Mountain Trekkers BCH

Boundary
Of all the Back Country Horsemen Chapters in the USA, our boundary touches the most wilderness areas!
Our Chapter
Covers Gorgeous High Country

Who We Are
Passionate equine fans
Mountain Trekkers is a local chapter of the Colorado Back Country Horsemen and the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA). We are a devoted group of equestrians and horse, mule, and burro lovers who advocate for equestrian access to public lands and assist with trail maintenance to keep the trails open for all user groups.

We want to connect you to other passionate equestrians!
Are you new to trail riding or backcountry riding and want to connect to an experienced mentor? Are you a backcountry-savvy equestrian who wants to encourage others to hit the trails? Email mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com and we will connect you to a local trail partner!

What We Do
Provide social & educational opportunities
The Mountain Trekkers Chapter works in Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Area 8 which includes the Holy Cross Wilderness, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, Flat Tops Wilderness, and the White River National Forest. We plan trail maintenance projects with management agencies such as the United States Forest Service and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, host equestrian social events, host equestrian education events, and advocate for trail riders–all while having ridiculous amounts of fun.
Events
Email mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com for registration information or to find out more about any of our events.

Third Saturdays in the Saddle
The third Saturday of the month, July - September 2024
New this year! Explore new trails each month. Tentative schedule:
July 20 - Sweetwater Lake. Three-hour intermediate to advanced ride.
August 17 - Possible overnight at Marvine's Campground by Meeker.
September 21 - TBD
Annual Spring Fling Ride
May 18, 2024
The 2024 Spring Fling will be held on BLM trails accessible from the Horse Pasture neighborhood in Gypsum. This ride and potluck lunch will kick off the season while we confirm new board members. The footing is sandy and the route is an easy "green" trail for all levels of riders.
Rabbit Valley Ride and Camping
May 29 - 31, 2024
Two-night camping trip at Rabbit Valley Campground in Mcinnis Canyons National Conservation Area. This is an equestrial campground with corrals located just west of Fruita in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau. Participants must BYO trailer or tent to sleep in. Riders and equines should be trail savvy, but first time campers are encouraged to join. Horses and mules must have shoes or boots. Space is limited!
Obstacle Playday
Date TBD
Want to brush up on trail obstacle skills? New to the trails? Come practice obstacles in an arena and get the experience that will help you in the backcountry. More details coming soon.
Trail Maintenance Days
Summer 2024 - dates TBD
This year we will be clearing and maintaining McKenzie Gulch Trail in Eagle and Mucky Lake Trail in Gypsum, as well as helping improve a water crossing along West Brush Creek Trail in Eagle. More details coming soon.
Annual Poker Ride
September 14, 2024
Joiin us at Sylvan Lake State Park for our annual ride, lunch, and poker game! This year we will meet by the Meadows Day Use Picnic Area and ride along West Brush Creek Trail.
Gallery
Some photos from our adventures...check out FB for ride videos & more eye-candy!
Our Impact

347
Annual COBCH Membershpis
$334,437
Annual COBCH Value of Volunteer Labor
7.250
Annual COBCH Volunteer Hours
Membership
We welcome riders of all types, ages, and interests. Not a rider but interested in supporting trail maintenance or equestrian trail advocacy? We want you, too!
What Does Your Membership Do?
Provides funds for local trail maintenance and efforts to keep trails open to equestrians
Membership numbers add weight to equestrian advocacy
Increases BCHA's community presence
Opportunities for community involvement
Buys you a ton of new friends (Just kidding, though we are a friendly group!)
What Does Membership Cost?
Individual - $35
Family - $55
Youth - $25
Membership Benefits
Members receive the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) Newsletter published quarterly.
Access to social rides and events
Connect with local riders who love exploring trails
Connect with an experienced trail mentor
How Do I Become a Member?
Memberships cycle in May, annually. The 2024 membership application is now closed. Email us at mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com to find out how to stay involved this year.
Current Board Members & Terms
All board members serve for 2 terms.

President & Secretary
Rika Moore - Turnover May 2024

Vice President
Vanda Whittaker - Turnover May 2024

Treasurer
Sarah Crawford - Turnover May 2024

Board Member at Large
Debra Dupree Batten - Turnover May 2025

Board Member at Large
Lana Bryce - Turnover May 2025

Email mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com for board meeting agendas and minutes.
Connect With Us
Email: mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com

Facebook
Instagram
Wilderness Rider Champion
Congratulations to Jennifer Downs, our 2020, 2021, and 2022 Champion Wilderness Rider! Jennifer rode in all 7 wilderness areas that our boundary touches during the summer season for three years in a row and won a custom silver belt buckle from Montana Silversmiths each year.

The Wilderness Rider Competition was suspended in 2023 due to lack of interest.
I know, we can't believe it either!
If you ride in any of the 7 wilderness areas that our boundary touches, send your photos to mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com and we will share them on social media.

Boundary

Of all the Back Country Horsemen Chapters in the USA, our boundary touches the most wilderness areas!

Our Chapter

Covers Gorgeous High Country

Who We Are

Passionate equine fans

What We Do

Provide social & educational opportunities

Events

Email mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com for registration information or to find out more about any of our events.

Third Saturdays in the Saddle

Annual Spring Fling Ride

Rabbit Valley Ride and Camping

Obstacle Playday

Trail Maintenance Days

Annual Poker Ride

Gallery

Some photos from our adventures...check out FB for ride videos & more eye-candy!

Our Impact

347

$334,437

7.250

Membership

We welcome riders of all types, ages, and interests. Not a rider but interested in supporting trail maintenance or equestrian trail advocacy? We want you, too!

What Does Your Membership Do?

What Does Membership Cost?

Membership Benefits

How Do I Become a Member?

Current Board Members & Terms

All board members serve for 2 terms.

President & Secretary

Vice President

Treasurer

Board Member at Large

Board Member at Large

Email mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com for board meeting agendas and minutes.

Connect With Us

Email: mountaintrekkersbch@gmail.com

Wilderness Rider Champion

Congratulations to Jennifer Downs, our 2020, 2021, and 2022 Champion Wilderness Rider! Jennifer rode in all 7 wilderness areas that our boundary touches during the summer season for three years in a row and won a custom silver belt buckle from Montana Silversmiths each year.