We Own Our Base Camp. We Live Here All Year
Unlike most outfitters in Colorado, our base camp is operated on private property on the edge of over 240,000 acres of designated road-less wilderness. We invest heavily in our facilities to accommodate our guests. We have a 3,000 square ft. pack station where we can saddle and pack 30 mules at a time, under any weather conditions. There is almost always staff at our facility with ready stock. Although we are as remote or more remote than other outfitters’ public land or leased base camps, emergency vehicles and help can always reach our base camp. There are 50 miles of horse trails and 13 wilderness camps in prime Elk, Mule Deer, and Trout territory.
INFORMATION
The Fishing
Day fishing option: All of our day trips are horseback based fishing trips. Horseback fishing trips are operated out of our ranch and pack-station into the Flat Tops Wilderness. On these trips, fishermen should expect to
ride a minimum of 1.5 hrs each way. These rides take you through beautiful country to pristine lakes and alpine streams. The primary catch on our horseback day trips is brook trout and cutthroats.
**We fish both Sweetwater and Turret creeks in addition to some small lakes on our day trips and single overnights at the lodge.**
Clients show up relatively early 7-8 am have a coffee/pastry breakfast. Ride up to 2 hours to a fishing location. We have a hot shore lunch and head back after a little more fishing. We usually end up fishing for 4-6 hours (I will stay out longer if folks want as long as I get them back before dark) and around 4-5 hours of riding.
5 Day Wilderness Fishing Camp by Horseback: Our five day wilderness camp trips are for anglers wanting a true adventure. Our horseback summer camp is in one of the most remote locations in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and correspondingly most remote locations in the 48 States! There will be 4-6 guests on these trips, guided by an experienced backcountry crew of three staff members. Groups of 4 or more can book these trips exclusive to their group. Guests should plan for a 7AM Arrival at the Ranch on day one. Late afternoon return on the fifth day.
Sample Wilderness Camp by Horseback Itinerary:
Day 1: Ride into Headwater’s Camp. Guests can fish that evening in headwaters of White River while staff prepares camp.
Day 2: Ride and fish 1st alpine lake
Day 3: Ride and fish 2nd alpine lake
Day 4: Hiking day – small stream fishing and closer alpine lakes
Day 5: Ride back to Ranch
3 day 4-night lodge fishing: All 3-day wilderness lodge trips are customized to your preferences. Some guests choose to fish the wilderness area via horseback all 3 days, while other guests choose to mix in a day of 4×4 based fishing. These 3-day adventure trips include three meals each day, riding horses, 4×4 transportation, luxury lodge accommodations, and a dedicated guide per 2-4 guests. $1,845/person minimum of two
people. Arrival after 4 PM night before. Checkout 6 PM on the third day.
**On the multi day camp trips we fish the South Derby Creeks and surrounding lakes**
Accommodation
The lodge is 3,500 sq. ft. and can sleep up to 8 people. It is 100% log construction with high-end finishes. There is a large master bedroom, two sleeping lofts, a large great room, and two guest bedrooms with log bunk-beds with full-size bottom bunks. The lodge has three bathrooms, a high-end kitchen, and wrap around deck.
We rent out the entire facility to one group at a time. You will be the only guests in the lodge. It is the ultimate in private retreats.
If you are planning on a day fishing trip, you can request to stay at the lodge the night before your trip. This option is subject to availability, please contact our Adventure Travel Team for more details.
Other Options:
You can choose to stay the night in Eagle, Colorado. Which is about 45 minutes from the lodge. There are many hotels and restaurants to choose from in Eagle, including but not limited to:
Quality Inn and Suites
Best Western Plus
Eagle River Lodge
Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham
Travel Details
Our address is 5097 Sweetwater Rd, Gypsum CO, but do not rely on plugging our address into your GPS or smartphone. We are at the very end of Sweetwater Rd. while most these devices claim we are just a
couple miles from Colorado River Rd. At the Highway 70 turn off there is the small town of Dotsero on Hwy 70. To the East, the first town is Gypsum. To the West, the closest town is Glenwood Springs.
