Fall 2024 RFV Horse Council sponsored Trail Survey for Hikers and Horseback Riders, with questions and resources on 14 Trails, Hiker parking & Horse trailer parking in the Roaring Fork Valley. Please join us in our 2024 Update!

Hikers and Horseback riders UNITE! Please participate. Your answers and written insight about our trails, and trailheads will make good changes happen. Please take the time to give us your comments.

DEADLINE: The sooner you complete the survey, the better.

Thank you so much for your time and for your help. Feel free to send the Survey Monkey LINK (found also on our Home Page of our website www.rfvhorsecouncil.org) to anyone who is interested in hiking and horseback riding.

A survey response rate of 50% or higher should be considered excellent. The survey can take about 30 minutes or less of your time. You can skip questions, if they do not relate to you, change your answers if you wish - and still, by participating, help us. The more information we receive the better!
1.IN THE AREA OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO

The Crown Jewel Horse Trail (horses & hikers only) BLM's Divide Parking Lot is accessed from two locations: #1 – From Highway 82, to Route 133, then to Prince Creek Road to the Divide Parking Lot. #2 – Turn off Highway 82 at the Emma School House, taking the left fork, Sopris Creek Road; follow to the next fork; turn right on West Sopris Creek Road; follow to the top of the Divide Parking Lot.


Did you know that the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Crown Mountain is a "Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA)" Mountain Bike Recreation area? There are now two hiker and horseback rider-only trails on the 9,100 acres of The Crown. The BLM Crown Jewel Horse Trail starts at the Divide Parking Lot and connects to the Pitkin / Glassier Equestrian Trail, ending at the Hooks Spur / Glassier Parking Lot.


RFVHC collaborated with BLM to provide signage for the trails and each summer we work together to improve the trails for your use.


Have you personally hiked or ridden this trail ? Mark all that apply.
2.How many individuals in your family are hikers or horseback riders, horse enthusiasts, or family members that love our Western Heritage of keeping horses on trails? 
3.What are the ages of the hikers and horseback riders in your family? Mark all that apply
4.A question for our horseback riders
How do you have access to a horse? Mark all that apply.
5.Glassier Equestrian Trail (horses & hikers only) Pitkin County Glassier Parking Lot is accessed from Highway 82, take the second exit at the El Jebel roundabout (Willits Lane) and follow until the bridge where the road forks. take the right fork onto Emma Rd. then turn right on Hooks Spur Lane and the parking lot will be on your right.

Did you know a trail ride from the Pitkin County Open Space and Trail's (PC OST) Glassier Equestrian Trail to the BLM Divide Park Lot accesses the Crown Jewel Horse Trail? Shuttling horse trucks & trailers from the Pitkin/Glassier Parking Lot to the BLM Divide Park Lot (the final destination) makes the ride complete.

On horseback, this ride takes about 4 hours with a 30 minute stop for lunch. There are now two loops on either side of each parking lotion the Crown. Bike Trails are now marked for safe crossings. Contact us if you want a certain sign added.

Often very warm in the summers, the RFVHC recommends springs, and fall rides and early and late afternoon trail riding. This is a trail reserved exclusively for hikers and horses - NO BIKES. This is a hike and trail ride you will never forget.


Have you personally hiked or ridden horses on this trail? Mark all that apply.
6.What is your opinion about E-Bikes ? The RFVHC wants and suggests the electric vehicles to stay on motorized trails, along with other motorized vehicles.


It will be safer for equestrians and hikers. The BLM is considering opening the singletrack trails on the Crown and other areas to E-Bikes. Watch for Public Opinion dates soon. Your voices matter.


As a horse back rider or a hiker, do you want to share your trails with E-Bikes? Leave your opinions below.
7.Nancy's Path (horses & hikers only): Please use the Glassier Parking Lot. Soon a NEW trail will connect the Trail Head for Nancy's Path to the Glassier Parking Lot. The Nancy’s Path Parking Lot only accommodates a few cars. Trucks with horse trailers cannot pull in and park in this area. Directions to hikers parking lot. Turn off Highway 82 at the Emma School House, taking the right fork towards El Jebel, (Emma Road) for 1 mile to the bend and the sign says Happy Day Ranch. Turn left onto the dirt road. Just up ahead is a red roof barn at the 4 way intersection. Turn right at the barn and just behind the barn is a small signed parking area and the trailhead.


