WSCSC’s Schmid Family Ranch Summer Retreat

Flyer for WSCSC's Schmid Family Ranch Summer Retreat in Telluride — 3 days and 2 nights on Wilson Mesa, a 900-acre ranch bordering Uncompahgre National Forest. Two exclusive weekends: July 10–12 (Members + SOs) and July 17–19 (Members Only). $100 per person. Details at womenssurfacecreeksaddleclub.org

🏔️ WSCSC Summer Retreat: Schmid Family Ranch

Experience a Colorado Centennial Ranch Treasure at 9,684 ft elevation.

Join us for an exclusive stay at the "Upper Place" — the historic ranch home of the Schmid Family. Homesteaded in 1882, this 900-acre sanctuary is preserved with a conservation easement and offers a rare glimpse into Colorado's rich ranching history as it developed to support the mining industry in the Telluride area. Many of the original buildings remain or have been restored.

🗓️ Weekend Dates & Rates

Weekend 1
July 10–12 Members & Significant Others / Family Members
Weekend 2
July 17–19 Members Only (slumber party!)
  • Weekend Rate: $100 per person — includes 3 days & 2 nights (cabin, rig, tent, or under the stars).
  • Day Rate: $50 per person — visit, hike, or fish on ranch property. No overnight. No horses.
  • Non-Refundable unless we can fill your spot from the waitlist.
  • Limited to 25 overnight guests & 20 equines. Names randomly selected if oversubscribed.
  • Unlimited riding directly into the Uncompahgre National Forest and surrounding ranch land.
  • Profits support WSCSC's Trail Safety and Education Programs.

🌲 Accommodations

Truly off-the-grid. Come prepared for a primitive dark skies experience.

  • Large Two-Story Cabin: Sleeps 9. Full kitchen with wood-burning cook stove, 2 propane stoves, wood heat stove, flush toilet, gravity-fed water, propane lights.
  • Small Cabin: Sleeps 3. Full bathroom with propane on-demand hot water (also the group shower house), flush toilet. Traditional outhouse also available.
  • Rigs & Tent Camping: Large flat area with plenty of room for campers, rigs, and tents.
  • Large Firepit for communal campfires. Bring your camp chairs.
  • Meal Plan: Each adventurer helps provide one meal for the group. You'll be paired with a buddy.
  • BYOB — bring personal beverages.
  • Refrigeration: 2 very large coolers and block ice provided.
  • Bring your own bedding (sleeping bag) and bath towels.
  • No Dogs: Working ranch with several large guard dogs roaming the property.

🐴 Equine Essentials

  • Containment: Permanent highlines available in the trees. You're welcome to bring your own electric pens or portable enclosures.
  • Water: Available from the nearby stream — bring a bucket.
  • Feed: BYO hay & feed for the 3-day weekend.

📍 Getting There

Location: 4553 Silver Pick Road — 3 miles south of Sawpit off SH 145.

Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 hours (100 miles) from the Cedaredge stoplight. Specific directions provided closer to the date.

⚠️ Trailer Warning: The road to the "Upper Place" is rugged. LQ horse trailers, low-clearance trailers, and low-clearance vehicles should not attempt access.

The Solution: Park at the Main Ranch Headquarters. We'll shuttle your hay and gear up. You can ride your horse on a one-mile trail through the woods and across streams — or take the longer scenic road route.

🤠 Camp Stewards & Contact

Questions — Sky
970-361-1870 susanskybaldwin@gmail.com
Reservations — Juleen
970-985-1182 gjfeazell@icloud.com

Payment: Use the Pay Portal on our website under "Special Assessment" — or mail a check payable to WSCSC to: Juleen Feazell, PO Box 959, Cedaredge, CO 81413.

Frequently Asked Questions

May I sign up for more than one weekend?
Please register for your preferred weekend first. If spots remain open as the date approaches, we'll notify the membership and open vacancies for second-weekend registrations.
What happens if the event reaches maximum capacity?
If we exceed our limit of 20 horses and 25 members, we'll conduct a random drawing of all paid participants. If your name isn't drawn, you'll be placed on the waitlist in the order selected.
Will my $100 be returned if I'm not selected in the drawing?
Absolutely. If your name is not drawn for a primary spot, your $100 registration fee will be fully refunded.
If my plans change and I can't attend, can I get a refund?
We'll reach out to our waitlist to try to fill your spot. If we find a replacement, we'll happily refund your $100. If the spot remains unfilled, we're unfortunately unable to issue a refund.
Can I bring a friend who isn't a current member?
Any female guests are welcome to join the club to participate. Because this is a member-only function, all attendees must hold a current paid membership.
Can I bring a friend on the Family Member/SO weekend?
If your friend is a family member, SO, or spouse — yes!
Is it $100 per person even if my SO doesn't ride and we bring our own rig?
Yes — $100 per person for any overnight guests, regardless of sleeping arrangements.
Is Weed Free Hay required?
No — this is a private ranch.
What types of rides are planned? I'm a bit nervous about riding in a large group.
Our plan for Saturday is to split into at least two smaller groups based on preference:
  • The Adventurers: An all-day excursion (approx. 15 miles round trip) to Bilk Creek Falls.
  • The Explorers: A more flexible pace with shorter ride options that can circle back to camp for lunch. Private, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful terrain.
If I leave my trailer at Headquarters, is there a dry place to store my gear?
Absolutely. There are 2 recently restored outbuildings with concrete floors. We'll provide a designated, weather-protected area to keep your saddle, tack, and personal belongings safe and dry.
I'm worried about meal planning — I'm not a confident cook!
Don't worry — mealtime is a team effort:
  • Coordinated Menus: Sign up for a specific item you feel comfortable bringing.
  • Planning Parties: We'll host a get-together before the trips so both groups can brainstorm and coordinate.
  • The Buddy System: You'll be paired with another member to share planning and cooking duties. Simple, delicious camp food — no cooking competition!

Step 1 of 2

Fill Out the Registration Form

Complete the form first, then return here to submit payment.

Open Registration Form
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Step 2 of 2

Submit Your Payment

Select the button for your weekend. Payment is $100 per person.

Or mail a check payable to WSCSC
PO Box 959, Cedaredge, CO 81413