Ute Trail River Ranch

To Everything There Is A Season....

SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME...FLY FISHING on the Tarryall River can be exceptional this time of year (of course, this all depends on the whims of Mother Nature!). The varied terrain and natural meanderings of the river offer something for every kind of fly fisher. Slow pools at the bends, rushing water and riffles below the dams. Some days it can be nymph fishing at its finest, and, on other days, the Tarryall River proves that it is a dry fly fisher's paradise. HIKING up the Ute Creek Trail into the Lost Creek Wilderness can be breathtaking, both because of the natural beauty you are privileged to enjoy and because you are climbing up a 15-20% grade on much of the trail. Starting at 9,000' from Ute Trail River Ranch you hike to 12,400'+ at the summit of Bison Peak, all within a 5-mile stretch. The views are spectacular and well worth the effort. Take plenty of water and snacks along the way. Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly, so go prepared for rain or snow and for getting down the trail in a hurry. The Tarryall Valley is host to a vast variety of birds. A few tough it out here year-round while many stop by just for the summer or en route to other havens. The area is renowned as an important migratory valley in the spring and fall. So, get out those binoculars and enjoy! Watching the dozens upon dozens of HUMMINGBIRDS that summer here at Ute Trail River Ranch can almost wear you out! Arriving in early May, they make the Ranch their home until Labor Day when they begin their long flight back to Costa Rica and Mexico. They put on a dazzling show as they buzz in and out of pine trees and land on the feeders which are kept well-filled with nectar just for them. Additional birdlife sightings in the valley include: Red-headed Woodpecker, Lewis's Woodpecker, Red Naped Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red Shafted Flicker, Red Winged Blackbird, Steller's Jay, Tree Swallow, Raven, Broad Tailed Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Black Chinned Hummingbird, Darkeyed Junco, Mountain Chickadee, Mourning Dove, American Robin, House Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird, Whitebreasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Wood PeeWee, Green Tailed Towhee, Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Cooper's Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Yellow Billed Magpie, Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, Western Tanager, Belted Kingfisher, Warbling Vireo, Brewer's Blackbird, Blue Grouse, American Goldfinch, Black Throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Solitaire, Black Throated Sparrow, Northern Waterthrush, American Dipper, Canada Goose, Spotted Sandpiper, Mallard Duck, Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican, Great White Heron, Gadwalls, Black-billed Magpie, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, White Crowned Sparrow, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Rosy Finch, Canyon Wren, Northern Parula.....just to name a few! What to bring in Summer: Sunscreen, BUG REPELLANT, Binoculars, Camera, Light Clothing that can be comfortably layered, Waterproof jacket or poncho, Fishing Gear, Hiking Boots, Extra Socks!

AUTUMN, FALL, whichever you choose to call it. . . Indian Summer days filled with brilliant amber sunshine and crisp, chilly nights. Aspen trees in every hue of gold, red and orange whose falling leaves make a soft, fragrant crunch under every footstep. Perfect weather for sleeping in until the mid-morning warm up. Then, anglers can spend the day searching out warm pockets of gin-clear mountain streams and cast a line with a delicately presented dry fly. Conditions may be a little more challenging this time of year, but the results can be fantastic! Hiking is magnificent this time of year. Much of the time it will be only you and perhaps some wildlife on the trails. Just don't forget your camera for the numerous photo ops around every bend. At day's end, snuggle into your cabin under warm flannel sheets and cozy wool blankets & down comforters. What to bring for Autumn: Clothing that can be layered (tee-shirt under a long-sleeved sweater under a light jacket), shorts and long pants, warm socks, hiking boots, fishing gear, sunscreen, chapstick.

Old Man Winter ushers in bright, sun-filled days and clear, star-filled nights just perfect for snuggling inside a cozy mountain cabin. This time of year, only the Bear Dance & Tabeguache cabins and the Summerset suite are open. Each offers luxurious accommodations with beds outfitted with soft flannel sheets, warm wool blankets and down-filled comforters to ward off winter's chill. Ice-skating and hiking on the frozen river are a treat this time of year. Wildlife use the frozen river as their private highway and leave behind very artful tracks that are fun to identify. Hiking trails into the Lost Creek Wilderness are accessible most of the winter, too. When fresh snow falls there are ample opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trails and river. Mother Nature dictates when/if these conditions are available, so call first before bringing all your gear. After enjoying some outdoor fun, treat yourself to a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine then curl up with a good book or deal up a fun game of cards! What to pack for Winter: Boots, warm socks, insulated underwear, sweaters to layer over turtle necks, hats, gloves, wind-proof jacket or coat, sunscreen, chapstick.

SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES...bringing the promise of good things to come. The river breaks free of its icy bondage and gurgles to life. FLY FISHING can be at its prime when the ice is first off the river (sometimes as early as late March, but most often mid-April) and the trout emerge from their winter havens. Ice shelves bordering the river banks make good hiding spots for the fish. Still, they can usually be tempted by early hatches of midges and stone flies. As the days grow longer and warmer, you may catch sightings of the Tarryall Big Horn Sheep herd as they migrate up and down the valley. Their deliberate antics on the steep, rocky slopes can be heart-stopping to observe, but they do it for fun! What to bring in Spring: Spring is often times quite cold with late snow storms. Pack much as you would for winter conditions and maybe add a light jacket and a pair of shorts for those days that warm up.