Get Ready RiverTaylorforLodge
SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE
Let’s Get Planning
Eleven’s Experience Team is here to help you design the perfect adventure. This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to meeting you at Taylor River Lodge, but until then, let’s start making some plans.
Getting Here
FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
For visitors, entry requirements differ slightly depending on place of birth, length of stay, and what items accompany the traveler. All persons entering The United States must travel with a passport that is six months or more from expiration, a return or onward journey ticket, and proof of funds to support the traveler during their visit.
BY PLANE:
The closest airport to Taylor River Lodge is the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), which is about 30 minutes away. Due to its small size, flights are limited. The closest private airport is also in Gunnison (KGUC).
If you’d like to book a transfer from the airport to the lodge, please speak with your Experience Planner. Airport transfers are subject to availability and additional pricing. Renting a car at the airport is also a good option, especially if you’d like to explore the area beyond your Eleven itinerary.
BY CAR:
Taylor River Lodge is located at 10931 Co Rd 742, Almont, Colorado 81210.
Driving routes are heavily impacted by conditions and seasonal closures, so please discuss your options with your Experience Team who will help you navigate the best route.
From Denver: 4.5 hours in summer
In the summertime, Cottonwood Pass (CR 306) provides a more direct route
From Aspen: 3 hours in summer
In the summertime, Kebler Pass (CR 12) provides a more direct route
Adventures
Explore our guided adventures in the Rockies.
Adventures
HIKING
Explore world-class hiking trails with our seasoned guides. Whether you want to scout for wildlife in meadows blanketed in wildflowers, ascend through aspen forests, or traverse a steep alpine ridge, all levels are welcome.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Considered the birthplace of mountain biking, the Gunnison Valley is home to an impressive variety of single track and has been drawing never-evers and diehards for decades. Head out with our expert guides for an epic ride tailored to your level.
RAFTING
With plenty of variety, highly trained guides, and gorgeous scenery at every turn, rafting is a must. The family-friendly Gunnison River has countless options for newer paddlers, while the Taylor River has quicker-moving rapids for those seeking a thrill.
GUIDES RIDGE MOUNTAINEERING
A local favorite, the Guides Ridge ascent is a ropesupported climb that follows an 800-foot ridge to Mount Crested Butte’s 12,162-foot summit. A stellar introduction to technical alpine ascents, this popular climb is suitable for adventurous families and seasoned climbers alike.
ROCK CLIMBING
From top roping local crags to navigating advanced routes, the rock climbing in the Gunnison Valley is expansive and our local guides know all the best spots. No matter your experience level, you’ll get your fill of climbing in a safe yet exciting setting.
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
From high-alpine lakes to large reservoirs, the valley offers a range of beautiful SUPing destinations. Our guides will personalize your adventure and give you insider tips to improve your balancing technique and get the most out of your time on the water.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Let experienced wranglers show you some of Colorado’s most scenic trails on horseback. Wind through the wildflowers and take in incredible views from the saddle on this memorable adventure.
PRICING GUIDE
NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR STAY
Fly Fishing
The Gunnison Valley is home to some of the best trout fishing in the country, and Taylor River Lodge gives you a wide range of guided trips. Our expert guides offer walk/wade trips, float trips, clinics, and multi-day fishing itineraries customized for our guests. Beginners can practice their cast at our stocked trout pond, or work the banks of our stretch of the Taylor River. We also have more than two miles of wild trout water on Tomichi Creek. Enthusiastic anglers can head out for a float trip on the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison, and even opt to spend a few nights in the Gunnison Gorge on our multi-day angling trip with RIGS. No matter your skill level, our guides will make sure you’re getting your fill of big rainbows, browns, and native cutthroats on the Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River, and Tomichi Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN DO THE HATCHES OCCUR?
Excellent hatches begin in late June and run through October. Mayflies, caddis, hoppers, and stoneflies emerge throughout the season to please the dry fly aficionado. Love to fish the PMDs or Green Drakes? Just ask us about peak times.
ARE BEGINNERS WELCOME?
There’s no better place than Taylor River Lodge to learn how to fly fish. Our professional guides will give you casting lessons, get you warmed up on the stocked on-property trout pond, and then take you to the nearby rivers and lakes to apply what you’ve learned.
WHAT GEAR DOES ELEVEN PROVIDE?
We provide complimentary access to the industry’s best, including Thomas and Thomas fly rods, Abel Vaya reels, Patagonia Expedition zip waders, Patagonia wading boots, Fishpond nets, Simms wading staff, and a full assortment of commercial and custom-tied flies.
PRICING GUIDE
Fly fishing is included for angling-inclusive bookings, but offered as a separately priced activity for standard bookings.
Wellness
Take relaxation to the next level by adding our renowned wellness treatments to your trip.
Wellness
Offerings
All wellness offerings are priced separately.
SWEDISH
Slow, rhythmic strokes calm the nervous system and release stagnant toxins, creating balance and tranquility in the body, mind, and spirit.
60 minutes | 90 minutes
DEEP TISSUE
A targeted variety of therapeutic massage techniques restores blood flow and alleviates chronic pain, injuries, and fatigue.
