Details Saddle and Paddle

Bear Basin Pack Trips LLC
www.bearbasinpacktrip.com
info@bearbasinpacktrip.com

TWO & A HALF DAY SADDLE AND PADDLE ADVENTURE – BEAR BASIN RANCH
An introduction to riding and rafting in the heart of the Wet Valley and along the Arkansas River.

DESCRIPTION

A fantastic combo: one day of riding high country trails one day of rafting the wild Arkansas River, and two nights of campfires and tall tales at our outfitters’ camp.

Saturday the day ride commences with a riding lesson and careful match up of horse to rider.The riding takes place on our 3,500 acre Bear Basin Ranch in the heart of the Wet Mountains, with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Range from across the Wet Valley.Lunch is served on the trail. The day ride is generally five or six hours.

The rafting takes place on the Arkansas River through the churning waters of Brown’s Canyon. You will conquer rapids such as Zoom Flume, Raft Ripper, Widow Maker, and Seidels Suckhole in the remote section of the Arkansas called Brown’s Canyon. Or, sign up for a wild adventure rafting 20 miles of the best whitewater in Colorado in the Royal Gorge. A picnic lunch is served along the river.

SADDLE & PADDLE ITINERARY

Day 1: You will arrive Friday evening to claim your own cabin tent with comfortable cot then join us for beverages and tall tales around the flickering glow of the campfire.

Day 2: Saturday the day ride commences with a riding lesson and careful match up of horse to rider. Lunch is served on the trail. The day ride is generally five or six hours. Play volley ball and horseshoes or prepare a sweatlodge while an evening meal is prepared at Camp. Enjoy a night around the campfire telling stories or enjoying the quiet wilderness solitude under the stars.

Day 3: Sunday begins with an early breakfast and 7:30am departure for the river base (Raven Rafting). You will need to provide your own transportation to the river. The group will be formed into teams of about six each. Instruction is given on safety and the commands you will be following from the captain of each boat. Each person has a paddle and participates. By the end of an exciting day of whitewater thrills you will be a well-tuned crew. You will conquer rapids such as Zoom Flume, Raft Ripper, Widow Maker, and Seidels Suckhole in the remote section of the Arkansas called Brown’s Canyon. Or, sign up for a wild adventure rafting 20 miles of the best whitewater in Colorado in the Royal Gorge. A picnic lunch is served along the river. The day ends 3-4 p.m. for the drive back home.

** 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. Water levels on the River vary constantly, so we make every effort to make your white water experience both safe and exciting by offering alternatives such as duckying at lower water levels, or rafting alternate river runs at severe high water levels.

POST TRIP INFORMATION
We recommend making prior lodging reservations if you plan to spend the night on Sunday. If you must fly out that Sunday evening, please do not schedule a flight before 8:00 p.m., to make certain you can make your flight.

RATES AND DATES
Rates:
Saddle ‘n Paddle Weekend Adventure Riding and Rafting Trip – $850 (group discounts available)
Includes horses, guides, meals, tents, instruction, & rafting equipment.
A 3% Forest Service Use fee will be added to the cost.

Start Dates: Every Friday, early-May through September. 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: Friday evening.
Place: Bear Basin Ranch, Westcliffe, CO

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. You will need your own transportation in between the Main Ranch and Camp.
** Map to Bear Basin Ranch.

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
___ Swimsuit
Pants
___ 1 pr. long
___ 1 pr. shorts
Shirts
___ 1 heavy long sleeve (cotton is cold when wet) sweater (wool or synthetic)
___ 1 lightweight long sleeve
___ 1 short sleeve
___ 2 T-shirts or tank tops
___ Underwear
___ Long underwear bottoms or biker shorts (to combat saddle sores)
Footwear
___ Boots for riding (lightweight narrower hiking boots are more versatile)
___ Tennis shoes or something similar for around camp
___ Socks — 3 pairs of heavy cotton or wool
Outerwear
___ Bandana
___ Warm parka or jacket
___ Windproof outer jacket (optional)
___ Two piece rain suit (slicker with rain pants) NO PONCHOS PLEASE (essential!)
___ Gloves (for warmth)
___ Hat with brim for sun, hail, and snow protection (must have some form of stampede string if wearing while riding)
___ Wool hat (for warmth)
___ Clothes to wear for two casual evenings out to dinner

RIVER Normally you would wear a swimsuit and nylon or synthetic shorts. You will be provided with a water resistant spray jacket and life jacket. Have a wool or synthetic sweater available and warm wool or synthetic socks to wear with tennis shoes or tevas that can get wet. Polypropylene or fleece is perfect water wear to keep you warm. Do not wear long cotton pants or cotton shorts as they are cold when wet. If the weather is stormy, wetsuits and neoprene bootieswill be provided for you. A semidry storage bag accompanies each raft for storing extra clothing, or clothing can be left in a bag at the take-out.

Other Items
___ Duffel bag or sea bag (to pack items onto packhorses — must be soft-sided)
___ Day pack or saddle bags (to carry things during the day)
___ Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F. – we can rent bags if reserved in advance)
___ Foam pad or air mattress (such as a CampRest or ThermoRest)
___ Sunglasses (all glasses must have string/elastic strap)
___ Pocket knife
___ Flashlight
___ Canteen or plastic water bottle
Toiletries
___ Towel & washcloth
___ Biodegradable soap
___ Toothbrush and paste
___ Sun screen
___ Lip balm
___ Mirror
___ Comb
___ Hand lotion
___ Shaving kit
___ Personal medication
___ Insect repellent (few bugs at the ranch but sometimes at the river)
Optional
___ Candy, gum or tobacco items
___ Camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable waterproof camera for river/rainy days)
___ Note pad, guides & field glasses
___ Cocktail liquor (placed in unbreakable containers)
___ Cash for incidentals, tips, alcohol, etc.
___ Fishing gear (collapsible rod is best)

PACKING
Pack your gear into your duffel bag and daypack, and a third bag, if you so choose, for the rafting portion of your trip. The maximum weight allowable for your duffel bag is 40 pounds (for the sake of the packhorses.) Your duffel bag will not be available during the day. Your daypack or saddlebags should hold rain gear, water bottle, gloves and other items you will want during the day. Your guide will show you how to best strap it to your saddle. Line the duffel and day bag with a garbage bag or ziplock. Any gear that you do not take on the packtrip but wish to take with you for the rafting portion of your trip, you can leave safely at the Ranch. Pack this gear in a separate bag marked with your name.

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!

OTHER COSTS
** A 3% National Forest User Fee will be assessed to each participant.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

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