to know more about Margi and her books, please click here.

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ File

** ATTENTION **
Equestrians interested in trail riding in
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETING

Date: July 15th 2008
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 
Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School 
1200 W Cheyenne Mountain Road
Click for Directions & Map

Currently, horses are not allowed on the 20+ miles of trails in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The potential for future equestrian use will be considered at this meeting. Your input and support is critical NOW or the trails may be closed to us forever.

Folks, this is an opportunity that does not come along very often! The last time they called a meeting like this, there was little showing by the Equestrian Community and a large showing by the Mountain Bike Community and, well as you know right now we can not ride our horses in OUR park!

The Colorado Horse Council did a lot of work before the park open battling all the fears and worries; it is our turn to stand for what is right and show our support! Right now there 1680 acres with 20+ miles of trails in the park, and there is a rumor that another section of land within the mountains is being acquired and will host an additional 25 miles of trails.

This is a must attend meeting for all horse owners, clubs, trainers, business owners! Just go and show!

Slim grew up on the western prairie of South Dakota. The son of hard working farmers who in those days farmed with horses and whose children went to a one-room school. When I met Slim he was already well into his late seventies. Tall as his name would imply, as was his build. He was a pleasant looking man but he had a long drooping nose that appeared to have no cartilage in it. When Slim turned his head and then stopped, the motion of his nose didn’t! It wiggled! 

Slim married a local gal and moved to the city where he became a tailor and worked in a fine men’s store for over 30 years. By the time I met Slim he was semi-retired, taking in occasional tailoring work in his home. It was an instant friendship and I admired the love for his wife that he outwardly showed and his humor. It wasn’t long before we found a common interest in fishing. I happened to own a boat and I invited Slim for a days fishing at a nearby reservoir. Well, you’d a thought I had taken Slim on a Canadian fly-in fishing trip the way he expressed himself over the day’s outing. I quickly learned that Slim could see the best in everything and he constantly pointed out sights that most folks would have never seen; the blue water of the lake, sun shining through the clouds, apple trees in bloom or maybe a pretty lady jogging with her dog. Slim saw it all!

I also owned horses and had been riding up into the high-country and catching beautiful cutthroat trout on about every other cast from shore. These high-country fishing trips were overnighters and reports to Slim about my horseback fishing adventures made his mouth drool!

Slim’s wife Margaret had been in bad health since I had met them. One afternoon Slim called to say his wife had passed away and asked if I would be a pallbearer. Days following the funeral I stopped by Slim’s place and we visited at length. Telling stories seemed to help take his mind off the loss of his long time mate. A week or two after the funeral a thought occurred to me to ask Slim if he thought he might be able to ride a horse. I had a dandy of mare that I guess you could say was a babysitter type. “Slim, do you think if we took some rest stops on the way up the mountain, you could make it to the high-country and fish with me? Could you sleep in a tent and sleeping bag for a night?” Slim’s face lit up like a six-year-old boy on Christmas morning. “Oh Freddy, that would be wonderful,” he answered. (Slim always called me Freddy) I brought Slim out to the ranch and evaluated the potential of him in a saddle for three hours or so. To no surprise to me, he showed not one sign of pain or stiffness and his enthusiasm for the high-county fishing trip was escalating by the minute.

