Posted by Fancy That on 6/28/2012, 12:30 pm 144.49.131.1
We are horsecamping out of Graham Hill Showgrounds and riding into Henry Cowell this weekend.
Can anyone chime in about the trails that we access from Graham Hill? I keep hearing that they are "hairy" from that trail head. But that from the Hwy 9 staging area, they are "nicer"
Can someone elaborate? is it going to be bad, to ride out from Graham Hill?
we aren't afraid of singl-tracks and cliff-drop-offs....but we want to enjoy ourselves too. I wouldn't want the entire ride to be EXTREMELY steep either.
We are fine with some steep to get to some nicer/flatter areas or just hilly - but not like crazy-steep the ENTIRE time.
None of us have ridden there and we aren't familiar with the Graham Hill trail head access.
Friends have said that the trail is really nice if you start out from the other side (Hwy 9)
Equine & Pet Portrait Artist http://www.elainehickman.com ***Morgans Do It All*** Gilroy, CA ============================
The Fireworks endurance ride sometimes starts at the Graham hill area I believe. Haven't done it for a few years, but the only area that was at all "hairy" is crossing the San Lorenzo river. arabgal
Yes, the Fireworks ride does go out of Graham Hill.....
I think it'll be fine as we very confident riders - not really worried about single-track or cliff-drop-offs....I just wanted first hand descriptions, as I was getting the impression that the entry from Graham Hill wasn't really "nice"
Equine & Pet Portrait Artist http://www.elainehickman.com ***Morgans Do It All*** Gilroy, CA ============================
I forget the trail names, but there are 2 ways to go from there - one to the left takes you down to a creek crossing. It's moderately steep - I'm a wimp when it comes to heights, and it never really bothered me. The other side going up from there used to have steps (boy - that was fun going down on my long-backed TB mare - she couldn't fit on one step, so it was a teeter-totter effect!). Now there's a newer trail that's much more sedate. If you take the trail to the right, it follows along Graham Hill towards the state park campground, and is quite lovely. It's more roller-coasty than the other route. I'd recommend getting a map and doing a loop so you get to experience both trails.
Wish I could join you! Henry Cowell is still my favorite park to ride in. There are nice areas for a good canter/gallop (if you choose), the river to visit and very diverse ecological systems all packed in one relatively small area. Make sure you stop at the lookout tower! There's water for the horses, trees and hitching posts to tie to - great spot to stop and eat a bite.
Now I'm itching to go for a trail ride! Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond http://ironfreehrs.com/
we camped at the SC Horsemens Assn grounds and rode out from there. it was a long time ago so i don't recall specific trails. i do remember a train that ran overhead above the river. I don't know if you'll encounter it, but FYI just in case you're not sure how your horse will react.
Pleasant Hill, CA
There is indeed a train
Posted by KEW on 6/29/2012, 12:10 pm, in reply to "there's a train" 96.238.222.114
and it's loud, I learned my horse could canter on the spot....Pretty exciting!
We always ride Henry Cowell from the horse camp. If you can ride henry Coe - you can ride Cowell with no problem. The trail to the Observation Deck ( Ridge Fire Road) is fun and if you continue past, that is were you can get in the sand and eventually the "steps" lots of fun.
You can also ride to the Redwood Grove or down to the river - the river rides are very fun, but I would say local knowledge is needed to get accross as the trail disapears and you may have to ride in the river, though bushes before you see the trail on the opposite side. If you ride towards Highway 9 the river crossing is easy, you can cross over some train tracks, get accross the Highway and continue the trail though the University and onto Wilder. It is a fun park. Love the river crossings.
The trails at Henry Cowell are lovely. You'll have a blast. From the corrals at the showgrounds, ride towards Henry Cowell and at the far right corner of the showgrounds you will find the gate that accesses Henry Cowell. The main trail most take out is called "Emma's" after Emma McCrary. It is single track and downhill, crosses a creek and goes uphill to some junctions...but I have taken a fairly flighty horse and a young horse both at different times on the trail and never had an issue. Oh, and there is a small bridge too on it. You should have a blast!
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