United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest
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United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 26124456
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Colorado Springs CO, United States of America Colorado Springs CO, United States of America
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.462 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Itinerary
Tours
United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest
United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest
United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest
United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest
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United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest
United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest United States: Colorado - the Rio Grande national forest

Day 1: Colorado Springs

Choosing to embark on a horseback journey in Colorado means immersing yourself fully in nature. This unforgettable trek takes place in one of the most remote and spectacular mountain regions of North America—an itinerary designed for those who wish to ride at a slow pace, following the rhythm of the pack animals, savoring every moment while exploring one of the wildest areas of Colorado.
We are in the untamed Rio Grande National Forest, named after the river that runs through it, covering over 7,500 km² divided into various zones. Our adventure begins in Westcliffe, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Riding our well-trained Quarter Horses, we will cross challenging mountain passes up to 12,000 feet high, sometimes clearing the path through fallen rocks and tree trunks… a true adventure, far from civilization, through places such as:
Hardscrabble Pass, San Luis Valley, Cotton Lake, Rito Alto Creek
This is a real expedition where each rider will be responsible for their own horse, supported by the staff who will set up a simple camp each evening and cook over the fire—an authentic team effort that will make this journey unforgettable.

ITALY / COLORADO SPRINGS (-/-/-)
Pick-up at the airport and transfer to the Radisson Hotel (or similar) in the city (free hotel shuttle available—call upon arrival at the airport). Dinner at leisure (20% discount available at the hotel) and overnight stay.


Day 2: Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS / WESTCLIFFE (B/L/D)
Early breakfast and pick-up at 7:30 AM from the hotel reception. Transfer to the starting point of the trek near Westcliffe, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, crossing the Pikes Peak Plains and climbing up Hardscrabble Pass, where it can even snow in the summer. These peaks are named after the deep red color they take on when lit by the morning sun.
Upon arrival at base camp in mid-morning, there will be a briefing on how to care for your horse over the coming days. We’ll ride for about 4 hours to reach the valley where we will camp for our first night. Dinner and overnight in a tented camp.


Day 3: Colorado Springs

B/L/D)
After a hearty cowboy-style breakfast, we set off toward South Brush, riding through lush wilderness rich in wildlife—especially marmots. It will be an incredible day in the saddle, from the vast San Luis Valley to rugged mountain passes. In the afternoon, we’ll reach our next camp under the stars, warmed by the fire and a glass of wine.


Day 4: Colorado Springs

B/L/D)
After breakfast and breaking down camp, we head out along the western ridge. Depending on weather and trail conditions, we will pass by Cotton Lake to camp at Rito Alto Creek, or we’ll take a lower pass to set up camp at San Isabel Creek.
With some luck, we might spot elk—unlike deer, elk are nomadic and constantly on the move in search of food. Where there are herbivores, predators are never far behind—perhaps we’ll glimpse cougars, pumas, or even black bears. Dinner and overnight in camp.


Day 5: Colorado Springs

B/L/D)
A day dedicated to relaxation or optional activities such as hiking, fishing, or birdwatching. Enjoy the magnificent wilderness up close—wildflowers, mountain lakes, and peaceful nature. In the evening, a fantastic dinner under the stars and overnight stay at camp.


Day 6:

WESTCLIFFE / COLORADO SPRINGS (B/L/-)
After breakfast, we’ll break camp and ride back toward our base, arriving between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. It will be a full day of riding, highlighted by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, often graced by soaring hawks and eagles.
Once back at the base, transfer to Colorado Springs Airport (evening flights only—departure no earlier than 8:30 PM) or to a local hotel (extra night not included).
Optional extensions available to stay at the Westcliffe ranch for faster-paced trail rides.

Note:
The itinerary above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. In spring, if the peaks are still heavily snow-covered, we will cross lower elevation passes such as the Grape Creek Canyon.

Key:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: from ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °° (EASY / INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: MOBILE TENTED CAMP, BIVOUAC
EQUIPMENT: Western saddle with saddlebags provided
HORSES: Well-trained QUARTER HORSE / APPALOOSA accustomed to mountain trails
PACE: 5 to 7 hours per day on horseback. Main pace is walking due to pack animals accompanying the group (please pack as lightly as possible). Each rider is responsible for grooming, saddling, and unsaddling their assigned horse.
WHAT TO BRING: Helmet use is recommended and mandatory for minors under 16 (available on site). Layered clothing including waterproof gear, suitable for unpredictable weather in all seasons. Hat, gloves. Soft duffel bag (to be carried by the pack animals), small daypack or saddlebag for daily essentials. Warm sleeping bag and inflatable mat, Swiss knife, headlamp, water bottle, towel, biodegradable soap, and personal first aid kit.
Sleeping bags and mats available for rent (USD 35.00 each—must be requested in advance).
TYPE: Mobile base camp with mules and pack horses

ACCOMMODATION:
First night at Radisson Inn - Colorado Springs Airport (or similar)
4 nights in mobile tented camp; teamwork is essential—each participant sets up and takes down their own tent (single or double). Staff will assist in loading pack animals.
Sleeping bags and mats available for rent (USD 35.00, payable on site if you do not bring your own).
Staff will prepare delicious meals over the fire using fresh ingredients.
Guests are welcome to bring their own wine or liquor.

Guaranteed shared departure dates, with minimum 1 person departing from Italy:

June 2–7
June 9–14
June 16–21
June 23–28
June 30 – July 5
July 7–12
July 14–19
July 21–26
July 28 – August 2
August 4–9
August 11–16
August 18–23
August 25–30
September 1–6
September 8–13
September 15–20
September 22–27

PARTICIPANTS: MINIMUM 3 – MAXIMUM 8

SUPPLEMENT & DISCOUNT

EXTRA NIGHT per person (departure 8/15/22 September) double room B&B €100
EXTRA NIGHT per person (departure 8/15/22 September) single room B&B €180
EXTRA NIGHT per person ( any other departure) double room B&B €130
EXTRA NIGHT per person (any other departure) single room B&B €240
Supplement per person - departure with 2 riders €390

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.462 €
Based on 2 adults
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Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 5
This idea includes
Destinations 1
Accommodations 2
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
All meals as per the itinerary
Transfers to and from the airport
3% taxes
Transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the tour
1 overnight stay in a hotel
4 overnights in bivouac
4 days on horseback (6–7 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Tents
Expert English-speaking local guide and camp staff
Welcome kit, luggage tags, and informative travel documents
Medical assistance insurance, medical repatriation, and baggage damage coverage
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Excluded
Intercontinental flights to/from Colorado Springs
Additional overnight stays and possible trip extensions
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips at your discretion (normally 10–15%), personal extras
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not specifically mentioned under "included in the price"
Optional travel or cancellation insurance
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Accommodation
- Radisson Inn - Colorado Springs Airport
- Campo tendato mobile
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