Horse & Rider Trail Riding - October 2020

Deep in the heart of Colorado lies the Winding River Resort. Located outside the historic mountain town of Grand Lake, this scenic haven sits along the North Fork of the Colorado River, and borders Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest. Owned by Wes and Marcia House, the resort has 150 spacious recreational-vehicle sites, 24 corrals for guest horses, lodge rooms, tent sites, and cabins. We pulled our living-quarters trailer into an RV site with two corrals. Nate and Cowboy, our Missouri Fox Trotter geldings, were very pleased at the size of their accommodations. Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities are also on site. From the flower-filled entryway to the modern bathhouse, Winding River is immaculately maintained by eight work-camp couples. Our stay here was a comfortable, happy experience. Simple…

Rocky Mountain National Park, an area covering 265,761 acres, immediately borders Winding River Resort. It has varied terrain, including wooded forests, mountain tundra, and the Continental Divide. It also contains the headwaters of the famed Colorado River. Long Peak, elevation 14,256 feet, is the highest peak in the park. It was named after Stephen Long, who visited the area in 1820. However, Enos Mills was the man ultimately responsible for the national park designation. Mills, who first came to this region at age 14, fell in love with this wild country. He became a naturalist, writer, and conservationist. He lobbied for legislation to make this region a national park, thereby saving it from the perils of “civilization.” The park was formally designated as a national park by President Woodrow Wilson…

In the fall, when Rocky Mountain aspens turn brilliant yellow, there’s no place I’d rather be than in a snug hunting camp among stately spruce by a clear stream, my horses and mules picketed nearby, aromatic pine smoke curling from the pipe of the tent stove. Contemplation of such a scene keeps me going during bitter winter and summer doldrums. Hunters in other parts of the country are similarly drawn, whether to crisp corn fields laden with pheasants, red maple groves holding deer, or deep southern woods, now finally free of summer’s oppressive heat and humidity. These same fall conditions draw those of us who ride for pure pleasure. There’s nothing quite like a trail ride through autumn trees, the smell of fresh air and brilliant foliage, the enthusiasm of…

You’ve planned your camping trip, packed up, and trailered your horse to your destination. You arrive safe and sound. Now what? Here, we’ll tell you how to choose a campsite and set up camp. Plus, we’ll share several of our favorite meal ideas. Tip: If you’ll be horse camping on a regular basis, keep a notebook. List the items you wish you’d packed, and list what you did pack but didn’t use. This will streamline your packing for future camping trips. Choose a Campsite As soon as you pull in, check in with the camp managers. If you’ve made a reservation, find out whether a site has been assigned to you and your horse. Ask whether there are any rules regarding your horse or the campground of which you need…