ThE JOurney Horsepack
TRAIL GUIDE

We have designed this experience to be small and personal. With only 8 other men, our aim is to craft an amazing experience that not only offers incredible adventure in stunning country, but does so in order to engage the deeper places of your heart.

In preparation for the trip, we will be setting up a few video conferencing calls to allow us to make introductions and begin preparing logistically and emotionally for our time. Together we will plot a course for you to gather information from you on your hopes and desires, and help create an experience you will ever forget.

It is easy for us men to get caught up in the practicals and logistics and lose sight of the heart. As you prepare for this summer's trip, we encourage you to take significant time to address your own life and story. An experience like this is meant to augment the reflection and work you are already doing.

As this is a back country trip, each person needs a significant amount of gear. This website contains a list of recommended items to bring. You are responsible to make sure the gear you bring is functional! Also, temperatures will dip down to 40 degrees even in August, so pack clothing accordingly.

There is much more to come in the months ahead. We look forward to journeying with you through the wilderness and into the deeper landscapes that God is inviting.

Our experience will begin officially at 5 pm on the evening of August 24th at the Shepherds Rim Campground outside of Meeker, Colorado. This location is approximately 5.5 hours from Denver, so please plan your travel accordingly.

Once we gather we’ll make introductions, setup camp, eat a delicious dinner, and prepare for riding out on horses the following morning. We will not be back to the trailhead until late afternoon of August 28th. Please plan accordingly. You will be able to leave your car at our departing location.

This year, our route will be in the beautiful Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado. This remote area has some of the most stunning scenery in all of Colorado. And best of all, we’re able to explore it given the help of a professional horse packing outfitter with over 30 years of experience.

Please keep in mind this area is remote, and there will be no cell reception. Be good men and let your wives and significant others know where you will be, and when they can expect to hear from you. We do have experienced guides trained in first aid and wilderness emergencies.

We will be providing you with an emergency number to leave with your loved ones in case of emergency in the front-country. They will be able to reach us if needed. But tell them to assume no news is good news.

Please note: We've included recommended amounts of clothing so your load is not too heavy. All food and cooking items will be provided. And, when possible, AVOID COTTON as it soaks up water and does not dry quickly.

Camping Gear:

Tent
Sleeping bag (<=32 degree rating, small packable)
Sleeping pad
Duffle bag with all your gear in it
Lightweight camp chair
Reusable Bowl/Plate

Clothing:

4 Moisture-wicking T-shirts
4 Moisture-wicking pairs underwear
1 Quick-drying pants
1 pair of jeans for riding
1 Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
Sun-shielding hat
Swimsuit (there are lakes)
Hiking Boots/ Trail Running Shoes
Socks (synthetic or wool)
1 fleece jacket
1 Compressible puffy coat (recommended)
Warm hat
Good rainjacket (not a plastic poncho!)
Water shoes
Warm gloves

Personal Items:

Refillable 1L water bottles
Bandanas (useful for many things
Multi-tool/knife
Headlamps/flashlights
Extra batteries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Eyeglasses/contact lenses if needed
Prescription medications if needed
Toothbrush
Toiletry kit
Eye-mask for sleeping
Earplugs for sleeping
Camera
Notebook and pen/pencil
Bible
Fishing gear for trout fishing (if desired)
Fishing license
A sense of humor and adventure!

We will only be riding for 3-4 hours a day. This is not an intense amount, however, there are some proactve things you can do to help riding be more comfortable:

• Exercise regularly and build your cardio stamina. This will not only help you when you ride, but will also help in your adjustment to the high altitude we will be at (9,000 feet)

• Strengthen your core muscles. Any exercises you can do to engage and strengthen your core will make riding easier and more enjoyable.

• Develop your flexibility - particularly in your legs and back.