Colorado Mountain Activities

You came to the Ute Lodge to get away from it all, but now that you’ve had a good night’s rest, it’s time to get out there and play in the woods. Hiking and Horses and Trout, oh my… what to do first!

Hiking

Hiking in our area of the White River National Forest in the summer is a dream. There are few people, loads of flowers and did we mention the berries? There are many nearby trailheads. You could explore for weeks and never do the same hike twice. Borrow one of our hiking trail books or just walk out your cabin door.

The Papoose Creek Trail Head is literally located right at our place and the Ute Creek Trail Head is just over a 1/4 of a mile away.

Horse Corrals & Horseback Riding

Bringing your own horse? Ute Lodge has corrals for you to keep your own horses – $15/night/horse

Care to see our mountains from the back of a horse? We work with Welder Ranch and Outfitting Services who offer trail rides, fishing trail rides, and overnight trips. These horses are gentle and mountain savvy. They know where to step on our mountain trails and provide a safe, enjoyable way to see the splendor of the Flat Tops. Contact Welder Outfitting directly to book your trail rides.

Just looking for a hand-led pony ride for the youngest riders? We’ve got you covered (no charge).

Fishing

Whether you like to sit by our lake and watch our horses graze nearby when you should be watching your bobber, or you’re angling your rod under a willow to present a dry fly in a tiny patch of clear water (where a monster cutthroat awaits), we’ve got it.

Our private stocked pond is full of rainbows, brooks and cutthroats, and a few lunker browns that get caught every year. If you are patient, you may see or even catch the monster grass carp that patrol the lake.

There are hundreds of miles of public streams as well as lakes in close proximity that offer fishing adventure for all abilities.

There are public waters along the nearby White River (Rio Blanco) and we also have access to a small stretch of private water on the White River.

Caving

The Spring Cave is truly a unique experience. The spectacular scenery from the South Fork alone is worth the trip. Stalagmites and stalactites, cavernous rooms and a crystal clear underground river greet the adventurous spelunker.

The Spring Cave is not for the faint of heart. It is a mile hike to the mouth of the cave. It is cold, dark and damp. It has tight squeezes, ropes and ladder descents and slick surfaces but this self guided caving experience is one of a kind.

Registration is required. Please click here to access the Spring Cave permits and regulations information from the US Forest Service.

ATV Trails

We are located at a main access point to the newly developed Wagon Wheel OHV Trails – welcome to ATV heaven. The Wagon Wheel Trail accommodates motorcycles, mountain biking, 4-wheelers and side-by-sides.

With hundreds of miles of trails to discover and explore, you’d better ask for more vacation time.

Kids

We often hear that it is the kids who beg to return to the Ute Lodge. Whether it is the independent feeling they get when they venture to the play ground by themselves (view-able from most cabins), or the fishing in our stocked lake (where our horses are likely to come by and say hello), or the evening campfires with s’mores or the trips to the barnyard to give out scraps to our pigs, turkeys or chickens — KIDS LOVE THE UTE LODGE.

Paddle Boarding - SUP

We have two paddle boards waiting for you. Please check out a paddle from the office and wear a life jacket. If you plan to bring your own board – you won’t want to miss a paddle on Trapper’s Lake (30 miles upriver) or Lake Avery (15 miles downriver).

Campfires

Who can resist the mesmerizing campfire – the s’mores – the happy chap with the guitar – or the twinkling stars above? It is all part of the Colorado outdoor experience.