COLORADO FALL COLOR XP

Mancos, Colorado

September 27-28-29, 2024

An AERC 50 & 25 or 30 each day.  XP Club rides of all distances.  XP Club events are perfect for new and old riders alike.   Distances subject to last minute adjustments for weather.

Basic Ride Info: A General Description of this ride is a no frills, low budget, relaxed training ride that will offer riders an opportunity to camp out with friends and ride around the one of the most scenic mountain ranges in the world. The camp is in a beautiful meadow, a short way off of a paved road.  Basic necessities are available eight miles away in Mancos.  The trails consist of single track mountain trails and 48 inch OHV trails mixed with some Forest Service roads.  There is abundant natural water on the trail.  The ride takes place during the fall color season when the aspen trees are turning yellow and gold.  The pictures replace a thousand words.  This is a time of year when the weather can change quickly in the mountains so be prepared with layered clothing. Fifty years ago we all rode with a slicker tied onto the back of our saddles as afternoon showers were the rule instead of the exception.  I have no idea why modern riders have abandoned that practice.  The footing varies from soft dirt to rocky so hoof protection is recommended.   Annie is no longer doing dinners but she continues to offer free lunches to riders and crews.

Ride Rules are generally the same as AERC rules as interpreted by the ride manager and her advisors. However, be aware this ride has completion requirements that differ from AERC in that the control judges can and will pull horses that do not recover to their satisfaction. The ride is conducted by the XP Riders and will offer less strenuous distances and less formalities for those wanting to just have fun.   The AERC intro rides are included in the XP Club rides. We try to tailor the intro/club rides to the wants and needs of the individual riders.  The rules are simple and our focus is on having a good time and not getting our equine friends in trouble.

Certified weed free hay is required on all public lands.  This has been the rule for many years so it surprises us that so many people are surprised by it being required.  Almost all farm stores have baled weed free hay available.  There are two farm stores in Cortez, Intermountain Farmers on Hwy 491 heading north out of town is just past the Maverick station that has the cheapest gas in the county. The Big R store is on the east side of town on Hwy 160 (Main Street).  There is another Maverick station on Hwy 160 as you are leaving town heading east.

Directions:  Base camp is located north of Mancos, CO. Mancos is on Hwy 160 located between Durango and Cortez. From Hwy 160 in Mancos, turn north at the only stoplight in town onto Hwy 184. Follow 184 north for approximately one-half mile, then turn right onto the paved road toward Jackson Lake. Continue 7.6 miles to the campground in the meadow on your left. The turn off to the camp is just past the second cattle guard, which is the one with the loading chute for the cattle corrals on the left.

Location for Health Certificates: Forest Road 561 at Doc Lowell Flat, Mancos, Colorado.

GPS Coordinates: 37.44408, -108.23305