Four Corners Trails

[sunshine treat]

We spent almost 2 weeks near Walden, CO riding out of Bockman Camp and more dispersed camping further on. Fantastic trip! Bockman Camp also served ATVs and hikers, but we only saw them on the weekend. The rest of the time we had it to ourselves. The dispersed camping further on was fabulous. The Back Country Horsemen had just built some pipe pens a few weeks before and started to clear out places to park. Incredible views! We were at 9050' at Bockman and 8600' at the dispersed. We rode a gorgeous trail to Montgomery Pass which is at 11,418'. A long, but beautiful climb. When we got to the top the wind was FIERCE! Maybe 60-70mph? It blew us all around. The horses got a little uncomfortable as did we. Took some pix real quick and got down lower. Awesome experience. One feels so infinitesimal surrounded by all the vastness of nature. Like a speck in the universe. it was probably the greatest ride I have ever had.

Stopping for lunch on the way to Montgomery Pass.Sherry, Ron and Sharon (ladyluck)



The views at lunch




The last of the long climb, Sharon riding Cheyenne




View from the top!


Look at Sunshine's forelock blowing back and his ears at half mast in that wind. My heavy saddlebags blew up over my legs when we set our backs to the wind.


Going back down




A few videos of this ride nearing the top.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v70/judys/Colorado%202010/?action=view&current=Colorado2010319.mp4

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v70/judys/Colorado%202010/?action=view&current=Colorado2010320.mp4

You can hear the wind in this one.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v70/judys/Colorado%202010/?action=view&current=Colorado2010321.mp4

Judy

[mo qh trail rider]

That looks like a great place. Were there very many trails in that area? Did you see any wildlife while you were there? Thanks for sharing your pictures and videos.

Kind of tough coming back to hot and humid MO, isn't it? If I could just win a BIG lottery, I would quit work and head back to CO today.
_________________
Happy Trails,

Elaine
http://community.webshots.com/user/bemcelroy

[sunshine treat]

Elaine, this hot and humid really stinks! What a shock to our systems.

Wild life?? Saw lots of tracks, bear, moose etc but nothing sighted except deer, an eagle, and an otter. Unless you count the free range cattle that came through our dispersed camp one morning. The horses really gave them the evil eye as if they would steal their hay!

There were many ATV trails (without ATV's during the week and only met a few on the weekend). But I prefer the narrow winding trails the best. We found enough of those to satisfy. When we moved to the dispersed camping there where a lot more unmarked trails to explore. And the mapped trails were horses and hikers only. I think we rode almost all there was, maybe missed a few.

If I won the lottery I would summer in the mountains and have a series of 5 or so acre plots around the country to camp while following the weather. Dream on!

Judy

[pooperscooper]

Looks like you guys had a great vacation too. We had thought about going there before deciding on the Flat Tops looks like it would have been a good choice also.
2 weeks just isn't enough time to see it all is it? Yep we need to win that lottery.

[Lady Luck]

Great pix, Judy! Was a great trip and cant wait for next yr!!!
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Sharon
Have horses, will trail ride!