Sitting at 8,900 ft., Ute Trail River Ranch is surrounded by the Pike National
Forest
at the
western edge of the Lost Creek Wilderness. The
red crags and forests of the spectacular Tarryall Mountains provide an awe-inspiring setting for the Ranch with unmatched
mountain views.
The Ranch offers excellent outdoor
opportunities from outstanding fly fishing just
steps away from
your cabin door to invigorating hiking
on the Ranch's own 70+ acres and on
up into the exceptional Lost Creek Wilderness.
~ Private fly fishing access on nearly
two miles of pristine, alpine waters of the
winding Tarryall River is available to cabin guests for a small additional fee.
The number of anglers is restricted in
order to provide an exceptional
fly fishing experience for everyone.
Angling access is not included in your lodging reservation.
Please call us (719.748.3015) for details on river access prices and availability.
Anglers have two options
when choosing where to fish on the Ranch.
Option # 1 is the "Cross Hill" section that starts at our footbridge
and meanders
upstream
for 1 full mile to the Ranch's boundary fence.
This section is quite diverse and offers a little bit of everything: fast riffles below
the waters cascading
through the beaver dam;
slow,
deep pools behind the dam; deeper undercut banks upstream;
and, shallow water rolling over gravel bars.
Option # 2 is the "Ute
Creek" section which offers just short of one mile of
meandering cobbled stream punctuated by riffles with pocket water,
deep pools through a small canyon and another
substantial beaver dam before
reaching the livestock bridge
at the Ranch's lower property boundary.
Angling on the Ranch's private water is exclusively Fly Fishing (with fly rods & reels)
and is strictly Catch & Release. We encourage the use of barbless hooks as well.
If you
do not have fly fishing gear, we offer fine gear (fly rods, reels and hip boots)
for rent and use on our property for a modest daily fee. ~
~ If hiking is part of your agenda, the Ranch
offers over 2 miles of private
trails through its 70+ acres. USFS Trail #629 (aka Ute Creek Trail) is easily
accessed directly from the Ranch and takes hikers
into the Lost Creek Wilderness on uncrowded, forested trails.
The Ute Creek Trail to Bison Peak takes you up to 12,400' offering
breathtaking
views
of South Park and surrounding mountain ranges from on high.
Wildlife encounters (elk, deer, big horn sheep, red tail hawks, eagles, great
horned owls, coyotes, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats,
etc.)
are not
uncommon, so be sure to take your camera.
~
~ Birders are discovering that the Tarryall River Valley is a migratory mecca
for many birds species. The list of sightings grows each year.
Ute Trail River Ranch is in a
perfect location
from
which to observe many different varieties as they move through the region. ~
~ Throughout the summer, the Ranch is home to literally dozens upon
dozens
of hummingbirds
(including broadtails, black-chinned, calliopes
& rufous).
Annually,
we exceed 200+ lbs. of sugar used to make the nectar to feed all these
summertime residents. It is almost a full-time job keeping the feeders
filled! ~
~
Star-gazers gather at Ute Trail River Ranch and the surrounding area to experience
dark night skies
overflowing with stars, planets and meteor showers.
We can still see the Milky Way up here!!
~
~ Wintertime brings ice skating on the frozen river, cross-country skiing on freshly
fallen
snow, sledding down rolling hills and snowshoeing up the hiking trails. ~
~ The crackle of a campfire warms the
heart and soul on cool evenings and
provides a great place to share fish tales
and other experiences! ~
