The Backcountry Wilderness Area programs can be a refuge in these uncertain times.
The Backcountry Wilderness Area is slowly adding programs that merge healthy outdoor recreation within the current COVID-19 guidelines. Beyond our trails, which have been busy throughout the Stay-at-Home and Safer-at-Home time periods, the Backcountry Outdoor Center can safely accommodate people who want to get outside!
For a wild child: Camp Backcountry
Camp Backcountry is where kids' true nature is found. Campers (ages 7-13) get filled with fresh air, useful skills, and adventures. Our week-long, full-day camp offers kids a daily dose of dirt, environmental education, and exploration of our 13-square-mile wildlife habitat conservation property to spark a love of all things wild!
For a future equine lover: Little Equestrians
Little Equestrians is the perfect bridge from pony programs to horseback riding lessons! This 30-minute, private pony-riding lesson firms up the basics of safe—and fun—riding with more attention to details between the rider, instructor, and the pony. We recommend Little Equestrians enroll in Mini Manes or Pony Tails before registering.
For the person that misses competition: Archery
If you are missing the thrill of sport—any sport—test your accuracy at the Backcountry Outdoor Center's static and 3D archery ranges. Daily passes are available. The 3D course is set up through a mile-long loop trail in a grassland, gamble oak eco-system with rolling hills and some decent elevation gain and loss.
For the person who is looking for a new perspective: Horse Programs
Take in the view from the saddle. It's easy to get fresh air and stay socially-distanced when you're riding on horse's back. From trail rides to Basic Horsemanship to private and group lessons, it'll do you good to spend time at the Backcountry Outdoor Center Horse Corrals. Private Horseback Riding Lessons start at age 5. All other horse programs start at age 7.
For the sunset-seekers: Sunset Hikes
Head out on a Sunset Hike into the reserved part of the Backcountry Wilderness Area with a guide to explain the landscape and wildlife along the way. A look west from your perch in the Backcountry will reveal a fresh view of the Rocky Mountain Front Range without a crowd. If you'd rather opt for a mid-morning outing, join us for a Wellness Walk!
For the little explorers: Sunshine & Storytime
Come out for a little sunshine, a nature story, time with our barnyard animals, and a field or forest exploration activity in this one-hour program for kids ages 3-6. We'll keep each child's favorite adult close by to participate and facilitate safe physical distancing with their child. Each week will be a different program, so only register for one program per week.
For the person searching for joy: Goat Hangout
If you've only met our barnyard crew through Instagram, it's time to change that! Come on Sunday afternoons to meet our bunch of characters including the goats (Burt, Lola, Fred, Ginger, and Big Mama) and the chickens. There's also a good chance that Thor the donkey might meander over. Hang out in the goat pen for up-close and personal, un-rushed quality time with these unique critters. *One registration is valid for a group of up to 6 people from the same household.
Lindsey McKissick is the Outreach Coordinator for the Backcountry Wilderness Area. She is Colorado-born, Chicago raised, and Wyoming educated. For Lindsey, there is nothing better than waking up in a warm tent on the side of a remote river with coffee preferably made by someone else. You'll find Lindsey on river rafting/SUPing, mountain biking, or camping with her husband and two pint-size, adventure-seeking daughters.