• Boundary

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

  • Our Chapter

    Covers Gorgeous High Country

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    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!

     

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    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, June - September 2024

    New this year! Explore new trails each month. Tentative schedule:

    June 15 - McKenzie Gulch and School House Trail by Sylvan Lake State Park. Two-hour intermediate ride.

    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 30 - June 1, 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.

    Murder Mystery Ride

    Summer 2024 - date TBD

    New this year! Mounted sleuths will help solve a murder on the trail. Collect clues along the way to find out "who done it". 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. More details coming soon.

    Annual Poker Ride

    August 2024 - date TBD

    Check back for more info on the 2024 Poker Ride. It is tentatively scheduled for August at the Lazy J Ranch in Wolcott.

  • 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 open; join by filling out the MTBCH Membership Application Form.

    Within one week of submitting you will receive an invoice for membership dues with a link to pay online. Online payment is preferred, but if you wish to mail a check, please send to Mountain Trekkers at:

    PO Box 493

    Eagle, CO 81931

     

  • 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

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    Facebook

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    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.

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    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.