A few days later I loaded the horses, two black and white Spotted Saddle Horses and Festina, my pack mule. As I pulled up to Slim’s house, he was waiting at the door with fishing rod case in hand. We got to the trailhead and quickly packed and saddled our horses and headed out on the trail that hopefully would produce fish and make an old friend one happy man. I have to confess, I’ve never had better company on a trail riding adventure in my entire life! My friend pointed out more beautiful sights than I was ever aware of, even though I had been on the trail many times before; the snow glacier near the peak of the far off mountain, the crystal blue skies, a Stellar’s Jay, Red Squirrel, Bald Eagle, Blue Grouse hen with chicks, Mule Deer doe with twin fawns, tracks, scat, wild flowers and berries. “Freddy, isn’t this something up here?” Slim asked. “Indeed my friend, indeed,” I thought to myself. I knew where I wanted to pitch the tent and put up the Hi-Line for the horses, but I thought I’d seek Slim’s approval. “How is this spot for the night my friend?” “Looks perfect to me Freddy! Let’s unsaddle and turn the horses out to eat while you and I see if we can catch dinner,” Slim replied. Slim was quickly ruffling through his backpack looking for lures so he could make that long awaited cast into the lake he had been thinking about for days. In truth, it didn’t take a great fisherman to catch a fish on this lake. Not on this day anyway. The task of getting to the lake was made possible by good horses and Slim and I were reaping the benefits. Cast after cast we hauled in 12”-15” colorful cutthroat trout. “Release ‘em Slim, we’ll keep a few for dinner later. You keep a fishin’. I am going to put a few beers in the water, make camp and start a fire,” I told him. After I got everything set up, I yelled out to Slim, “Time to catch a few for dinner!” Twenty minutes later, our dinner was delivered by a fellow who looked as proud as a peacock. I cooked as Slim and I enjoyed a few “Cool Ones!” I never heard Slim refer to a beer as a beer. It was always a “Cool One.” I also don’t ever recall Slim drinking more than three beers in an entire day. He however enjoyed his “Cool One” just as much as he enjoyed everything around him. After two or three hours of soaking up the enjoyment of the campfire, as well as the stars and three quarter moon, it was time to turn in.

Morning didn’t come early. Heck, we were on a vacation! The only task we had to complete that day was to have a ball and get back to the trailhead before nightfall. I got up, turned the horses out again to graze, and started a fire and a pot of coffee. I truly believe there isn’t a better cup of coffee in the world than cowboy coffee made on an open fire. I was enjoying my third or fourth cup when I heard Slim begin to move around in the tent. “Ready for a cup of coffee Slim?” I asked. “Oh boy Freddy, that sounds good,” he answered. Waiting a few minutes and no Slim, I asked, “You okay?” “Can’t find my teeth!” he mumbled “What? Where’d ya put ‘em?” I questioned. “I put them in a glass of water when I went to bed,” my friend replied. Glass of water…glass of water, I thought. I don’t remember any glass with water in the tent. The only container I could think of was the coffee pot I had filled with lake water in anticipation of morning coffee. I grabbed a cooking mitten and a long handled spoon and reached for the pot sitting on a flat rock next to the fire. “Slim, you’d better come look!” Yes sirree bob…I had been enjoying my cowboy coffee with Slim’s dentures in it!!! Slim poked his head out of the tent opening and with an expression of relief said, “There they are!” There they are? There they are? Hell’s bells, his dentures were browner than the tops of my boots. Slim picked them up and kind of molded them with his fingers and in his mouth they went. “Oh they’re fine,” he proclaimed! The sight of my friend with his long slender nose that wiggled and a dark, brown-toothed smile made me forget all about previously enjoying my denture-brewed coffee. “Got something to clean those babies with Slim?” I asked. “No,” Slim replied, “I forgot to bring my denture cleaner.” “Take ‘em down to the lake and try rubbing them with sand,” I suggested. Well my cowboy coffee had stained the dentures so bad we couldn’t lighten the dark brown color for nothing. Every time Slim opened his mouth I started to laugh. I just couldn’t help it. I told Slim if anyone came along or we met someone on the trail on the way down, he’d have to keep his mouth SHUT! “You’ll scare a person to death!” I said. “Okay Freddy,” Ol’ Slim reluctantly agreed. We finished off the morning by catching a few more trout and frying them along with some eggs and Texas toast. Slim stood quietly watching fish jump on the surface of the lake. I wondered if Slim would see this sight again or if this was his last horseback ride up into the high-country. I tried not to think about what the future might hold but chose to concentrate on what a great time I was having with a true dear friend.

With the horses all packed and saddled I helped my friend mount up, then off down the trail we went with Slim again pointing out every magnificent thing God had created. I turned around in the saddle and reminded Slim not to be showing his big ol’ grin if we met someone before we could make those teeth pearly white again. “I’m serious Slim,” I firmly suggested. Looking up ahead I could see two women hikers who kindly had moved off the trail to let our horses pass. I said good morning and thanked them for their thoughtfulness of stepping off the trail. I also waited and listened for Slim to acknowledge the visitors we just met. A voice from behind me said, “Wello Wadies!” The challenge of Slim greeting our hikers and not giving them a heart attack made me smile from ear to ear. I knew there was no way he could ride past someone without saying Hello!

