Flat Tops Wilderness Guides

Fishing at Flat Tops Wilderness

Flat Tops Wilderness Guides operates horseback-based fishing trips into 240,000 acres of designated roadless wilderness from a private property base camp. All fishing accesses pristine alpine lakes and streams via 50 miles of horse trails leading to 13 wilderness camps.

The Fishery

• Alpine lakes
• Mountain streams
• 240,000 acres of roadless wilderness
• 13 wilderness camps
• 50 miles of horse trails

Target Species

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Primary catch on horseback day trips.

• Habitat: Alpine lakes and streams
• Season: Summer through early fall

Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Primary catch on horseback day trips.

• Habitat: Alpine lakes and streams
• Season: Summer through early fall

Trip Options:

Day Horseback Fishing Trips

• Operated from ranch and pack station
• Ride through beautiful country to pristine lakes and alpine streams
• 2-hour ride to fishing location
• 4-6 hours fishing
• Hot shore lunch
• 4-5 hours total riding
• Return by dark
• Minimum 2 anglers
• $325 per angler

3-Day Lodge-Based Fishing

• Customized to your preferences
• Fish wilderness via horseback all 3 days OR mix in a day of 4×4-based fishing
• Three meals each day
• Riding horses and/or 4×4 transportation
• 3,500-square-foot log lodge accommodations
• Dedicated guide per 2-4 guests
• Minimum 2 anglers
• $1,845 per angler

5-Day Wilderness Fish Camp

• True backcountry adventure
• 4-6 guests per trip
• Experienced backcountry crew of three staff members
• Groups of 4+ can book exclusive
• Canvas tent camping
• Fantastic food prepared by guides
• Incredible peace of sleeping in nature
• Minimum 4 anglers
• $4,750 per angler

Flat Tops Wilderness Guides

Based on private property at the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness with multiple accommodation options depending on trip type.

The Private Lodge (3-Day Lodge Trips)
3,500-square-foot log construction with high-end finishes:

• Sleeps up to 8 people
• Large master bedroom
• Two sleeping lofts
• Two guest bedrooms with log bunk beds (full-size bottom bunks)
• Three bathrooms
• High-end kitchen
• Large great room
• Wrap-around deck
• Exclusive use: Entire facility rented to one group at a time; you'll be the only guests

Backcountry Canvas Tents (5-Day Wilderness Camp)

• Comfortable canvas tents
• Fully protected from elements
• Sleeping in nature
• Fantastic food prepared by guides

Base Camp Facilities

• 3,000-square-foot pack station
• Can saddle and pack 30 mules at a time
• Operates under any weather conditions
• Staff almost always present with ready stock
• Emergency vehicle access maintained

Nearby Lodging Options (Day Trips)
Eagle, Colorado (45 minutes from ranch):

• Quality Inn and Suites
• Best Western Plus
• Eagle River Lodge
• Hawthorn Suites
• Multiple restaurants

Travel to Flat Tops Wilderness Guides

Location
5097 Sweetwater Road, Gypsum, CO

Critical: Do NOT rely on GPS or smartphone addresses. Most devices incorrectly show location just a couple miles from Colorado River Road. You are at the very end of Sweetwater Road.

Nearest Towns

• Dotsero (at Highway 70 turnoff)
• Gypsum (first town to the East)
• Glenwood Springs (closest town to the West)

Driving Directions from Highway 70:

1. Exit 133
Head North on Colorado River Road for 6.9 miles

2. Turn Left on Sweetwater Road
Follow signs to Flat Tops Wilderness Guides and FT Guides

3. Follow Sweetwater Road for 10 miles from Colorado River Road turnoff

• Part grated gravel, part asphalt
• Headed northwest

4. At 10-mile mark: Sweetwater Resort

• Right before entering resort, take a HARD RIGHT

5. Follow road for 1.7 miles:

• Pass several small cabins (stay to your right, continue past them)
• After second set of cabins, you'll see "4×4 only" warnings (road is plowed, two-wheel drive vehicles should be fine)
• Pass large log home on your right
• Go over creek
• 50 feet past creek: See our sign on left on pipe archway

6. Stay to your left
Continue down to pack station (large metal barn and bunkhouse)

Note: We are just 1.7 miles past the lake

Sample Itineraries

DAY HORSEBACK FISHING TRIP

• 7:00-8:00am arrival at ranch
• Coffee and pastry breakfast
• Saddle up and depart
• 2-hour horseback ride to fishing location through beautiful wilderness
• Arrive at pristine alpine lake or stream
• Morning fishing session
• Hot shore lunch
• Afternoon fishing session
• 2-hour horseback ride back to ranch
• 4:30-5:00pm return (before dark)