Did you know Nancy's Path can be reached via various trails, and truck and trailer parking is accommodated at the Glassier Trail Head Parking Lot and from the BLM's Divide Parking Lot (after an extensive trail ride from the Divide to get to the Nancy's Path turnoff). Nancy's Path is a seasonal trail ride, it can get slippery and wet. Please use caution when condition's are less than ideal. The RFVHC recommends this trail for experienced trail horses and intermediate to expert horse back riders.


Have you personally hiked or ridden this trail ? Mark all that apply.
8.The questions above are trails near Carbondale. Please list what other trails in this area you use.    Can they be improved and why?  Please mention where you park,  if trucks and trailers are used.(Required.)
9.Starting May through September months, we would like to encourage trail riders to meet out on the trails and ride together.


Groups on the weekends and midweek. If you are an equestrian or a RFVHC member, please share your names, email addresses, or add the emails of any friends that may be interested - we can meet-up and go out together. Leave your email addresses in the comment box below. Use our FaceBook page or contact us at rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com


Our website rfvhorsecouncil.org has lots of information about the trails, history and access. Where do you want to ride? We appreciate receiving photographs of YOUR trail rides!.
10.IN THE AREA OF MISSOURI HEIGHTS - The Heart of the Horse Country

The Historic Sutey Ranch (horses & hikers only) BLM's Sutey Equestrian Parking Lot is accessed from Highway 82 onto County Road 103, then left on Crystal Springs Road. Drive past Crystal Springs Ranch (on the left) and go down the hill and the parking lot will be on the left. BLM's Sutey Equestrian Parking Lot accommodates trucks and horse trailers. Hikers and mountain bikers have a separate parking area

Did you know the Bureau of Land Management ( BLM ) has designated Sutey Ranch as a “Wildlife Priority Area”? Many would prefer that dogs must be on leash at all times on all trails, to protect the wildlife and keep equestrians safer. There is not a current leash law. Please be courteous and clean up after your dogs.

In 2020, BLM received a generous grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to enlarge the BLM's Sutey Equestrian Parking Lot. On the far western perimeter of Sutey Ranch, a trail is being built as a connector to Red Hill SRMA for mountain bikers. Mountain bikers are not allowed to leave this designated route. Each summer the RFVHC has received a grant or membership funding to improve the trails, remove the barbed wire and to maintain the new parking lot.

The Sutey Ranch is a Western Heritage Homestead Ranch in the Roaring Fork Valley with fields and meandering trails. The RFVHC will work with the BLM as “Friends of Sutey”. Our collective responsibility will be to respect the land, respect our wildlife, keep our new parking lots organized, manure free, and to park with others needs in mind. This area is the safest and most popular family riding designation in the RFV.

Have you personally hiked or ridden on the Sutey Ranch? Mark all that apply.
11.What trails do you love in the area of Missouri Heights to hike and ride? Tell us about these trails and what truck and trailer and car parking access exists. What improvements can be made? What stables do you ride out of?
12.IN THE AREA OF SNOWMASS CREEK and OLD SNOWMASS

Windstar/Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Easement ( horses & hikers only) Turn off Highway 82 onto Snowmass Creek Rd at the Conoco Gas Station, follow to the fork and go left. Follow to the signed driveway to Windstar on the right. Caution: At this time, there is no ample appropriate truck and trailer parking due to the uneven shoulder of the road where a truck and trailer needs for turn around. At the Windstar gate, there is room to park several cars and room to turn cars safely around.


You can take in a horse trailer, park ride, and then load the horses and back all the way down the long road. The RFVHC is working to form the Neighbors of Windstar Group to help get trailer parking organized and a lot built. If you are a neighbor, or wish to help, please contact us at rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com

Have you personally hiked or ridden Windstar? Mark all that apply.
13.IN THE AREA OF SNOWMASS VILLAGE AND SNOWMASS CREEK

Upper North Mesa Trail ( horses and hikers only ) is accessed from Highway 82, to Brush Creek Road and at the roundabout, turn right into Snowmass Rodeo Parking Lot.

