GOAT HIKES ALONG THE GOLD MINERS' TRAIL
Animal experience hosted by Valerie Solheim
2.5 hoursHosted in English and Spanish
Committed to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Up to 6 people
Includes equipment
What you'll do
Big “Hello” from the “Girls” and I on Arkansas Mountain. We begin our adventure at the ol’ Stage Stop cabin, our home. It’s a passion of mine to unfold the feeling of the times of 1859 from the journals and letters of these miners. This is not a unique story but one shared by frontier people worldwide.
Next you’ll meet Polly, Mimi, Polka and Coco, your hiking companions. They are gentle girls, intuitively aware of our younger hikers. They trek with us as we retrace the trail of the '59ers. You'll see old mine portals, the Cloud City school house, Cornish stone walls built to shore up hillsides, mine portals and root cellars, blacksmith forge, and more. I'll point out blow holes where miners tested for gold and the triple pine tree trunks growing over old mining tunnels. The land reveals many secrets of our past when you know its contours.
Along the way there will be time for photos and a trail stops for breathing and storytelling. Our hike ends at the STAGE STOP, where we began. The STAGE STOP was named for the blacksmith services offered to the mining community right here on our property, the Ol' Crane Ranch.
A review, "The hike with Valerie and her goats was the highlight of our trip. We went to Boulder, then their location and her stories offered everything to experience the real beauty and history of Colorado."
We have an EV QUICK CHARGE STATION.
Other things to note
HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS could be a problem: drink water. Know the symptoms. DEHYDRATION, DIZZY, NAUSEA, HEADACHE, etc.
Coffee and alcohol are dehydrating.
Check out PHARMICA for CHLOR OXYGEN.
Next you’ll meet Polly, Mimi, Polka and Coco, your hiking companions. They are gentle girls, intuitively aware of our younger hikers. They trek with us as we retrace the trail of the '59ers. You'll see old mine portals, the Cloud City school house, Cornish stone walls built to shore up hillsides, mine portals and root cellars, blacksmith forge, and more. I'll point out blow holes where miners tested for gold and the triple pine tree trunks growing over old mining tunnels. The land reveals many secrets of our past when you know its contours.
Along the way there will be time for photos and a trail stops for breathing and storytelling. Our hike ends at the STAGE STOP, where we began. The STAGE STOP was named for the blacksmith services offered to the mining community right here on our property, the Ol' Crane Ranch.
A review, "The hike with Valerie and her goats was the highlight of our trip. We went to Boulder, then their location and her stories offered everything to experience the real beauty and history of Colorado."
We have an EV QUICK CHARGE STATION.
Other things to note
HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS could be a problem: drink water. Know the symptoms. DEHYDRATION, DIZZY, NAUSEA, HEADACHE, etc.
Coffee and alcohol are dehydrating.
Check out PHARMICA for CHLOR OXYGEN.
Big “Hello” from the “Girls” and I on Arkansas Mountain. We begin our adventure at the ol’ Stage Stop cabin, our home. It’s a passion of mine to unfold the feeling of the times of 1859 from the journals and letters of these miners. This is not a unique story but one shared by frontier people worldwide.
Next you’ll meet Polly, Mimi, Polka and Coco, your hiking companions. They are gentle girls, intuitively aware of our younger hik…
Next you’ll meet Polly, Mimi, Polka and Coco, your hiking companions. They are gentle girls, intuitively aware of our younger hik…
Guidelines created with World Animal ProtectionLearn more
What's included
- EquipmentGOATS,
NON-COMMERCIAL Water bottles (FILLED W/ MNT. WELL WATER), <br...
- 391 Reviews
- Identity verified
If COVID losses make this hike expensive, please email and let's settle on an affordable price .
ELDERS & OTHERS: Reserve a day for a WALK with goats.
Masks are required. 4 people limit or family.
The Stage Stops HERE! I've roamed Boulder County and beyond for over 50 years and now with GOATS! If generations count, both Jesse and my great grandparents traveled by wagon train to Colorado! I've written about old mining sites and brothels and located several while combing the miners' trails.
It's the goats that make the hike unique and fun. Mimi, Polka, Coco and Polly walk, run, EAT, and play around us. They are so accustom to being with two-leggeds (people) that they nudge you for pets and pictures. We've owned goats since 2015. I've mid-wifed, doctored, milked, groomed (hooves included) and bred goats until we are now a te
ELDERS & OTHERS: Reserve a day for a WALK with goats.
Masks are required. 4 people limit or family.
