Multiple Trip Options From $325day trips to $4,750camps
Private Property Base Edge of 240,000-acre wilderness
Brook Trout & Cutthroats Alpine lakes and streams
Summer–Early Fall Season Alpine fishing in Colorado high country
About Flat Tops Wilderness Guides

About Flat Tops Wilderness Guides

Unlike most outfitters in Colorado, our base camp operates on private property at the edge of over 240,000 acres of designated roadless wilderness. We invest heavily in our facilities to accommodate guests, including a 3,000-square-foot pack station where we can saddle and pack 30 mules at a time under any weather conditions. Staff is almost always 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 trout territory. We offer day horseback fishing trips, multi-day lodge-based adventures, and 5-day wilderness fish camps for anglers wanting a true backcountry experience targeting brook trout and cutthroats in pristine alpine waters.

Booking With Front Range Anglers

No Extra Cost

When you book with Front Range Anglers Adventure Travel, you never pay more. We work for you and Flat Tops Wilderness Guides, ensuring the best experience at the best value.

Concierge Services

Our Adventure Travel team coordinates every detail: trip selection, travel to Gypsum, gear prep, and logistics. We connect you with Flat Tops Wilderness Guides and ensure you're fully prepared.

Expert Guidance & Resources

With 40+ years of fly fishing expertise, we'll advise on flies, tackle, and Colorado high-country tactics. Our team can answer all your questions about backcountry fishing in the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Trip Details

Trip Highlights

  • 240,000 acres of designated roadless wilderness accessed from private property base camp
  • Three trip options: Day horseback trips ($325), 3-day lodge adventures ($1,845), or 5-day wilderness camps ($4,750)
  • 50 miles of horse trails leading to 13 wilderness camps in prime trout territory
  • Pristine alpine lakes and streams for brook trout and cutthroat fishing
  • 3,000-square-foot pack station capable of saddling and packing 30 mules under any weather conditions
  • Private lodge option: 3,500-square-foot log lodge (sleeps 8) rented exclusively to one group; ultimate private retreat
  • Professional backcountry crew with experienced guides and staff

Emergency access maintained despite remote location; emergency vehicles can always reach base camp

About the Fishing

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

Lodging

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

Getting There

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

Itinerary

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

Rates & Terms

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

Speak to a Guide

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.

Packing & Gear List

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)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still need help?

Contact us
Day trips ($325) include 2-hour horseback ride, 4-6 hours fishing, hot shore lunch, and return same day. 3-day lodge trips ($1,845) offer exclusive use of our 3,500 sq ft private log lodge with customized fishing (horseback or 4×4). 5-day wilderness camps ($4,750) are true backcountry adventures with canvas tent camping, backcountry crew, and immersive wilderness experience.
No previous horseback experience required. Our horses are well-trained for mountain terrain and our staff provides instruction. Rides are 2-4 hours each direction depending on trip type, traveling through beautiful wilderness to reach fishing locations
You'll fish pristine alpine lakes and streams for brook trout and cutthroat trout in 240,000 acres of designated roadless wilderness. The fishing accesses 13 different wilderness camps via 50 miles of horse trails, ensuring you'll never fish the same water twice.
Yes. The 3,500-square-foot log lodge is rented exclusively to one group at a time—you'll be the only guests. This makes it the ultimate private retreat for groups of up to 8 people with complete privacy and customization.
We operate on private property at the edge of 240,000 acres of roadless wilderness—as remote or more remote than other Colorado outfitters. However, unlike public land camps, emergency vehicles and help can always reach our base camp, providing safety while maintaining wilderness experience.

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Flat Tops Wilderness Guides

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