Ute Trail River Ranch

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ ~ HIKING, BIRDING, STAR-GAZING 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 comes with a "difficult" rating by the USFS which is due to the fact that the trail takes you up to 12,400' in a brief 4.5 mile trek,  most of which is at a steady 15% - 20% grade.  The trail offers breathtaking views of South Park and surrounding mountain ranges the higher up you hike. Once on the plateau and further up to the summit of Bison, you can enjoy a full 360 degree view that is awe-inspiring. Wildlife sightings (elk, deer, big horn sheep, red tail hawks, golden eagles, bald 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 has many special areas from which to observe different varieties of birds as they transit 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.  Up at this elevation, we can still see the Milky Way !!  Wintertime brings opportunities for ice skating on the frozen river, cross-country skiing on freshly fallen snow, sledding down rolling hills and snowshoeing up the hiking trails. You can find something to do at Ute Trail River Ranch the whole year through!
Some days, hiking and fishing might just seem like too much effort during your stay at Ute Trail River Ranch. On those days we invite you to simply pull up a chair, sit back and relax to the sights and sounds of a tranquil mountain valley. However, if you'd like to go on other outings, the South Park region offers many activities such as nearby horseback riding; river rafting on the Arkansas River; self-guided historic tours; historic museums; the Fossil Beds; picking fresh, heirloom produce to enjoy with supper at Tarryall Mountain Farms; soaking in the region's hot springs; gambling in Cripple Creek; or, downhill skiing or snowboarding at Monarch or Breckenridge. For those inclined towards more serious guided outdoor adventures, we can put you in touch with local fly fishing, rock climbing, alpine climbing and mountain biking guides. You can do as much or as little as you like at Ute Trail River Ranch.
The bridge to new adventures!	"The best reason to take your time is that this time is the only time you'll ever have. You must take it, or it will be taken from you... A person must learn how to do what matters most first." ~ Edward M. Hallowell, MD ~
	The Tradin' Post, our fly and gift shop, carries everything for the angler including locally hand-tied flies; fly rods from St. Croix, Eagle Claw and Hexagraph (available for demo use by our guests); Colorado fishing licenses; snacks and drinks; grocery items; clothing; and, a unique line of local gift items from various Colorado crafters.