60 minutes | 90 minutes
ELEVEN SIGNATURE MASSAGE
Experience the fullness of Colorado with this unique treatment that blends hot rocks, CBD salve, and essential oils.
60 minutes | 90 minutes
STRESS RELIEF MASSAGE
Featuring acupressure, aromatherapy, deep massage, and nourishing products, this session melts away tension and inflammation in the head, face, neck, and shoulders.
60 minutes | 90 minutes
CBD ENHANCEMENTS
Enhance any treatment with Deep Relief CBD Salve from Cedaredge, Colorado. Along with its soothing heating effect, this topical CBD boosts your session with muscle and fascia release and broad pain relief.
YOGA
Eleven’s in-house yoga classes are highly customizable. Our knowledgeable instructors will adapt the practice to align with guests’ abilities, needs, and comfort levels.
60 minutes
Food & Drink
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and Colorado-inspired cuisine.
FOOD
Breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner are included and served daily at the lodge or in-field. Meals are thoughtfully prepared to accommodate dietary preferences noted on your guest information form. Local, organic, and sustainable provisions are sourced whenever possible, and our menus feature comforting classics with a modern, healthy twist reflect the relaxed Colorado mountain culture, complementing our adventurous summer activities.
Breakfast is served at the lodge, featuring an everyday house menu and a daily chefs special. featuring comforting classics with a modern, healthy twist. Lunch is prepared to suit your day’s adventure—if you’re out in the wilderness, our in-house chefs will prepare a to-go lunch from the in-field menu, while guests dining at the lodge can choose from the in-house lunch menu. In the afternoon, après is available throughout the property, offering a perfect way to recharge after a day of exploring.
Dinner is a three-course experience served in the main lodge. Along with a variety choice of starter (they only get a choice of soup or salad, I don’t want to make it sound like they get a choice from several options) of starters and creative desserts, entrée selections include one set house classic, a seasonal weekly special, and one daily summer-inspired Chef’s special. We offer a special outdoor Fire and Feast dinner, served buffet or family-style, capturing the essence of the Colorado mountain lifestyle.
DRINKS
Taylor River Lodge offers a separately priced, fine selection of liquor, beer, and wine. Our onsite bartenders are also happy to make you a cocktail from our Colorado-inspired cocktail menu. If you have a special beer, wine, or liquor preference, please discuss this with your Experience Planner in the pre-trip planning process.
Preparing for Your Trip
Check out the essential information needed before you go.
Packing List
DON’T FORGET TO PACK:
Passport (if traveling internationally)
Prescriptions and medication
Reusable water bottle
Camera
Batteries/chargers for devices
Personal toiletries
Day backpack
CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD
YOU PACKED:
Comfy clothes for relaxing around the lodge
Casual clothes for dinner and meals
Athletic clothes for outdoor activities
Warm layers for chilly summer nights
Rain jacket and pants
Quick-drying layers
Sandals, clogs or comfortable shoes
Athletic closed-toe shoes
Hiking/waterproof boots
Swimsuit
Polarized sunglasses
ADVENTURE GEAR:
Mountain
Biking Packing List
Full-finger bike gloves
Biking shoes
Padded chamois riding shorts
Riding shoes
Pads (optional)
Small backpack or hydration pack
Helmet (if you prefer to use your own)
Fly Fishing Packing List
Fly rod and reel if you prefer to use your own
Heavy wool socks for inside of waders
Fishing vest or pack
Terminal tackle
Good to Know
CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:
• Check-in time at Taylor River Lodge is at 4:00 p.m. and check out time is at 10:00 a.m.
• Please note: Access to your room outside these hours is not guaranteed. Please communicate with the Experience Team to coordinate any conflicts with check-in and checkout times.
LOCAL TIME ZONE:
• Colorado operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST).
ALTITUDE DETAILS:
• Taylor River Lodge is located at 9,000 feet above sea level. High altitude can affect each individual differently. To combat the side-effects of high altitude, which can include trouble falling asleep, shortness of breath, and nausea, we recommend hydrating regularly and getting adequate rest. If you think you will require additional oxygen resources, please contact the Experience Team.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT:
• Electricity at Taylor River Lodge is 120 volts with type A or B outlets.
CELLULAR SERVICES:
• While you will generally have access to cell phone service in the town of Crested Butte, expect to have little to no cell phone service at Taylor River Lodge. Check with your cell phone provider to see if you will have service in Colorado and the United States if you are traveling from another country.
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:
• We suggest you take US Dollars in cash for taxis, tips and other items if you will be spending any time in the country before or after your Taylor River Lodge experience. It is also recommended that you notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling internationally. Visa and Mastercard are regularly accepted in Colorado. American Express is also accepted but not by all establishments.
• Note that Taylor River Lodge is a cashfree property, meaning we only accept credit cards.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Sales Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.
GRATUITY:
• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the Taylor River Lodge may consider 8% to 15% of their total stay cost. This amount will be distributed among all staff and guides who have contributed to your stay.
Lodge Hours: 7:30 am - 9:00 pm