Cowgirl Retreat started in 2012 with a group of ladies horseback riding into the deep wilderness, we did yoga, we explored, we relaxed....we gathered in light discussion and laughed over coffee & wine. We ate really well and slept under the stars in big canvas tents. No light pollution, just the sounds of a wood burning stove and nature. Ever since, we've created an annual retreat focused on unplugging from the every day hustle n bustle to connect with ourselves, ride into the wild west and eat good food. 

Abbey Samuelson has continued to offer this Cowgirl Retreat experience for over a decade.  Shes continued to find a whimsical balance for her clients and established a trust worthy fun loving crew. Her relaxed yet confident combination of deep wilderness horseback exploration, playful creativity, refueling yoga offerings, and soul food has put her retreat into the forefront of any other wilderness cowgirl options across the nation. Riding deep into the Troublesome Basin for an unforgettable over-night #wilderbliss experience the power of combining yoga, horses, art and nature is undeniable. This experience would not be possible without her family's generations of experience in this beautiful wild west.  

Troublesome Basin Wilderness of Granby, Colorado

The origin of “Medicine Bow” is legendary. Native American tribes, such as the Ute Indians, discovered mountain mahogany growing within the valleys of the Colorado and Wyoming area. Here they discovered how to construct a bow of exceptional quality and annual traditions began. Tribes would gather together to create their weapons and form ceremonial “powwows” for the cure of disease. Assimilating speech between the Indians and the early settlers as, "making medicine" and “making bow” resulted in the name “Medicine Bow,” and now refers to the local region of this special and magical forest.

The Routt National Forest is named in respect to the last territorial governor and first state governor of Colorado, Colonel John N. Routt. The Routt National Forest occupies a unique setting in Northwest Colorado. The forest is between two internationally recognized destination sites - Rocky Mountain National Park and Dinosaur National Monument. 

The Troublesome Basin is a segment of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest located Northwest of Granby, Colorado consisting of 80,000 acres of timbered land, open parks and meadows, river drainages and peaks above timberline. The elevation ranges from 7,500 to 12,300 feet with breathtaking views. The retreat camp is located in a road-less section that can only be traveled through on foot or on horseback, making it a prime location to indulge in the sights and sounds of nature. Our trip into the campsite is a 45-minute horseback ride with seasoned horses fit for both experienced and non-experienced riders. The site is located in a serene area, out of cell phone reception, inviting you to surrender to a state of relaxation. 

Retreat Terms and Conditions

The customer shall pay a deposit for each person named in the reservation.

The balance is due not less than 2 weeks prior to the date of your retreat. 

If you book in the last 4 weeks, retreat must be paid in full at time of booking.

If the deposit or the balance is not received by the due date Lavender Elephant reserves the right to cancel the reservation and retain the deposit.

In the event of cancellation by the customer, regardless of the circumstances, the following refund fees, minus the deposit, apply. The deposit is non-refundable, as mentioned above.

•   0% refund- cancellation 6 weeks or less before 1st date of the retreat
•   25% refund- cancellation less than 8 weeks before 1st date of the retreat
•   50% refund- cancellation more than 10 weeks before 1st date of the retreat
• Deposits DO NOT carry over to the following year.

Due to teacher cancellations or other situations beyond our control, Lavender Elephant reserves the right to change bookings and shall inform the customer as soon as possible. Alternative arrangements will be offered but we do not accept responsibility for any costs incurred, including airfare. Lavender Elephant is not held liable for flight costs.

Lavender Elephant reserves the right to offer discretionary discounts and this does not affect the status of any guests who have paid the full price and no discount will then become due to them.

We highly recommend that all customers have adequate travel, cancellation and medical insurance for the duration of the trip.

Disclaimer: We highly Suggest Travel Insurance incase of any natural disasters. If incase a natural disaster occurs and or the forest is inaccessible due to National Forest Service Policy we will refund your deposit.

Any non-emergency exits of retreat are susceptible of a $800 fee.  

• We will have a generator to recharge needed devices, however we do not have electricity through out the day, nor do we have reception.
• We have an emergency SAT phone on site if by chance it is needed.
• Staffing is First Aid Certified and/or NOLS WFR (First Responder Certified)
• Covered Latrines for a unique yet comfortable bathroom experience with the best view imaginable
• Bed Cots with foam mattresses
• Wood burning stoves
• Cool mornings, Hot days, Warm afternoons, Cool Evenings
• Fresh mountain spring water for drinking, located on site
• Intermediate - Advanced trail riding 

• 3 x nights accommodations in canvas tent with person bed & wood burning stove
• 3 x chef-prepared breakfasts
• 4 x chef-prepared lunches
• 3 x chef-prepared 3-course dinners
• Coffee, Non Alcoholic Beverages, Cocktails  
• Daily Meditation & Yoga Sessions
• Yoga Nidra
• Active listening & sharing circles 
• Sisterhood community of support and acceptance
• Horsemanship Clinics
• Extended horseback trail rides
• Creative Workshops
• Mini Hikes
• Personal Time 
• Opportunities for reflection, silence & solitude
• Horse Tack & Saddle is provided (if you'd like to bring your own, please let us know)
• Yoga Mats provided

• Travel Fees
• Travel Insurance
• Transportation to and from Ranch
• Personal Gear 
• Personal Snacks

• Headlamp
• Sleeping Bag (20 degree bag)
• Bed sheet for cot mattress
• Pillow & Pillowcase
• Water Bottle
• Sturdy boots with non-slip sole
• Camping Shoes
• Camping Slippers
• Hat, Light Scarf, Sunglasses
• Gloves to Get Dirty
• Sturdy Pants
• Waterproof Jacket
• Layers for varying weather
• Swimsuit/water shorts and towel
• Medications
• Baby Wipes/Clorox Wipes for personal care
• If you have personal snack food/beverages you would like to pack, please feel free.