Total: 4-6 hours fishing, 4-5 hours riding

3-DAY LODGE-BASED FISHING

Day 1:

• Arrival at ranch
• Settle into private log lodge
• Trip planning and customization
• Dinner
• Rig rods and prepare gear

Days 2-3:

• Breakfast at lodge
• Depart for fishing (horseback OR 4×4 based—your choice)
• Full day fishing alpine lakes and streams
• Packed lunch or return to lodge
• Continue fishing
• Return to lodge
• Dinner
• Relax on wrap-around deck

Day 4:

• Breakfast
• Optional morning fishing
• Departure

5-DAY WILDERNESS FISH CAMP

Day 1:

• 7:00am arrival at ranch
• Pack up gear and supplies
• Horseback ride into wilderness
• Arrive at camp location
• Set up canvas tents
• Afternoon fishing
• Dinner prepared by guides
• First night sleeping in nature

Days 2-4:

• Breakfast at camp
• Full day fishing pristine alpine waters
• Explore different lakes and streams via horseback
• Packed lunch on the water
• Continue fishing
• Return to camp
• Dinner prepared by guides

Day 5:

• Final morning fishing
• Break camp
• Horseback ride back to ranch
• Late afternoon return

Package Rates

2024 Rates:

Day Horseback Fishing Trip:

• $325 per angler
• Minimum 2 anglers

4 Nights / 3 Days Lodge-Based Fishing:

• $1,845 per angler
• Minimum 2 anglers

5-Day Wilderness Fish Camp:

• $4,750 per angler
• Minimum 4 anglers
• Groups of 4+ can book exclusive

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and dates

What's Included:

• Guide and staff
• All meals
• Drinks (non-alcoholic)
• Basic fly fishing gear
• Horseback transportation to fishing locations
• Lodge trips: Exclusive use of private 3,500 sq ft log lodge
• Wilderness camp: Canvas tent accommodations, backcountry crew

Not Included:

• Travel to Gypsum, Colorado
• Colorado fishing license
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal gear preferences
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Reservation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus any applicable taxes due

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement provided
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or travel issues

Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions contact:Jessica Minard | 617.210.8106 | jminard@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Colorado Experts

Ready to experience Colorado backcountry fishing in the Flat Tops Wilderness? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about trip options, travel logistics, and what to expect on horseback wilderness adventures.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive Colorado high-country experience. He can provide detailed insights on alpine fishing tactics, trip selection, and preparation for backcountry adventures.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Flat Tops adventure is handled seamlessly from booking through travel to Gypsum to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Trip selection (day trips vs. lodge vs. wilderness camp)
• Alpine fly selection for brook trout and cutthroats
• Tackle recommendations for high-country fishing
• Travel logistics and directions to ranch
• What to expect on horseback wilderness trips
• Packing for backcountry camping vs. lodge stays
• Group coordination and trip customization
• Pre-trip preparation consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see Colorado high-country gear and talk with our team about your Flat Tops Wilderness adventure.

What to Bring to Flat Tops Wilderness

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 4-5 weight rod for alpine lakes and streams
• Floating line
• Spare spool with sinking or sink-tip line

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-foot leaders (4X-6X)
• Fluorocarbon tippet spools

Flies:

• Dry flies (Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, PMD, BWO)
• Nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince)
• Small streamers (Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows)

Note: Basic fly fishing gear provided, but bring your preferences

Clothing for Colorado Mountains

Layers (Essential for altitude):

• Base layers (synthetic or merino wool)
• Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
• Rain jacket (waterproof, breathable)
• Rain pants

Fishing Clothing:

• Long-sleeve sun shirt
• Fishing pants or convertible pants
• Warm hat and gloves (mornings/evenings can be cold)
• Sun hat or cap
• Buff or neck gaiter

Footwear:

• Wading boots (if bringing own)
• Comfortable boots for horseback riding
• Camp shoes or sandals

Sun Protection:

• Polarized sunglasses (essential)
• Sunglasses retainer
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF

Horseback & Camping Gear

For All Trips:

• Daypack for fishing gear
• Water bottle
• Snacks

For Wilderness Camp:

• Sleeping bag (rated for mountain temperatures)
• Sleeping pad
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Personal toiletries
• Towel
• Medications

Personal Items

Documents:

• Colorado fishing license
• Photo ID
• Cash for gratuities

Medications & First Aid:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid items
• Any altitude sickness prevention (consult doctor)