Details Great Weekend Escape

TWO & ONE-HALF DAY GETAWAY – THE GREAT WEEKEND ESCAPE
An introduction to mountain living and horseback riding in on a scenic 3,500 acre Western ranch!

DESCRIPTION

The perfect weekend getaway will take you back in time and back to nature on our 3,500 acre Bear Basin Ranch nestled in the heart of Colorado’s ancient and secretive Wet Mountains. Day-rides will take you through valleys, along streams, to mountain tops, through aspen groves and galloping over the plains.

At night you’ll have your own 1-2 person expedition tent with comfortable cots and lots of privacy. You’ll stay at our recently improved Outfitter’s Camp hidden away some miles from the main Ranch compound. The Camp is nestled in the pines looking out on the magnificent line of peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Living much as the miners did in the 1860’s when gold and silver were discovered on the Ranch, our Camp is comfortable with private wall tents for two with beds, a kitchen tent, a social tent and a dining area around the fire. Close-to-gourmet wilderness meals are produced in this simple setting for your hearty enjoyment.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Activities start on Friday evening with a cowboy dinner and campfire at 8 p.m. in a remote, meadow far from the hustle and bustle of city life. After eating and meeting your new friends in and around our grand mountaineering yurt, you will claim your own cabin tent (with comfortable cot) and then join us for beverages and tall tales around the flickering glow of the campfire. 

Day 2: Saturday commences with a riding lesson and careful match up of horse to rider. After a hearty breakfast, the day ride begins around our 3,500 acre Bear Basin Ranch nestled in the ancient Wet Mountains and with spectacular views of the awesome Sangre de Cristos range some 40 miles to the West. Lunch is served on the trail. In the afternoon we may well be surprised by a sudden but brief rain or hail shower – just the thing to cool off and wash away some of the dust. Depending on your stamina and the weather, the day-ride generally lasts five to six hours.

In the evening, after you’ve showered, you and your friends can play horseshoes or read and relax with a favorite beverage while a BBQ dinner is prepared. On this, your second night, you’ll feel more comfortable with the outdoors, sleep a little easier, and really feel the magic of the Ranch life take ahold of you. Enjoy a night around the campfire telling stories or enjoying the quiet wilderness solitude under the stars.

Day 3: Sunday begins with a scrumptious breakfast and pots of cowboy coffee. We then head the short miles back to the main ranch area for our second chance to play with our four-footed friends. We’ll saddle up again for a half-day ride, testing and challenging the skills we learned the day before.

After the ride we go back to the camp for a well-earned lunch. Then it’s time to pack up for your drive back. Come back soon!!

** THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY. Based upon guests’ needs and experience, we have designed custom programs to offer more intensive instruction, additional days, more difficult routes, etc. We have designed programs for many groups and organizations and would be happy to work with yours. (PLEASE SEE CUSTOM TRIPS).

* Due to factors beyond our control, we occasionally find it necessary to change the order or the route of these activities.

POST TRIP INFORMATION
If you must fly out that evening, please do not schedule a flight before 8:30 p.m., to make certain you can make your flight.

DATES:
Start Dates: Every weekend, May through August, depending on availability. Other dates may be available upon request.

RESERVATIONS:
Phone: 719.783.2519
Fax: 866.244.4691
Email: info@bearbasinpacktrip.com
Web: www.bearbasinpacktrip.com

EXCLUSIONS
Items listed on the equipment list, alcoholic beverages, and tips are excluded. Tipping is at your discretion, of course. Please direct your tip to the lead guide. Standard in the industry is 10-15% of the trip cost. We now require all guests to leave their pets at home for their safety and the safety of other guests.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE
Time: 6-8 p.m. Friday evening.
Place: Bear Basin Ranch. (Click here for a map)
Transportation to the Ranch: Travel to and from the Ranch in your car or call to arrange round trip service to and from Colorado Springs.

Directions: Bear Basin Ranch is approximately 65 miles southwest of Colorado Springs.
Head south on Interstate 25 to the Tejon/Canon City Exit in Colorado Springs.
Turn left from the exit over to Nevada Avenue (Hwy 115) and then right on Nevada heading south to Florence (about 35 miles).
In Florence turn left at the light (Carl’s Jr.) onto Hwy 67 again heading south to Wetmore.
At Wetmore turn right at the T-intersection onto Hwy 96 heading west.
Watch the mile markers. Our turn is at the 11 mile marker, turn right (north) onto County Rd 271.
Go one quarter mile to Bear Basin Ranch on the left. Check in to the office (first log cabin on the right).
We begin activities at the Main Ranch and will later show you the camp which is another quarter mile away.
** Map to Bear Basin Ranch.

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS

Hotel: We recommend the Radisson Inn – Colorado Springs Airport on 1645 N. Newport Rd. in Colorado Springs.
Phone: 719.597.7000 or 800.333.3333
Web: www.Radisson.com
Mention you are with Bear Basin Ranch to receive the special discount rate!

Air: Most major airlines serve Colorado Springs daily.

Car: You can drive to the Radisson Inn – Colorado Springs Airport and, with prior notice, leave your car in the parking lot while on the trip. Arrangements can also be made to drive to Bear Basin Ranch outside of Westcliffe, CO. Let us know and we will send you details and a map, or you can meet the van in Colorado Springs and follow us to the Ranch.

Bus: Greyhound serves Colorado Springs on a daily scheduled basis.
Phone: 719.292.6111.
Web: www.Greyhound.com

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book a trip. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness or other trip emergencies.

EQUIPMENT/PREPARATION LIST
Clothing:
Pants
___ 1pr. long
___ 1pr. shorts
Shirts
___ 1 heavy long sleeve (cotton is cold when wet)
___ 1 lightweight long sleeve
___ 2 T-shirts or tank tops
___ Underwear
Footwear
___ Boots for riding (lightweight narrower hiking boots are more versatile)
___ Tennis shoes or something similar for around camp
___ Socks – 2 or 3 pairs of heavy cotton or wool
Outerwear
___ Bandana
___ Sweater (wool or synthetic)
___ Warm parka or jacket
___ Windproof outer jacket (optional)
___ Two piece rain suit (slicker with rain pants) NO PONCHOS PLEASE (essential!)
___ Gloves (for warmth) (seasonal)
___ Hat with brim (for sun, hail, and snow protection (must have some form of stampede string if worn while riding)
___ Wool hat (for warmth)
Other Items
___ Day pack or saddle bags (to carry things during the day)
___ Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F.) (We can rent bags for you if told in advance.)
___ Pillowcase
___ Sunglasses (all glasses must have string/elastic strap)
___ Pocket knife
___ Flashlight
___ Canteen or plastic water bottle
Toiletries
___ Towel & washcloth
___ Biodegradable soap
___ Tooth brush and paste
___ Sun screen
___ Lip balm
___ Mirror
___ Comb
___ Hand lotion
___ Shaving kit
___ Personal medication
___ Insect repellent
Optional
___ Candy, gum or tobacco items
___ Camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable waterproof camera for rainy days)
___ Note pad, guides & field glasses
___ Liquor / Alcohol (placed in unbreakable containers)
___ Cash for incidentals, tips, etc.

PACKING
The weather is unpredictable; it can snow even in August, so be prepared for anything. Use the layer system of clothing, where items can be added or taken off with changes in temperature. On May, June or September trips snow and hail are common. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store!

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

Bear Basin Packtrips – www.bearbasinpacktrips.com
Bear Basin Ranch – www.bearbasinranch.com
info@bearbasinpacktrip.com
719.783.2519
Westcliffe, Colorado