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Can I book my return flight to depart the Sunday we get out of camp?

- It's highly suggested that you fly out the following day. Horse time is always questionable and exiting Grand County to Denver on a Sunday can have heavy traffic.

Can I bring my own saddle?

- Yes you can but you don't have to and prefer to use our own.

Can I bring my own horse?

- We have a herd of horses and it's best due to liability & trail knowledge that we use our horses.

Do I have to saddle my own horse?

- You do not have to help saddle your horse but if you want to learn we are happy to have you assist, however always with closed toe shoes! 

What do I do if there's an emergency with my family or loved ones? How can they reach me?

- You can provide loved ones with our off site, Emergency Contact number. They contact that number directly, which is provided on the PDF you receive once booking is confirmed. This number then contacts our SAT *satellite* phone in base camp. 

Do I have to ride everyday?

- You DO NOT have to ride everyday so feel free to bring a book/hammock to create your own vibe. Our crew does pick a trail that works best for the collective.

What do you mean pack something sparkly?

- For those curious about "something sparkly", feel free to pack anything that sparks joy for you to wear on Saturday evening. JUST FOR FUN!

How do I pack my stuff?

- Please pack your items in a soft duffle for easy horse packin. No framed packs. We do want you to have your items consolidated. So if your duffle bag is too small please get a bigger one to fit your misc items like shoes and such. Your pillow and sleeping bag can be packed seperate.

Can I pack in my own beverages?

- All food/beverage needs to be in plastic. We can bring in a communal ice chests if enough people want to bring in extra snacks. We do supply snacks.

What's this fitted bed sheet for?

- The sheet we suggest bringing is to cover your wilderness mattress that goes atop your personal cot. 

What kind of sleeping back do I need?

- For August we recommend a 20 degree bag. You don't have to bring a "back packing sleeping bag" you can bring a roll up canvas/flannel lined sleeping bag.

What do you mean cute camp stuff?

- Feel free to pack any cute "camp tent" adornments for your liking. Special battery operated/solar operated twinkle lights, tapestry, or gadgets you love! Hammocks are a great addition.

Do I need my own yoga mat?

- We have yoga mats for your personal use but you can bring your own if you'd like

How are the bugs out there?

- Mosquito spray is a good idea!

How do I pack for the diverse weather?

- It's hot during the day, so tank tops and thin layers is nice. Always good to have a hat and a bandana. We strongly encourage bringing a raincoat/slicker on every ride. Each tent has a wood burning stove. Don't hesitate to pack a hat and those cozy evening layers.  As always our mountain climate changes quickly in the basin, being prepared is best!

Is there a shower?

- No. But feel free to bring a swimsuit/water shorts to take a cold plunge in the tiny cold plunge in the creek. We have access to fresh water and a handwashing station with a nail brush. If you bring soap just be sure it's biodegradable.

Whats this creative station?

- Over the years our little creative station has evolved into a free flowing activity of upcycled jewelry. It’s different every year and sooooo much fun! Feel free to pack in old jewelry to bring it back to life, or bring in other things like feathers & such.

How do I tip the crew?

- Tips are welcomed. It’s best to bring in cash and hand pass out any tips. We have a crew of 6 per retreat. Venmo's are shared as well.

What’s the suit and towel for?

- Our very own nature made cold plunge! Swim suit optional for the brave.

Please text me your name via 985-630-5256 so I can save your number & send coordinates! Text me with any and all questions, no question is silly.

We meet at Mavericks for 10am Thursday, 

15 E Agate Ave 

Granby, CO 80446 

United States

We can caravan to the trailhead and I would love to share direct coordinates to your phone so please text me. We do get permission to leave a few personal vehicles there at Mavericks for those that choose to do so. We suggest carpooling to reduce cars at the trailhead. The road to the trail head is in better condition thanks to my father in law's hard work. 

Please eat a hearty breakfast & have saddle snacks/water bottle full as we will have a late lunch Thursday. 

Simple Coffee is nearby Mavericks with a drive thru offering yummy burritos and a new bagel place just a little past Mavericks has yummy breakfast items if you feel like it!  

Once we arrive at the trailhead we will make sure you park your vehicles correctly, so our horse trailers have adequate clearance. 

We will then create a client pile of duffle bags to be packed onto horses. Please have any personal items separate from your duffle bag that you will want for the ride in. 

These items can be loaded into your saddle bags & horn bag for the trail ride into camp. These items include: rain layer, phone, trail beverage, snacks, water, sunscreen. 

You will each get a tag to write your name and label your saddle so for the remainder of the trip you can begin to recognize your tack.

After signing waivers & medical forms. We will have a group horse clinic and trail riding safety discussions.