All the riders on the trail from right to left: Carol Osgood, Rebecca Williams, Randy Gelb, Audrey Gelb, Jennifer Betts, Margaret Somenske, Gene Lee, Christine Lee, Don Williams and Tom Somenske.
Your happy neighbors are tearing up the dance floor on Wednesday and Saturday Line Dancing in classes provided by Rebecca Magdanz for over six years at the Ranch.
Riders headed up the trail at Colossal Cave Mountain Park located southeast of Tucson in Vail. This picturesque venue wanders gently through the saguaros offering magnificent views. We were happy to be on the horses as part of the trail meandered up a wash which was bubbling with mountain snow melt. It was really unusual to see water in the wash.
This area is adjacent to the eastern Saguaro National Forest and there were many fine old specimens to be seen including two rare crested saguaros. The trail gave some really fine views of the Rincon Mountains which contain foothills of varying colors from a pinkish magenta to a burnt orange. Interesting geologic contour lines are clearly visible in the terrain that gave evidence to the uplift of an ancient seabed from millions of years ago. The area has some natural springs which support the growth of a stand of cottonwoods. The available water was a key to the stagecoach line that ran through the area servicing the route between Tucson and Bisbee prior to the railroad. The guide pointed out the wagon ruts from the road that used to run through here. Portions of the trail were a part of the Arizona Trail, a hiking trail that goes from the border with Mexico all the way to Utah.
Any resident of SaddleBrooke Ranch is welcome to join the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group. There is no obligation to attend all the rides offered. Riders simply let the secretary know by clicking on “Contact Us” on the website if they want to attend a particular ride. Carpools are generally arranged for those interested.
The next ride is scheduled for Saturday morning, April 6. The location is still being determined. The group rides a number of trails throughout greater Tucson and up into the Apache Junction area. All rides are at a walk, just to enjoy the scenery.
If you are interested in receiving more information on the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group, please visit our website under “SBR HOA Clubs.” Click the “Horseback Riding” tile and then click on the blue letters of “Horseback Riding” to open up the site and information.