Paddle-n-Saddle™
On the exclusive Paddle-n-Saddle™ trip, you will begin your day rafting 8 miles of the Arkansas River through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Your rafting trip will be followed by lunch on the banks of the river at our private landing. You will then return to our office where you will prepare for your horseback ride. Next door to our office is Fort Royal Stables, where you will meet your horse and wrangler. Your two hour horseback ride will take you through the mountains surrounding the Arkansas River Valley, returning you to the stables at about 3:00 p.m.
Your party will need to check in at the Echo Canyon River Expeditions office at 8:45 a.m. (9:15 a.m. check in for trips departing before June 16th, and after August 12th). Show up ready to raft or use our changing facilities. You may use your car as a locker for all valuables and our office will keep your keys on our key board while you are on the trip. We will depart the office and transport you upstream fourteen miles to a location known as Salt Lick, where the river trip portion of your day begins. You will be on the water for about 1 ½ hours and will encounter class II and III rapids. While rafting in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, you may see Bighorn Sheep or other wildlife. Waterproof cameras are welcome on the rafts.
Following your raft trip you will relax at our private landing and enjoy a delicious deli-style sandwich arrangement, complete with sides, cookies, and refreshments. Remember to hydrate as you will soon be embarking on an afternoon of alpine desert sightseeing on horseback!
After lunch, you will board Echo Canyon River Expeditions vans and return to the office, a trip which will take only about 10 minutes. Photographs of your raft trip will be awaiting you inside; be sure to check them out! Once you return to your car, you are welcome to prepare for your horseback riding adventure by utilizing our changing and restroom facilities. Closed-toe shoes are required for the ride and jeans or pants are strongly recommended. Helmets will be available at Fort Royal Stable upon request, but are not required.
Check in at Fort Royal Stables by 1:00 p.m., located next door (west) on Hwy 50, for your two-hour horseback ride. All rides are guided by a professional wrangler and all skill levels are accommodated. Cantering / running may be allowed on the trip, but the pace will be determined by your wrangler and the abilities of the group. This scenic tour will offer views of the Arkansas River Valley and majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. You should return to the stables between 3:00-3:30 p.m.
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