In the heart of the White River National Forest and
adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness

SUMMER VACATION

Information Letter For 2008

Ripple Creek Lodge is situated high in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Colorado, adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness in the White River National Forest on County Road 8, about 20 miles east east of Buford.  It is 40 miles east of Meeker and about 200 miles west of Denver. The last few miles from either direction are well-maintained gravel roads.    The lodge is at 8700 feet, surrounded by evergreens and aspens with mountains rising above 12,000 feet. Fishing is excellent in the many lakes and streams nearby, some of which can be driven to and others that are on good forest trails for hikers and horseback riders. Nature lovers will enjoy the great variety of wild flowers and animal life, including deer and elk.   Upland bird hunting, including blue grouse and dove, begins in September.  Archery hunting is in August and September, muzzleloader hunting is in September, and gun hunting is in October and November.

The lodge is surrounded by eight furnished and modernized log cabins, all of which have running water and fully equipped kitchen facilities. All of the cabins have free standing fireplaces, hot water and bathrooms. Propane gas is used for heating, lighting, cooking and refrigeration. Electricity is 10 miles away, but a large generator is used on occasion, early and late, and for other necessities, such as charging batteries, etc.

Most of our guests plan their own activities, however, information, maps and GPS coordinates are available for the guests and hunters to the more remote areas. We are happy to arrange for horses that can be rented by the day or more for trail rides and fishing trips.  Guides are not necessary for these trips.

Days are usually warm and nights are cool. You should bring some warm clothes and raingear.  A little snow can be expected in early June and even late August.  Be prepared for the weather!

Trout fishing is very good from June through hunting season. Flies, lures and bait all do well in most of the surrounding lakes and streams. Mirror Lake, about two hours horseback ride from the lodge is literally filled with brook trout that anyone can catch. It is perfect for children and the unskilled fisherman. Other lakes, such as Long Lake, Gwendolen, and Sable are difficult but are noted for trophy sized cutthroats. Popular wet flies are the Hornbergs, Tri-Color Browns, Stone fly Nymphs and the Hare’s Ear. Dry fly favorites include the Adams, Renegades, Mosquitoes, Blue Dun and the Mating Adam’s. The Non-resident one-day license is $9 and the 5-Day is $21.

AIR TRAVEL: Connections can be made with United Express in Denver to Hayden, about 45 miles north of the lodge on US 40. For private planes, there are paved, lighted airports in Meeker, Craig and Steamboat Springs.

SUMMER CABIN RATES: $70.00 for the first person and $10.00 for each additional person, excluding infants.  Reservations are made firm with first nights deposit.  Cancellations are honored 15 days prior to reservations.

CHECK: CABIN AVAILABILITY 

HORSE BOARDING: $10. PER DAY.  Note that all hay brought into the forest must be certified.  The law enforcement officers of the Forest Service have the right to check your horses so it is a good idea to bring health and ownership papers.

TEN GREAT GUESTS, ALL 10'S!

RESERVATIONS: Made firm by guaraanteed deposit equivalent to the first day on cabins.  NO REFUNDS WITHIN 15 DAYS OF SCHEDULED RESERVATIONS.

Ripple Creek is a friendly and informal lodge where you can do as much or as little as you please in a relaxed atmosphere. We hope you will join us this coming season.

Yours for a great vacation,

Ken Jett
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