Santa Fe Trail Ride and Wagon Train

Hope all is well and the trails have been good to you. Per numerous requests, we will be starting at the famous Spade Ranch in Mitchell County. We will kick off at the ranch headquarters located 25 miles south of Colorado City on state hwy 163.

As in the past please do not arrive at the ranch until after 12 noon on Friday the 25^th.There are several families that live at the headquarters and we want to respect their privacy and wishes.

Okay the BIG surprise…many of you have asked for another casino night.Well it’s back while we are in Water Valley on Tuesday the 29^th.We will have a huge tent and will be starting in the afternoon after lunch and will play until supper, which will include a steak dinner with prizes awarded afterwards and we will try not to run too late since the next day is a hard day’s ride.All proceeds will benefit the rebuilding of the chuchwagon, which is in dire need of rebuilding.This has always been a lot of fun and if you have a nice item to donate for a prize please let us know.

Wednesday is a hard day like last year back across the divide on the way to the Albert Ranch with a trip down Junior Martinez hill again.This year’s ride is a little easier with daily mileage averaging around 15-18 miles a day, but it does contain some pretty rough spots.

Breakfast will be served from 7 – 7:45 AM unless otherwise stated. If you are late, sorry only thing available will be snacks but we must do this to help get the ride on the trail on time.

Rig Move will vary from day to day and we will make sure that its announced at dinner each night.

Charlie Bowers is back as Trail Boss with Jerry Bynum and Jeff “Bull” Rutledge as assistants; three good men who know animals and equipment.Please give them your support and respect.As you know this is a demanding job.

This time of year we know you have your choice of rides.We try to make ours as authentic with as much cross-country riding as possible.We know our ride is different from most in that we are trying to do it the way our ancestors did.It’s not for all folks, but as long as these great ranches let us we will continue to ride the trails.We look forward to seeing each of you.Hope to see you in January.

May God be with you and keep you safe during your travels. Until then, Happy Trails!

Lynn Donaho & Tabitha Baker Trail Ride Co-Chairman

(1) contact Charlie Bowers (325-656-8340) to stay at the roping arena at Sterling City, TX -OR-

(2) To stay at Lake Colorado City State Park, TX. make reservations (1) call 512-389-8900 OR (2) go to Texas State Parks.org.

Directions to Colorado City State Park, TX from I-20, take exit 210 onto FM 2836 and follow signs to 4582 FM 2836.

You must have reservations

Park hours are 8 am to 7 pm

If arriving after 7 pm you must call the State Park @ 325-728-3931 to get gate code

Water only campsites are $15 per night

Please NO parking on grass and please pick up manure

Spade Ranch Headquarters is approximately 15 miles south on Hwy 163 from Lake Colorado City State Park.