Not sure what Slim did to get his teeth white again but the high-country horseback fishing trip gave my friend and I memories we still share with one another. We just don’t do it over a “Cool One” anymore.

Fread M.
Trail Horses of the West

Location: 1 hour 30 minutes from Colorado Springs

Dates: June 29th, 2008

Photos: Click to view album

Trail Ride Description: The twin forks of Beaver Creek come rushing out of a rugged set of Colorado peaks to converge in one of the richest wildlife habitats in the state. Mountain lions roam the heights in one of the greatest concentrations in Colorado.

The cats share the land with bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, black bear, beaver and bobcat. 

Overhead peregrine falcons, golden eagles, rough-legged hawks, and red-tailed hawks soar through the skies. 

Down below, wild turkeys and blue grouse scratch in the brush. 

Traveling quietly on foot up Beaver Creek, we are likely to be rewarded with glimpses of the wildlife that makes its home here. Two maintained trails leave from the Beaver Creek Trailhead on the WSA’s southern boundary (see Getting There). The Beaver Creek Loop forms a circle up the Trail Gulch Pack Trail, then west over to Beaver Creek and back downstream (running counter clockwise). 

To penetrate further into the heart of the WSA, we may keep following the Trail Gulch Trail. It heads due north, over Big Saddle and Little Saddle, to connect with the East Fork of Beaver Creek. Along this trail, you will pass through the highest peaks. Crown Point at 9,922 rises to the west just before Trail Gulch hits the northern boundary of the WSA. 

Getting there:While traveling State Highway 115, look for 3rd Street (County Road 123) right before Prenrose; west on CR-123 about 5.5 miles  to County Road 132; then north (left) on CR 132 approximately 10 miles to the trail head and the end of the road.  

Google Map with Points from Penrose, CO

Alternately, traveling Highway 24 to Divide; at Divide turn south on Highway 67 following it through Cripple Creek to Victor. In Victor, turn left one block, then south on Teller County Road 86 (Phantom Canyon Road) to Teller County Road 861 (Skagway Road) following it to the Skagway Reservoir. Beaver Creek WSA can then be accessed by going down Beaver Creek via the Division of Wildlife state land approximately 1-1/2 miles to the northern boundary of the WSA. There is no public vehicle access beyond the Skagway Reservoir. 

More Details:This is a full day ride and it is suggested that you bring a lunch on the trail. I am told there is water in several areas that we will be crossing and that the horses can drink, but I would still recommend bringing a small amount for them to drink back at the trailhead.

Warning:This is not a trail for inexperienced riders or horses, or horses that are not in good physical conditioning. They had better be shod as well. This trail has extreme climbs (2,400 feet in 5 miles), it is very rocky once you get pat Skagway Powerline Trail cutoff and we even had to manually remove a rattlesnake from or path. Water is only found at the bottom before to start and at the top in East Beaver Creek, nowhere else will you find water. Please do not take this trail lightly!

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZfile with Photos & Waypoints

This workshop will provide a simple low-tech approch to understanding the GPS (Global Positioning System) Receiver and how they work alone & and USGS Topo Maps. The primary focus will be the use and limits of hand held GPS receivers for recreational activities such as horseback riding, hunting or geocaching, we will also cover the UTM Coordinate System and learn how to easily transfer waypoints from GPS to Maps (and visa-versa). The workshop is broken into three (3) sections: 

1. In class theory (15-30 minutes)
   (What is a GPS, Topo Map, UTM)
2. Map Hands-on (60 minutes)
   (Working with the GPS and a Topo Map)
3. Field exercise  (60 minutes)
   (Marking Waypoints and navigating to them)

Date: Wednesday, June 25th @ 6:30 - 9:30pm
Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods (First & Main Towncenter)
Cost: Free
Requirements: A handheld GPS

I expect that most participants will already own their own GPS receivers; there may be a few ‘for loan’ receivers as well (Call ahead first). The overall workshop time is roughly 2.5 hours. The workshop does not provide more advanced information on higher end survey grade GPS receivers, or the math that goes along with the system. The theory is mostly limited to ‘arm-waving’ explanations (Italian Style). 