Take Exit 133. Head North on Colorado River Rd. for 6.9 miles
Take a left on Sweetwater Rd. Follow the signs to Flat Tops Wilderness Guides and FT Guides. We are
just 1.7 miles past the lake.
Follow Sweetwater Rd. for 10 miles from the Colorado River Rd turnoff. Part of the road is grated gravel
and part is asphalt. You will be headed northwest.
At the 10 miles mark you will arrive at Sweetwater Resort. Right before entering the resort, take a hard
right.
Follow the road for 1.7 miles. You will pass several small cabins, stay to your right and continue past
them. After the second set of cabins, you will see 4×4 only warnings. We do our best to keep the road
plowed and you should be fine even in a two-wheel drive vehicle. You will pass a large log home on your
right and go over a creek. Fifty feet past the creek you will see our sign on the left on a pipe archway.
Stay to your left and continue down to our pack station (a large metal barn and bunkhouse).
Terms and Cost
Fishing Package Pricing:
Day fishing option: $325 per person minimum of two. $400 for one angler.
*Price includes All day trips include riding horses, a basic coffee/pastry breakfast, campfire cooked lunch and a dedicated guide per 2-4 guests.
4 day Wilderness Fishing Camp by 4X4: Base Price $1,900 per person minimum of two people.
*Price includes guide, three meals a day, drinks (excluding alcohol), and all fly-fishing gear. Price does not include fishing license or guide tip (typically 10-20%). Please purchase a license before arrival.
5 Day Wilderness Fishing Camp by Horseback: Base Price $4,750 per person, with a 4 person minimum.
Available Trip Dates: Please reach to our Adventure Travel Team
*Price includes guide/staff, meals, drinks (excludes alcohol), and basic fly fishing gear. Price does not include fishing license or guide tip (typically 10-20%). Please purchase license before arrival.
3 day 4-night lodge fishing: Base Price $1,845 per person with a 2 person minimum.
**Each additional night is $600 per guest**
*Price includes guide, meals described in the service description, drinks, and all fly fishing gear. Price does not include fishing license or guide tip (typically 10-20%). Please purchase a license before arrival.
Additional Pricing:
Lodging Cost Per Night (1 Day Prior/After Fishing Day Trip):
o $150/person/night – Rate includes dinner and breakfast at lodge.
Basic Lodge Rental:
o $500 per night, outside of holiday; Holiday Weekends $650 per night
o 4 Night Minimum. 8 Person Max
o Internet
o Full-time maintenance staff available
o Staff available to setup additional activities for your group
o 2:30PM Checkin, 11AM Checkout
o An additional security/damage deposit of $700 will be held
o All guided activities are booked separate from the lodge and will cost additional
All-Inclusive Package:
o The lodge will be stocked with breakfast groceries. All other meals will be prepped and provided by
our staff.
o Guided Fishing, Horseback Riding, and Overnight Camping in the Wilderness is included. See the
below sample itineraries.
o Dedicated staff to your group.
o It is not unusual for fishing focused groups to catch over 100 fish per person, over the duration of
their stay.
Pricing:
o The all-inclusive package explained above is $8,000 for up to 4 guests. Additional guests, up to 4,
are $1,700 each. 4-night stay package.
o Guests can choose to swap out one day of the itinerary for white water rafting (add $100 per guest) or a
float fishing trip (add $300 per guest)
o An additional security/damage deposit of $700 will be held.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
At the time of booking 50% of the trip is due and payable. At 90 days the remainder plus all
VAT and taxes are due. Cancellation greater than 90 days from the date of trip, all monies
refunded less $100 fee if a replacement angler is found. Cancellation within 90 Days, no refunds
are provided unless a qualified replacement angler is provided. No refunds are provided for trip
cancellation due to Weather, Acts of God, Airline/Travel issues.
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Jessica Minard at 617.210.8106 (direct) or email [email protected].
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
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