4 Days, 3 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the backcountry of Colorado with Ripple Creek Lodge's Flat Tops 40 experience. Discover the beauty of Colorado as you spend 4 days and 3 nights traversing over 40 miles of pristine wilderness. Experience trophy trout fishing, wilderness camps, remote trail riding, and captivating landscapes on this extraordinary adventure. Your trip includes meals, horse rental, camp equipment, and the guidance of an experienced tour guide.
$1500 / per person
DATES:May 15 2024 - Sep 1 2024
BOOKING INFO:
Explore the vast backcountry of Colorado on the Flat Tops 40 expedition. This epic adventure spans over 40 miles, showcasing remote trout lakes and streams, abundant wildlife, vibrant wildflowers and epic vistas along the way.
Please plan to reach Ripple Creek Lodge at least two hours before your ride begins. This will give our guides the chance to greet you, discuss your ride expectations and experience, select a horse and saddle that suit you, and arrange your gear accordingly.
If you are arriving in Colorado by air for your ride, kindly inform us as soon as your flight is confirmed so we can arrange for your airport pick-up.
Due to the remote locations of our camps and the wilderness terrain covered to access the camps horses are used to pack every item in camp. All riders will only be allowed to take this list of items into camp.
Ripple Creek Lodge’s drop camps are located in some incredible wilderness locations. It is up to our clients to preserve it that way by keeping a clean, safe and quiet camp during your stay. All camps will have three 12×14 canvas wall tents. One wall tent will be set up as the cook tent with a stove, lantern, prep table and cooking equipment. The other two tents will be set up as the sleeping tents containing cots, ground tarps, a heater and lantern. Ripple Creek’s drop camps are set in their permitted area prior to your arrival and will include the following equipment: Tents, Stove, Heaters, Lanterns, Cooking Pots and Pans, Paper Goods, Cots, First Aid Kit, Water Carrying Container, Toilet Seat.
All of Ripple Creek Lodge’s drop camp sites are located next to a water source. Most of these water sources are small springs and produce good water. It is the guest’s responsibility to purify the water for safe consumption. All heating, lighting and cooking equipment is fueled by propane.
Meals – Breakfast and dinners will be prepared by your guide at each camp. Meals will be hearty camp food cooked either on the open flame or on the camp stove. Items for sack lunches will be at each camp for you to prepare for the days ride. Snacks and any special foods must be provided by you.
Horses – If you plan on bringing your own horse for the ride, Ripple Creek Lodge will have feed available for your horse at each camp. Pack pellets and grain will be onsite prior to your arrival at each camp site. Ripple Creek Lodge will also provide a high line for your horse to be tethered to overnight. If you prefer alternative feed or livestock containment please contact us to make those arrangements. Each group of riders will have a guide and at least 1 pack horse for food and gear.
* Trip cost is -$500 less if you bring your own horse. Please inform us if you plan on bringing a horse and we will adjust your trip cost.
Ripple Creek Lodge and its guides are committed to providing all of our clients a safe unforgettable ride through some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness in Colorado.
We will use horses to access our remote camps in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The trails into the wilderness are rugged, steep and can be wet and challenging. Our horses are seasoned trail horses capable of handling the worst of these trail conditions. It is important for you to be comfortable riding in these same conditions. A good way to prepare for this is to go to your local horse stables and go on a few one to two hour trail rides prior to your ride, just getting comfortable on and around a horse on flat terrain will help when you’re in the backcountry.
Weather in July and August can vary as much as the terrain we’re riding in. In general you can expect 40s in the early morning and more mild temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees during the heart of the day.
You can also expect afternoon thunderstorms at least during a portion of your ride. This extreme weather range requires some in depth thought into your gear for the ride. A good quality, zero degree rated sleeping bag is a must for all riders in camp along with good light weight rain gear, sun screen and warm layers for those cool mornings and evenings.
With being an multi-day camping trip you’ll want to have the camping essentials such as: small first aid kit, water bottle, pocket knife, headlamp, extra batteries, portable chargers, lighter, etc.. The essentials for 4 days in the backcountry. Here’s a list of key items that you definitely should have:
Himes Peak Campground to Wall Lake
Trails: Big Fish Trail #1819 - Oyster Lake Trail #1825 - Wall Lake Trail #1818
Length: 8.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 8,782 – 10,986 (Highest Point 11,100ft)
The ride begins at the Big Fish Trailhead located in the Himes Peak Campground. The trail leaves the campground and crosses the North Fork of the White River via a foot/horse bridge. The trail follows Big Fish Creek into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area where Bessie Falls is almost two miles into the ride on the east side of the trail. The lower portion of the ride is a gentle gain in elevation through several large open meadows full of wildflowers with a few small stream crossings. This portion of the ride travels through the remains of the 2002 Big Fish fire. Big Fish Lake is located 3.5 miles from the trailhead and will be the stopping point for lunch. The lake is a very scenic mountain lake full of trout. Cutthroats, Rainbows and Brook Trout are all found in the lake and can be caught using a variety of presentations.From Big Fish Lake we will continue up Big Fish Creek for ½ mile and then start the 2 mile switch backed accent to the top of the Flat Tops. The trail will intersect the Oyster Lake Trail at the top of the climb where we will continue east for a mile to the intersection of the Wall Lake Trail. This portion of the ride will offer views of the valley below and the open expanse of the Flat Tops. Wall Lake sits below the 12,002ft Trappers Peak and has historically been a great trout fishery. The first nights camp will be located near this 45 acre Lake.