RSVP is required and this workshop is limited to the first 20 registrants.

I keep forgetting that this area is full of trails to ride! Make sure that you bring a fishing pole; the reservoir looks like a great spot for fishing. I have always wondered how to get up here from the Air Force Academy, and I may just have found the road. Updated Photos & KMZ June 17th, 2008

Location: 45 minutes from Colorado Springs

Dates: July 21ts 2007 - May 31st 2008,  June 13-15th 2008

Photos: Click to view album

Getting There:

• HWY-24 from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park.
• Turn right at S Baldwin St
• Continue on CR-22 / Rampart Range Rd
• Turn right at Loy Creek Rd
• Continue on Shubarth Trail

Trail Ride Description: (See Google KMZ file below for ride directions) Like I said, this is a great area to ride. The trail starts out on a 4×4 dirt road made of the typical Colorado crushed granite. Most everything to the north allows vehicles (including ATVs) on it, bit if you head down into the southern area you’ll be where they can’t! Even-though, vehicles are allowed, I usually don’t see to many. Today I saw 3 parked cars and 2 ATVs. I stopped and talked with the guys on the ATV as they were trying to find a way to Stanley Reservoir for a little fishing. It broke my heart to state the obvious - No Motorized Vehicles! They were bummed as I rode off and down to the the lake. Be prepared for some climbing, I got in almost 1,400 feet in this 11 mile loop. This is a neat & clean trail that I would not be afraid to take kids or beginners on. 

Click for full view of the trail profile

The Basics: There is no water at any of the camping areas and the two lakes are kind of far away to use for horses/camping, so bring your own. I would recommend shoes if you are going to ride this area a lot.

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ file with Photos & Waypoints

This workshop will provide a basic understanding of GPS (Global Positioning System) Receivers and how they work and USGS Topo Maps. The primary focus will be the use and limits of hand held GPS receivers for recreational activities such as horseback riding, hunting or geocaching, we will also cover the UTM Coordinate System and learn how to easily transfer waypoints from GPS to Maps (and visa-versa). The workshop is broken into three (3) sections: 

1. In class theory
   (What is a GPS, Topo Map, UTM)
2. Map Hands-on 
   (Working with the GPS and a Topo Map)
3. Field exercise  
   (Marking Waypoints and navigating to them)

Date: June 28th @ 6:30 - 9:30pm
Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods (First & Main Towncenter)

I expect that most participants will already own their own GPS receivers; there may be a few ‘for loan’ receivers as well (Call ahead first). The overall workshop time is roughly 2.5 hours. The workshop does not provide more advanced information on higher end survey grade GPS receivers, or the math that goes along with the system. The theory is mostly limited to ‘arm-waving’ explanations (Italian Style). 

RSVP is required and this workshop is limited to the first 20 registrants.

Forty-Three (43) trucks/trailers lined up 3 rows deep! More than an estimated one hundred (100) equestrians came out to to ride the brand new Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space in Douglas County! An amazing time was had on this newly built five (5) mile trail that circled the ranch.

Location: 15 minutes South of Castle Rock

Date: June 7th

Photos: Click to view album

Getting There:

• North on Interstate 25 from Colorado Springs
• Exit Tomah
• Cross I-25 and continue North on the frontage road about five miles
• Turn Left (West) on Tomah Rd approximately 1.5 miles to the Ranch entrance.

Trail Ride Description: The Dawson Butte Ranch is the newest acquisition by the Douglas County just South of Castle Rock. Even though this Open Space will not be open to the public until August 2008, we had the rare opportunity to be the first group of equestrians to ride this trail system; let me tell you, we were not disappointed!

Once again, The Colorado Trail Riders want to thank Douglas County for opening is area for us to ride, and for the awesome catered lunch and the unbelievable fellowship!

This Open Space is NOT scheduled to be open to the public until August 2008!
Contact the Douglas County Open Space for more information.