Did you know this trail can be accessed directly from the Rodeo Lot? Upper Mesa is a 2 hour, 3 mile horseback ride with breathtaking 360 degree views of Snowmass Village, Aspen, Snowmass Mountain, Capitol, & Mt. Daly. There is an ancient Fen protected and off limits by the TOSV as an ancient site and a water source for wildlife. There is a great picnic spot for lunch intertwined in an aspen grove. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dog. Leash law strictly enforced

Tom Blake Equestrian - ( horses and hikers only) is accessed from Highway 82, to Brush Creek Road and at the roundabout turn right into the Snowmass Rodeo Parking Lot - Lack of truck and trailer parking at the Tom Blake Trail Head is a major impediment for horseback riders.) For hiker parking at the traffic circle take the second exit onto Highline Rd. Continue onto Owl Creek Rd. the parking will be on your right.

Did you know that hikers and horseback riders on the Tom Blake Trail can enjoy a mellow trail ride, up and back, entirely shaded in deep Aspen groves? There are sections of the Equestrian Trail that are shared with the multi-user Tom Blake Trail, so please be cautious and aware of possible oncoming bike traffic and several bike route crossings. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dogs. Leash law strictly enforced.

Have you hiked or ridden in the Town of Snowmass Village, Old Snowmass or Snowmass Creek Valleys?
14.INTO THE SNOWMASS WILDERNESS

Main Snowmass Creek Trail leading to Snowmass Lake
East Snowmass Creek Trail over East Snowmass Creek Pass to Willow Basin
West Snowmass Creek Trail to Haystack Mountain
and more...

Did you know that Snowmass Creek Valley is home to over 23 miles of Equestrian Trails. You can follow meandering creeks toward their headwater and head into the Maroon Bells Wilderness. Enjoy unmatched views from beautiful high alpine basins and mountain passes.

The RFVHC recommends that equestrians that are headed into this wilderness area check first with Snowmass Creek Outfitters for seasonal information. Open through October.

Guided Horseback Rides are available into the Wilderness and trails near Snowmass Village with Snowmass Creek Outfitters. 970.704.0707
15.IN THE AREA OF COZY POINT RANCH

Sky Mountain Park (multi-user trails) Access from existing trailheads at the Brush Creek Intercept Lot/Highway 82, neighborhoods and Town Park provide parking and access for all types of users. WE HAVE NO PARKING ACCESS TO SKY MOUNTAIN PARK.

Did you know that in the summer of 2021 the Sky Mountain Park Management Plan asked hikers and equestrians for recreational use suggestions and opinions? The RFVHC hopes you will participate in the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PC OST) process. A whopping 91% of the survey respondents were from the mountain bike community. A total of 665 participant responses were collected.

At this time equestrians have no public truck and trailer access to the area. Brush Creek Trail, Cozy Pony Loop, Ditchline, Skyline Ridge Upper North Mesa and Viewline Trails are open to Equestrians. That's a total of 8.94 miles of trails open to equestrians. An estimated 16.7 miles of bike trails have been constructed since 2012.

Though Cozyline Trail was initially planned as an equestrian route, it is a heavily used biking trail where equestrians are not permitted in order to eliminate conflicts. An additional, parallel route for equestrian use is not recommended by CPW due to wildlife concerns.

The Park preserves 2,400 acres - a meaningful amount of unfragmented wildlife habitat and open space amidst a network of public lands.Like we have always said, with out truck and trailer parking, we cannot access these amazing places.

According to the Management Plan, equestrian use of the singletrack trails at the Park is minimal. No data is collected regarding use of the equestrian-only trails, most notably the Upper North Mesa Equestrian and Hiking Trail. If you have details or data - please contact the RFVHC at Rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com
16.Roaring Fork Valley Guides & Outfitters

Did you know that our Roaring Fork Valley Guides & Outfitters keep many trails open for their commercial businesses ? Many sections of our Wilderness trails would not be safe or passable for hikers or equestrians without their help. Please support them and take a trail ride you will never forget! Tell them the RFVHC sent you!

