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

THREE DAY PACK TRIP - GREAT SAND DUNES ADVENTURE
An incredible journey over the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range into the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
For beginner to experienced riders.

DESCRIPTION

This wilderness journey is for both experienced and beginning riders. The horses are sure-footed, no nonsense and willing. We'll assign you your own horse and teach you how to saddle, picket and care for it. 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 never ridden before 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.

At the Great Sand Dunes National Park, you'll 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 Buffalo!

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Meeting at the Colorado Springs Hotel at 7:30 a.m., 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 Dangers - 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 2: 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 3: 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.

** 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. We have many options available for different valleys, camps and passes to use within the range of our Forest Service special use permit for the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area and Great Sand Dunes National Park. The route that we select will follow the above itinerary as closely as possible. However, we make our pre-trip decision based upon weather, trail conditions and other varying factors. Travel and climbing in high mountain terrain is always contingent to favorable weather conditions.

POST TRIP INFORMATION
At the end of your trip you will be brought back to the hotel sometime between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. 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 p.m., to make certain you can make your flight.

RATES AND DATES - 2008
Rates:
Three-Day Great Sand Dunes Adventure - $775 ($50 per person surcharge if 3 or less people are signed up by launch date)
Includes horses, guides, meals, tents, & instruction.
A 3% Forest Service Use fee will be added to the cost.
Round trip transportation from Colorado Springs - $60
Start Dates: Every Monday, Early May - Late September. Depending on availability. Other dates may be available upon request.

RESERVATIONS:
Phone: 719.783.2519
Winter Phone: 719.510.1766
Fax: 866.244.4691
Email: info@bearbasinpacktrips.com
Web: www.bearbasinpacktrips.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

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS
Agencies: Our agent Earl Fox at Total Travel and Toursis a wizard at arranging the best fares and prices for everything from air fare to hotels and rental cars.
(Travel Insurance, highly recommended, can also be arranged through Earl.)
Phone: 800.732.3023, 719.473.9800
Fax: 719.473.9921
Email: efoxttt@yahoo.com

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!

Or, if you would like to stay somewhere locally in Westcliffe, we recommend the Westcliffe Inn
Phone: 719.783.9275
( or there are several other hotels and Inns if you go looking!) Westcliffe is 11 miles west on Hwy 96 from the Ranch.

Air: Most major airlines serve Colorado Springs daily.
Contact our friend Earl at Taylor Travel for the best rates on your air, rental car or alternate lodging reservations. (see AGENCIES)

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.

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).

** Map to Bear Basin 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. (See AIR above).

EQUIPMENT/PREPARATION LIST
In order to best acclimate to our higher altitude, we recommend that you begin increasing your water intake to 8 or more glasses of water per day at least 24 hours before you are due to arrive -- this will help your body to adapt to the higher altitude.

CLOTHING:
Pants:
___ 2pr. long
___ 2pr. short
___ Underwear
___ Long underwear bottoms or biker shorts (to combat saddle sores)
Shirts:
___ 1 heavy long sleeve (cotton is cold when wet) sweater (wool or synthetic)
___ 1 lightweight long sleeve
___ 1 short sleeve
___ 3 T-shirts or tank tops
Footwear:
___ Boots, medium-weight with stiff sole
___ Boots, lightweight trail hiking boots or shoes
___ Tennis shoes or tevas (for around camp)
___ Socks -- 4 or 5 pairs of heavy wool, liners also help prevent chaffing
Outerwear:
___ Bandana
___ Gaiters to keep out snow, rain etc.
___ Warm parka or jacket, windproof and waterproof
___ Windproof outer jacket/shell (optional)
___ Two piece rain suit (slicker with rain pants) NO PONCHOS PLEASE (essential!)
___ Fleece, polartec, or other brand pullover or jacket, or heavyweight sweater
___ 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)
OTHER ITEMS
___ Large daypack (to carry things during the day)
___ Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 30° F. - we can rent bags and thinsolite pads if they are reserved in advance)
___ Light foam pad or air mattress
___ Sunglasses - quality dark or glacier-type glasses
___ Pocketknife - Swiss army type
___ Flashlights - mini-maglite flashlight with headband or headlamp with extra AA batteries
___ 1 or 2 lightweight water bottles
Toiletries
___ Towel & washcloth
___ Biodegradable soap
___ Toothbrush and toothpaste
___ Sun screen - heavy duty sun block
___ Lip balm - with sunscreen
___ Mirror
___ Comb
___ Hand lotion
___ Shaving kit
___ Personal medication
___ Personal first-aid kit with Band-Aids and moleskin
___ Insect repellent
OPTIONAL
___ Ice ax or trekking pole
___ Fishing rod and gear, collapsible (a temporary Colorado license can be purchased here)
___ Candy, gum or tobacco items (we will have ample meals and high-energy trail snacks)
___ Light camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable waterproof camera for wet days)
___ Note pad, field guides & light field glasses
___ Cocktail liquor (place in unbreakable containers); please, no beer, it's too heavy for packing
___ Cash for incidentals, fishing license, tips, alcohol, etc.

PACKING
Pack your gear into your duffel bag and daypack. 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. 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
** In addition to the optional $60 round-trip transportation from Colorado Springs, a 3% National Forest User Fee will be assessed to each participant.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

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