May 2024 - Glacier Club

Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains and more than three million acres of protected wilderness, Glacier offers residents unbridled access to outdoor adventures every day of the year. And now that summer is just around the corner here in Southwest Colorado, we’re saddling up for one of our favorites: horseback riding. We’ve teamed up with Bears Ranch, located just 20 miles north of historic downtown Durango at the entrance to Haviland Lake, to offer incredible trail riding adventures for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned pro, here’s everything you need to know about a Bears Ranch excursion this season.

Mountain Views on Horseback

Bears Ranch (formerly Rapp Corral) is a true gem, nestled at the base of the majestic Hermosa cliffs with breathtaking alpine mountain views and stargazing that’ll make your jaw drop. Their summer trail rides begin right at the ranch entrance and wind through the connected Chris Park and Haviland Lake trail systems. Get ready for magnificent horseback riding through alpine meadows, aspen groves, and rolling hills with stunning mountain vistas at every turn.

Family-Friendly Wilderness Fun

The experienced wranglers are on a mission to help kids and families appreciate the great outdoors while learning about the rich history and legends of the Durango area. And for the buckaroos under seven, corral rides let them experience the thrill of saddling up, too. Little riders are led by a wrangler or parent around the corral area for about 10-15 minutes — the perfect way to get their first taste of horse riding and capture some adorable photos.

What to Know Before Saddling Up

There is a 230 lb weight limit per rider for safety
Reserve rides in advance as slots fill up, especially for short-notice bookings within 48 hours
Morning rides are recommended in summer when afternoon thunderstorms are more common

Horseback Riding Steeped in Tradition

Complementing top attractions like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Purgatory Ski Resort, Bears Ranch continues a decades-old equestrian tradition in this scenic corridor along Highway 550, nicknamed the Million Dollar Highway. Anne Rapp pioneered Rapp Corral and the area’s riding trails back in the 1980s. Today’s owners proudly carry on her legacy, offering five-star sleigh rides in winter and miles of breathtaking summer trail rides at this gateway to the San Juan National Forest.

Interested in booking a trail ride this season? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll help arrange your summer excursion!

The winter snows have finally melted away and the warm sunshine has returned to the San Juan Range. That can only mean one thing — it’s time to prep your Glacier mountain home for the warm season ahead. After being closed up tight all winter long, your residence will need some light cleaning and preparation before you can sit back and relax this summer. Here are four tips and tricks for getting your Glacier retreat shipshape.

Deep Clean

Over the winter, dust has likely accumulated throughout your home’s interior. Give everything a good deep cleaning by washing windows inside and out, vacuuming floors and upholstery, and cleaning out cupboards and closets. Throw open the windows to invite the fresh mountain air in as you sweep away any lingering stuffiness — and be sure to change your HVAC filters for allergen-free breathing.

Check for Pests

Unwanted critters may have tried to make themselves at home over the winter months while you were away. Carefully inspect for any signs of mice, squirrels, or other pests, and seal up any potential entry points they used. Set traps if needed and, of course, be sure to properly dispose of any present evidence left.

Inspect and Service

Don’t skip the important step of having professionals inspect, service, and maintain all the home’s major systems and appliances after their winter hibernation. Need help finding help? Member Services can coordinate scheduling crucial tasks and hiring contractors to check the water heater, fireplace and chimney, major appliances, electrical systems, septic system, and more.

Freshen Exterior

Turn your attention to your home’s outer spaces and spruce them up. Clean exterior windows and have gutters and downspouts cleared of built-up debris. Check for any damaged screens and repair or replace them. Carefully inspect roofing, siding, decks, railings, and fencing. Reseal any areas needed with fresh caulk, paint, or stain coatings. And, of course, prep your outdoor living area by cleaning cushions and upgrading any patio furniture for warm, starry nights ahead!

Prepare Yard

Tend to your home’s landscaping by raking winter’s leftover lawn debris and prepping for new growth. Have sprinkler systems professionally inspected and turned on when temperatures permit. Prune any overgrown trees and bushes, and get planting beds cleaned up and ready for this year’s flower or veggie garden. You’ll also want to stock up on gardening supplies and yard care tools!

From arranging cleaning services to stocking your kitchen before arrival, our Member Services team is here to ensure that you focus on the moments that truly matter — like making the most of the outdoors or kicking back with a cocktail. Simply leave the rest to us.

Month: May 2024

Giddy Up: Horseback Riding Adventures for All Levels in Durango