The Stage Stops HERE! I've roamed Boulder County and beyond for over 50 years and now with GOATS! If generations count, both Jesse and my great grandparents traveled by wagon train to Colorado! I've written about old mining sites and brothels and located several while combing the miners' trails.
It's the goats that make the hike unique and fun. Mimi, Polka, Coco and Polly walk, run, EAT, and play around us. They are so accustom to being with two-leggeds (people) that they nudge you for pets and pictures. We've owned goats since 2015. I've mid-wifed, doctored, milked, groomed (hooves included) and bred goats until we are now a te
If COVID losses make this hike expensive, please email and let's settle on an affordable price .
ELDERS & OTHERS: Reserve a day for a WALK with goats.
Masks are required. 4 people limit or family.
The Stage Stops HERE! I've roamed Boulder County and beyond for over 50 years and now with GOATS! If generations count, both Jesse and my great grandparents traveled by wagon train to Colorado! I've written about old mining sites and brothels and located several…
ELDERS & OTHERS: Reserve a day for a WALK with goats.
Masks are required. 4 people limit or family.
The Stage Stops HERE! I've roamed Boulder County and beyond for over 50 years and now with GOATS! If generations count, both Jesse and my great grandparents traveled by wagon train to Colorado! I've written about old mining sites and brothels and located several…
From $50
/ person
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Responsible interactions
All hosts must follow guidelines created with World Animal Protection.
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Where you'll be
We hike the old Arkansas Mountain mining trail 20 minutes west of Boulder. Starting at an 1860's Crane ranch, a little history, then we hit the trail with goats. Stops along the way reveal the lives of the '59ers; mines, school, tunnels and more. This is an exceptional opportunity to walk western history on sites unknown to the general public. Retracing their steps & telling their stories awakens a sense of being there.
Valerie and the goats were so fantastic! We had an awesome time hearing about the history of the area and being accompanied by wonderfully pleasant and people-friendly four-legged pals, including the four goats and a cattle dog! The hike was not intense but had some off-road moments of incline -- it goes for about 3.5 miles. Fantastic experience, would recommend to anyone!! Valerie was a great story teller and a source of tons of knowledge about the area.
Valerie and the goats were so fantastic! We had an awesome time hearing about the history of the area and being accompanied by wonderfully pleasant and people-friendly four-legged…
This is one of those... once in a lifetime experiences. It was really fun and wonderful to meet Valerie and her four lovely goats (Polka, Coco, Polly, and Mimi!). We also had show up once in awhile Special Agent Gibson (an awesome dog!). The wife and I enjoyed every minute of this adventure. I want everyone who visits Colorado to do themselves a favor and experience this amazing activity!
This is one of those... once in a lifetime experiences. It was really fun and wonderful to meet Valerie and her four lovely goats (Polka, Coco, Polly, and Mimi!). We also had sho…
WOW. We live in Longmont 45 minutes away but were pretending we were on a Boulder vacation for the weekend. This was the star of the weekend. Valerie, Gibsy, and the goat girls were fantastic! The goldmining history was amazing! I will be recommending all of my local and visiting pals to come!
WOW. We live in Longmont 45 minutes away but were pretending we were on a Boulder vacation for the weekend. This was the star of the weekend. Valerie, Gibsy, and the goat girls wer…
This was such a great experience! I was looking for something “different” to do in Boulder with my 18 yr old son while on college visits & this was perfect!!! Valerie was an awesome host/guide and the goats were great! What a fun way to get exercise & enjoy the beauty of the mountains. My son & I are so glad we decided to do this! I highly recommend this experience!
This was such a great experience! I was looking for something “different” to do in Boulder with my 18 yr old son while on college visits & this was perfect!!! Valerie was an awesom…
Book this experience now - it was the best guided hiking tour I've ever been on. Valerie, the goats, and the beautiful scenery made this a magical experience. Thank you so much for having us and sharing your piece of heaven! You can't go wrong with this experience!
Book this experience now - it was the best guided hiking tour I've ever been on. Valerie, the goats, and the beautiful scenery made this a magical experience. Thank you so much for…
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Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 6 guests ages 4 and up can attend.
What to bring
HAT, CHAPSTICK, HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS REMEDY (Chlor oxygen by Herbs, Etc.), SUNSCREEN,
BINOCULARS, CAMERA, LIGHT BACKPACK, HIKING BOOTS (WINTER) OR TENNIS SHOES,
BINOCULARS, CAMERA, LIGHT BACKPACK, HIKING BOOTS (WINTER) OR TENNIS SHOES,