Backcountry Bliss

October is the time of year where everything seems to be in transition. Our summer in the Vail Valley has officially come to end. The days are shorter and cooler and we know that winter could make its appearance at anytime. Out at the stables we have been finishing up the season's trails rides and the elk herd has begun to return to the Squaw Creek Valley. 

This is also the time of year where we are thinking ahead...way ahead to summer 2016 for our signature backcountry horse back ride from Vail to Aspen. The 55 mile experience is like no other, spending 4 days and 3 nights in the White River National Forest. For summer 2016 we are offering a new one of kind adventure- and making one week of this excursion 5 days, allowing for an extra day at the guest ranch!

By popular demand we will offer the 5 day backcountry experience August 23-28. The additional day at the Diamond J guest ranch will allow you to relax and enjoy a variety of activities. Fly fish the Frying Pan River just outside of Aspen. The fly fishing here is some of the best in the world, with gold medal waters, boasting some of the most beautiful Colorado trout varieties you will ever have the chance to land. 

Frying Pan River Fly Fishing 

Yoga is another great option to stretch out those sore muscles from the ride. There is no better way to get in touch with the beautiful nature surroundings than with some deep breathing and mindful awareness of the awe and beauty that the backcountry surrounds you.

Yoga

Paint the world beautiful! Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and we will provide you with the canvass to express your experience with the paint brush. Professional instruction will be available, and with the Colorado Rockies as your back drop it should not be any problem to find inspiration.

Lastly massage therapy will be available. I have a feeling just about everyone on the trip will be happy to  relax to the sounds of the river and the breeze through the trees as the massage therapist works out all those knots. Relax and let go...

There is available space on our Vail to Aspen backcountry rides including the special 5 day retreat. For more information please visit our website:Vail to Aspen with Bearcat Stables or email insummer@vail.net 

Backcountry Rides by Bearcat Stables

Backcountry Horseback Riding 

The Colorado wildflower season is in full bloom, and one of the most spectacular ways to see all of the colors is on one of Bearcat Stables Backcountry Rides. Offering 3 and 4 hour backcountry rides daily leaving from the trail head at Big Park into the White River National Forest. 

The backcountry rides are great for those with intermediate to advance riding skills. Three hour backcountry excursions leave twice daily offering two experience. Big views and lush meadows are perfect for morning adventures and our afternoon outing will take you along Squaw Creek Valley, crossing the creek several times and winding through the cool shaded forests. Our 4 hour ride includes a gourmet lunch to be enjoyed in a wildflower covered meadow with views that are guaranteed to take your breath away. 

Can't get enough of the backcountry from the saddle. Bearcat Stables signature backcountry excursion is a four day and 3 night epic adventure. Leaving from the Vail Valley spend your nights in the 10th Mountain Division Huts and a private guest ranch while you make your way 55 miles to Aspen. Gourmet dinners are provided each evening and before you head out in the morning a delicious skillet breakfast will be prepared by our chef. Summer 2015 is full for the Vail to Aspen ride but summer 2016 reservations will open in September.