Colorado & Wyoming

The exquisite accommodations at Taylor River Lodge. Photo: Eleven Experience

Taylor River Lodge

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Eleven Experience was created with a singular focus: to provide the world’s finest adventure-based luxury destinations for couples and families with children. To this end, their premier property in the Rockies for summertime activities is Taylor River Lodge. Located along a mile of semi-private water on the Taylor River and minutes from float trips on the Gunnison River, Taylor River Lodge is a natural for fly fishers as well as guests looking for a wide range of additional guided outdoor activities. During a week-long stay, guests are encouraged to take part in hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, all located very nearby. True to their mission, Taylor River Lodge is a luxury facility that has the equipment, staff, and expertise to introduce guests of all ages to the activities they offer. Rate: Cabins start at $1,700 plus tax per night for two guests

Brush Creek Ranch Nestled in the high country of Wyoming’s Sierra Madre Mountains lies an area that cannot be adequately described in words. This property and facility are incredibly stunning, with aweinspiring beauty and ruggedness. Add to this a lodge operation whose comfort and elegance exceed the worlds’ five-star hotels and a staff that does not understand the word “No,” and you have a small sense of the finest dude ranch operation in the world that you’ve never heard of. This is Brush Creek Ranch. The number of activities available would take weeks to fully experience and the lodging options ensure that there’s a match for what you are after. Whatever it is you seek for your family vacation, Brush Creek Ranch will fit the bill. Rate: $4,400 plus tax per person for a 4 night/3 day package

4UR Ranch There are places on earth that can stun even the most jaded of travelers. 4UR Ranch is one such place. Its centerpiece is Goose Creek, with more than seven miles of private stream that brims with willing trout. Add to that sporting clays, trap, hiking, trail rides, majestic vistas from almost anywhere on the ranch property, mineral hot springs, programs for kids, and superb dining, and you will quickly understand why families from around the nation return here year after year for the ultimate Colorado dude ranch experience. Rate: $3,675 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

North Platte Lodge The North Platte River, from the Miracle Mile to the town of Glenrock, is one of the world’s most productive tailwaters. The average fish would be considered a trophy in most other systems. Anglers fish the Grey Reef section of the Platte from drift boats with the option of wading prime runs. Anglers typically spend the majority of their days casting nymphs and streamers. Fish in the three- to four-pound class are expected daily with a very strong possibility of landing larger trophies. Rate: $2,100 plus tax per person for a 5 night/4 day package

El Rancho Pinoso Hidden within Southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains are a pair of properties so beautiful it’s hard not to marvel at their perfection. With significant tracts of private acreage, fully restored historic cabins with all the modern comforts, abundant wildlife, and fabulous fly fishing flowing through it all, these properties will compel all who visit to return again. Both El Rancho Pinoso and Weminuche Valley Ranch differ from standard lodges in the respect that they more closely resemble deluxe, catered rental properties than hosted lodges. With easy wading, great dry fly fishing and plenty of fish pushing 20 inches, these undiscovered gems are two of the finest and most fairly priced private-water venues in the West. Rate: $3,571 plus tax per person for a 5 night/4 day package

The High Lonesome Ranch For families looking for the ultimate high-country multi-activity dude ranch experience, look no further than the High Lonesome Ranch. This sprawling property at 5,000 feet of elevation on Colorado’s western slope, encompasses a myriad of ecosystems and provides a range of outdoor adventures for the whole family. In a week-long stay, guests choose from activities that include horseback riding, skeet and trap shooting, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, golf, winery tours, and yoga classes. Meanwhile, the anglers in the group will find the 18 spring-fed stillwaters full of healthy, heavily-built trout. Accommodations of different configurations are spread throughout the ranch, ensuring guests the privacy and amenities they’re looking for. Rate: $3,084 plus tax per person for a 5 night/4 day package

Black Canyon of the Gunnison River A float through the steep-walled Gunnison Gorge is one of the top fly-fishing trips in the lower 48. This wilderness area features spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing and excellent fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the 12- to 18-inch class. This troutfilled canyon adventure is a classic not to be missed. Rate: $2,300 per person for a 4 night/3 day package