Avalanche Outfitters at Redstone Stables, https://www.redstonestables.com
Phone: (970) 963-1144 Josh Cell: (970) 390-8433 Avalancheoutfitters@gmail.com. Located at the Historic Redstone Stables. Current owner Josh Wamboldt purchased the Bo Jones business in 2007 and he acquired more permits around the Redstone area.

Capitol Peak Outfitters https://www.capitolpeak.com Phone: (970) 948-6905
capitolpeakco@gmail.com. All trips center on the remote Maroon Bells/Snowmass wilderness areas, with their 14,000 foot peaks, wildflowers, mountain lakes, and breathtaking panoramic views. New owner, Ted Benge has combined the Aspen Wilderness Outfitters and Capitol Peak Outfitters

Maroon Bells Guide & Outfitters @ T Lazy 7 Ranch https://www.maroonbellsaspen.com Phone: (970) 920-4677. maroonbells@earthlink.net at the mouth of the Maroon Bells Wilderness, Willow Lake Trail & Crested Butte Two-Day Overnight Rides. Brian Welder and Crew. We are the only outfitters doing daily rides to Maroon Bells Lake Lake.970.920.4677

Snowmass Creek Outfitters Snowmass Creek Outfitters www.snowmasscreekoutfitters.com Phone: (970) 704-0707 info@snowmasscreekoutfitters.com
Robb Vanpelt and Amy Groom, Owners. The ONLY private ranch ride in the Roaring Fork Valley with huge views of Sopris and Snowmass Mountain.

HUNTERS - Riding out on Horseback : Ask about their fully guided Hunts, Drop Camp Hunts and Packing Services.

OUTFITTERS: If you want to be listed here, or any of this information needs to be updated, contact us at rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com

Please list here what trails you have, or want to use in the White River National Forest (WRNF) areas. Are there trails where deadfall needs clearing? Please mention where you park, if trucks and trailers are used.
17.IN THE AREA OF REDSTONE, COLORADO

Coal Basin & Coal Creek Road (FSR #307) (multi-users) Coal Basin is accessed from Hiway 133, turn right at the Redstone Coke Ovens. To get to the trailhead from Redstone, travel 4 miles up Coal Creek Road (FSR #307) to a White River National Forest Service parking area and road closure. 4 Miles To Info Kiosk.

Did you know the old mine road is an up and back ride from the top of Coal Basin Road. The trail takes you through the old Mid Continent coal mining area. It's a steady climb on many reclaimed mining roads, so the platform is very wide though grown-in and then mostly single track. From the single tracks there are meadows that you can explore. At around six miles, the trail ends and you return the way you came up.

Avalanche Outfitters offer trail rides from May through October. Contact them at 970.963.1144

Have you personally hiked or ridden this trail? Mark all that apply.
18.IN THE AREA OF EL JEBEL/ BASALT MOUNTAIN

We need HELP. The RFVHC is interested in opinions and facts about trail riding on Basalt Mountain. There are many old roads and trails that have been hiked and ridden for decades. Horseback riders have favorites. Due to the fire, tree damage and bogs and unstable trails the RFVHC is looking for partners to accomplish two projects on the mountain.

Pls Note: Mountain Bikers use the NEW USFS #1911 and many other of the historic trails for their downhill route. Please use caution while horseback riding.

We are looking for the names of the trails, truck and trailer parking opportunities, old maps, photographs and any remembrances of riding Basalt Mountain trails. Please list any details here below or contact our RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo at Rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com
19.IN THE AREA OF ASPEN, COLORADO

Hunter Creek Lack of truck and trailer parking from Red Mountain prevents recreational trail riding at this time. Equestrian parking for equestrians and hunters, late in the season is allowed. Parking for hikers is available.

A favorite trail destination for many. Trailhead access from the backside and Lenado into Upper and Hunter Valley is possible, historically - the best fun was horseback riding in Hunter Creek.

Did you know that you can relive the best trail rides in Hunter Creek?

Contact Capitol Peak Outfitters at 970-928-0723
20.FROM ASPEN to GLENWOOD SPRINGS

The RFTA Rio Grande Trail is a 42.4 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail that follows along the Roaring Fork River and is good for all skill levels. Dogs on leashes, bikers, hikers, and horseback riders are able to use this trail. Everyone yields to horses. Safety first! When you meet horses on the trails stop, step off the trail and talk to the horseback rider(s). Do not hide yourself in the bushes. Horseback riders will tell you when it is safe to pass. Remember, hikers and bikers and vehicles should yield to horses but they may not - so be prepared!