Wall Lake to Island Lakes
Trails: Wall Lake Trail #1818 – Trappers Lake Trail #1816 – Island Lakes Trail #1842
Length: 5+ miles
Difficulty: More Difficult
Elevation: 10,986 - 11,200 (Highest Point 11,540ft)
Day two’s ride will begin as we leave the Wall Lake camp heading southeast towards Shingle Peak on the Wall Lake Trail. As we pass the west side of the lake we will be climbing the “wall” and crossing into the south fork drainage of the White River. The trail continues through alpine tundra on the Wall Lake Trail for 2 miles until we come to the intersection with the Trappers Lake Trail. From this intersection will continue along the Trappers Lake Trail in a northeast direction for 1.5 miles until we reach the Island Lake Trail. This portion of the trail is dotted with small ponds and distinctive water features. The open tundra is full of wildlife and plant species very unique to this environment. Once on the Island Lakes Trail we begin the decent into the Island Lakes Basin. The basin holds Upper Island Lake which is 27 acres, Middle Island Lake, 15 acres and Lower Island Lake, 28 acres as well as several small lakes. All three lakes contain good populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout and can be caught with a variety of flies and lures. The views above the Island Lake basin are unforgettable and are without a doubt the inspiration for this group of Lakes name. Incredible wilderness scenery, wildlife sightings and great trout fishing are on the agenda during our stay at this camp.
Island Lakes to West Lost Lake
Trails: Island Lakes Trail #1842 – Chinese Wall Trail #1803 – Lost Lakes Trail #1103
Length: 13 miles
Difficulty: More Difficult
Elevation: 11,200 – 10,296 (Highest Point 11,820ft)
Day three of the ride will be the longest portion of the ride. The entire ride will take place above tree line and cover some unbelievable country. Starting from Island Lake we’ll travel up to the Chinese Wall trail and head north over miles of open alpine tundra. 7 miles north of the Island Lake Trail intersection we’ll intersect with the Devil’s Causeway Trail. From this point we’ll take a short detour to explore one of the most sought out natural wonders of the Flat Tops. Devil’s Causeway is a land bridge that is only 3ft wide and drops down over 500ft on each side of the crossing. The causeway is no longer passable for horses but you can scramble across the amazing geological formation on foot if you dare. From Devil’s Causeway we’ll again join the Chinese Wall Trail and follow it northwest for 4.5 miles to the Lost Lakes trail where we’ll descend into the Lost Lakes’ basin and camp for night #3. The ride on day three will be a long journey in some very remote country full of unique terrain.
West Lost Lake to Ripple Creek Lodge
Trails: Chinese Wall Trail #1803 – Lost Lakes Trail #1103 – Lily Pond Trail #1811
Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: More Difficult
Elevation: 10,296 – 8,649 (Highest Point 10,820ft)
From West Lost Lake we’ll ride to the ridge that divides the White River and Williams Fork drainages then cross the ridge and follow the Lily Pond Trail west towards Ripple Creek Lodge. The trail from the divide will meander through open meadows, stands of aspens and large old growth stands of pine and fir trees. The trail passes through an open meadow with a pond that has water lilies blooming in which the trail gets its name. This will be the shortest ride of the trip and will leave us plenty of time to explore the features of the subalpine forest as we head back to the Lodge.
How hard is the horseback ride?
The country and terrain is fairly easy going and our horses are very gentle. You will be comfortable on the ride as long as you have the proper attire and gear.
How many guests are allowed on a trip?
We can cater up to 6 guests on a horseback trip.
Is wine, beer, or other alcohol permitted on a trip?
Yes. We do permit adult beverages on the trip. We kindly ask that beer be brought in aluminum cans and any other alcohol be either in plastic bottles or transferred to plastic bottles.
What should I wear on the horse?
We recommend wearing jeans or a heavier material pant for your time in the saddle. Pull up boots are ideal, especially cowboy boots, but not required. Some good sturdy footwear that will allow you to maintain your balance in the saddle. Also Layers! The weather can change throughout the day so you’ll want to make sure you are comfortable for all conditions. Please check the Weather Report before your trip.
Do I need to bring my own tent?
You do not need to bring a tent. We will have the camp setup upon arrival. You will be staying in 12×14 canvas wall tents fully equipped for a comfortable stay.
A full day guided adventure through the mountain meadows and pristine landscapes of the Flat Tops Wilderness. Our experienced guides will accompany you on a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure, showcasing vibrant wildflowers and local wildlife along the way.
A full day guided adventure through the mountain meadows and pristine landscapes of the Flat Tops Wilderness. Our experienced guides will accompany you on a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure, showcasing vibrant wildflowers and local wildlife along the way.
A four hour guided adventure through the mountain meadows and pristine landscapes of the Flat Tops Wilderness. Our experienced guides will accompany you on a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure, showcasing vibrant wildflowers and local wildlife along the way.
A four hour guided adventure through the mountain meadows and pristine landscapes of the Flat Tops Wilderness. Our experienced guides will accompany you on a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure, showcasing vibrant wildflowers and local wildlife along the way.
Explore the stunning mountain meadows and pristine lakes of the Flat Tops Wilderness with guided horseback rides at Ripple Creek Lodge. Our experienced guides will accompany you on a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure, showcasing vibrant wildflowers and local wildlife along the way.
Explore the stunning mountain meadows and pristine lakes of the Flat Tops Wilderness with guided horseback rides at Ripple Creek Lodge. Our experienced guides will accompany you on a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure, showcasing vibrant wildflowers and local wildlife along the way.
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the backcountry of Colorado with Ripple Creek Lodge's Flat Tops 40 experience. Discover the beauty of Colorado as you spend 4 days and 3 nights traversing over 40 miles of pristine wilderness.
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the backcountry of Colorado with Ripple Creek Lodge's Flat Tops 40 experience. Discover the beauty of Colorado as you spend 4 days and 3 nights traversing over 40 miles of pristine wilderness.
