Ride: Canyon of the Ancients Club Ride & Campout
Trail Boss: Multiple
Date: May 18-22
Adventure Awaits! Our Club Explores Canyon of the Ancients!
May was a month of incredible adventures for the Women’s Saddle Club as two groups embarked on separate, yet equally thrilling, expeditions to the majestic Canyon of the Ancients, near Cortez, Colorado.
First Group Kicks Off the May Adventures!
When the official club trip filled up in record time, Brenda, CJ, Cynthia, JoAnn, and Pamela decided, “What the Hell!” and planned their own intrepid journey. They headed to Cortez on May 18th, braving some truly nasty weather, arriving at camp on slick roads amidst a mixture of rain, hail and snow. But their spirits weren’t dampened! The sky cleared, and they enjoyed a fantastic ride in Sand Canyon on the 19th, soaking in the beauty of the area. Their cozy camp setup included three wagons and one RV spot, proving that a little ingenuity goes a long way!
A Passing of the Torches (and Horses!) on Lizard Head Pass!
In a truly cinematic moment, the two Saddle Club groups passed each other somewhere near the top of Lizard Head Pass on Tuesday, May 20th. The first group was heading North, undoubtedly filled with stories of their adventures, while the second group was heading South, brimming with anticipation for what lay ahead!
Second Group Embarks on an Incredible Expedition!
Ten of our members – Estella, Gwen, Juleen, Leah, Lorie, Lynette (affectionately known as the “3 Ls”), Maggie, Shawnee, Sky, and Anna (a last-minute hero stepping in for Linda) – were joined by five incredible gentlemen (Bill, Greg, Marv, Paul, Robert) for an unforgettable expedition to the Canyon of the Ancients. They fully immersed themselves in an amazing experience of equine camping, trail riding, and uncovering the secrets of this historic land.
Their journey began with a stunning drive over the San Juan Mountains, tipped with fresh snow – an absolutely glorious start that set the tone for the entire trip! At camp, they embraced the true cowboy experience with Marv’s daily coffee ritual, a beloved tradition that kept everyone fueled and smiling. Fantastic group meals, prepared in the Chuck Wagon, created perfect evenings around the campfire, filled with laughter and camaraderie (ok, so they were only able to stay up late enough for a campfire two times).
The true highlight? Days filled with horseback riding through the breathtaking landscapes of Canyon of the Ancients. Each turn on the trail revealed new beauty and ancient stories, making every ride a journey of discovery. Even with a few trail challenges the spirit of adventure and friendship soared.
Both trips were a powerful reminder of the joy of exploring, riding and sharing these moments with incredible women, men, horses, mules, and our beloved canine companions. What a blast! We can’t wait to see where the Club’s next adventure takes us!