A new trail safety program brought to you by the RFVHC is now available and will be posted on the portions of the Rio Grande Trail in 2025. Here is the LINK: TSPP Stop! Speak and Stand Back

The Trails Safe Passing Plan (TSPP) STOP! SPEAK and STAND BACK is a safety action plan to educate on what to do when encountering people with horses on the trails. The Trails Safe Passing Plan (TSPP) Stop! Speak and Stand Back allows you to safely share the trails and is helpful for all trail users, including horses, dogs and children.

Did you know hikers and horseback riders use the Rio Grande Trail to access many trails that begin on the valley floor. For example: There is a soft track trail going along the RFTA Rio Grande, leading through Glassier Open Space to the Glassier Equestrian trailhead. This trail takes you from the valley floor up onto the 9,100 acres of the Crown.

How often do you use the Rio Grande Trail as your primary route to access trails?
21.Many horseback riders use the Rio Grande Trail for trail riding because it's outside "their back door".

Please tell us about your horseback riding experiences on the Rio Grande Trail, and feel free to make suggestions.
22.How often do you hike or horseback ride the Roaring Fork Valley trails?
23.What is your preferred comfortable length and type of your hike or horseback ride ?
Select all that apply.
24.Another question just for horseback riders: At the stable where you keep your horses, do you have access to trail riding "out your back door" ? The RFVHC is interested in knowing what kinds of trails and riding country is available near your stable. Please help us by providing details.
25.In most cases, while you were hiking and trail riding were trail signs placed appropriately and were they helpful? While out on the trails don't forget your compass.
26.WHAT DO YOU PACK IN YOUR FIRST AID TRAIL KIT?

We hope this veterinarian recommended "list" will be helpful. Please use it to make a shopping list or update your own hiking and horseback riding First Aid kits. Remember - First Aid means: what you can do for yourself, your horses or members of your group after an injury, and BEFORE getting to the doctor.

When on the Trail we are the first responders for our horses, we owe it to them to have the knowledge and equipment to help them.

Make absolutely certain that you know what to use, and that any items in your kits have not passed expiration dates for usage. Proper application is as important as having the materials.

Before using medication on, or for a new injury, consult with your doctor or your vet, if you are able, any miscellaneous medications and ointments previously prescribed by your doctor or your vet.

In June 2024, the RFVHC presented in June a Horse Health lecture on this First Aid education. Here is the Link for 4 lectures. Horse Health Series 2024

REMEMBER...Keep all your First Aid items out of the reach of children and/or any animal intruders.
27.THE RFVHC - For the Life of Our Membership, for our Western Heritage and a voice for the horses and mules in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Here's a link for membership information. JOIN the RFVHC

Starting in the springtime - about May, at different trailheads in the RFV, we'd like to meet up with many of you, to ride out together. If you are interested in trail riding, email us at rfvhc.colorado@gmail.com. These join-up rides are for our members and their guests. Not a member yet...info below!

Small groups on the weekends and midweek. Please share your names, email addresses, and add the emails of any friends that could be interested. This survey is newly updated.

We received almost 100 responses in 2021. Your answers and suggestions were used to build our Trails Tab on the RFVHC website and to build a compilation of Questions: 12 Trail Summaries For Example: WHAT RFVHC HEARD ABOUT THE REDSTONE TRAIL; WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE; IN THE WORKS, SOLUTIONS WITH THE USFS.

DEADLINE: The sooner you complete the survey...the better information we will have for our upcoming summer projects! We recommend completing the Trails Survey right away.

Thank you so much for your time and for your help. Feel free to send this LINK to the Trails Survey to anyone who is interested in hiking and horseback riding.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JL23DN3. ​


Sincerely,

The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council Board of Directors

The RFVHC will not share, sell or commercialize any information it has received. We will be using this questionnaire to assist Roaring Fork Valley land management decisions for hiking and horseback trail riding access and improvements.

Finally, please share in the last comment box, your email addresses for meeting up on the trails or any other questions!