| Peaceful
Valley Ranch Trail Rides
BOM
"Brunch on the Mountain"
is a quick ride (15 minutes to one hour) to the top of the mountain
to eat some really good grub from our cooks. After some tall
tales, "dude" branding, and a good meal there will be rides
back to the ranch ranging in length from 10 minutes to 2 hours.
South
Shore Trail. This trail is a relaxing one-hour ride
along the St. Vrain River. Meandering through old-growth forests,
you will cross many rushing brooks. There are opportunities
to see the local wildlife such as birds, squirrels, foxes, and
possibly some fish. This is the perfect trail for all riders.
Length: 1 hr.
Pony
Express Trail-
will take riders high atop the Rocky Mountains and gives a wonderful
view of the Continental Divide and Peaceful Valley Ranch. There
are many places to stop and take pictures. Length: 1 hr.
Pony
Pit- is a diverse trail that will take the riders
to the top of the mountain, then through a forested area, along
with a few open spaces. Wildlife is a definite possibility on
this trail. Length: 1.5 to 2 hrs.
Pony
Lake Trail - was formed by glaciers. This winding
trail has many switchbacks and spectacular views of 13,000 foot
Mt Audubon. Once at Pony Lake you will see an abundance of wildlife.
There are many wildflowers including the Columbine (our state
flower) and the yellow lily; there is also a beaver lodge in
the lake. If everyone is quiet you may see the beavers at work.
Length: 1.5 hrs.
Castle
Rock Trail. This trail leaves the ranch, crosses
the St. Vrain River, and heads up to Castle Rock. From this
vantage point you will be able to see the entire ranch and Peaceful
Valley, as well as the Plains to the east. On the return trip
you ride through a wonderful aspen grove. Length: 1.5 - 2 hrs.
Three
Bears Trail - has some wonderful lookout points where
you can see for miles and miles. After about an hour's ride
you will arrive in your aspen grove lunch spot. Here your wranglers
can tell you about papa, mama, and baby bears (rock formations
so named by Native Americans). The more adventurous climb to
the "Devil's Bathtub" a small tairn between two of the formations.
When you're done with lunch it's a short ride back to the ranch.
Length: 2 hrs.
Flat
Rock Trail -will gradually take you to the valley
floor. Some things to look for on this trail are mature forest
growth and wildflowers. This trail is also prone to wildlife
activity, so keep your eyes open. Length: 2 hrs.
Beaver
Reservoir Trail.
Riders will travel through the Roosevelt National Forest to
arrive at the beautiful Beaver Reservoir. When the sun reflects
off the lake just right there is a magnificent view. This is
a loop ride that includes crossing a stream horseback. Length:
2 hrs.
Airplane
Wreck In 1963 a small military training jet plowed
into the side of the mountain. On this trail, we have the opportunity
to ride old logging roads through pine and aspen forests to
the site of the tragedy. There are some rock formations to explore,
and the view of the plains 4,500 feet below is spectacular from
this area. Length: 3 hours
Jamestown
- For adults and teens only, the Jamestown ride follows
a wilderness ridge for several miles, then drops into the canyon
of the South Fork of the St. Vrain River. The trail follows
the river up-stream along beautiful rapids and falls until it
emerges at the trailhead, where a hamburger cookout awaits you!
The kids will take a wagon ride with the counselors, and be
busy panning for "Gold" or playing in the river-carved rock
pools. From the lunch site, the ride back to the ranch is along
dirt roads, and allows for a variety of speeds. Length to lunch-site:
3 hrs Length back to ranch: 1-2 hours All Day Ride For adults
and teens only. Depending upon the size and experience of the
group, the time of year, and the weather, this ride can go many
different directions and distances. Options may include: · Ride
above timberline to the base of Buchanan Pass · Explore the
glacier carved Coney Creek Valley · Ride to the base of the
St. Vrain Glaciers (headwaters of the St. Vrain river) · See
spectacular Timberline Falls · Red Deer Lake that hangs on a
cliff at timberline. You will depart right after breakfast,
take lunch out in the wilderness, and return to the ranch after
an awesome day in the saddle. Length: 6 to 8 hours.
Overnight
Pack Trip- For adults and teens only. This trip is
also a flexible one depending on the size and ability of the
group, the weather, and the time of year. Common destinations
are Red Deer Lake, the Coney Flats area, and Timberline Falls.
The camp site is near the border of the Indian Peaks Wilderness
Area, within the sound of the St. Vrain River. After a hearty
breakfast, ride back to the ranch in time for lunch the next
day. Length the first day: 5 to 7 hours Length the second day:
3 hours |
