West Elk Wilderness Outfitters | Colorado Hunting

For the 2012 season we will be offering an expanded summer program from previous years. Below is a list of our summer trip options. Our experienced horses and knowledgeable guides will allow you have the most enjoyable experience possible. We are very flexible with all aspects of our trips, so if you have any questions please contact Gary Ballard. All riders will be required to sign a liability wavier before being allowed to ride.

Riding along a ridge of the West Elk Wilderness

Services

We offer daily horseback rides from various trail heads into different areas of the West Elk Wilderness. We are very flexible with the length of the rides, the number of guests, and we are limited only by prior reservations. The best way to find out what option works best for your group is to contact LB. Below is an overview of our most popular services.

Daily Horseback Rides

We have a variety of trails to ride from easy to exposed mountain trails. As part of the booking process we will help you choose the best place for your group to visit. We have over five year’s experience of safety guiding riders of all abilities on mountain trails.

We do not provide rides to “run, gallop, or race” any of our horses. All riders will only be allowed to walk their horse, except when our guides are comfortable with the riders abilities and the situation. All trails are checked by our guides to ensure safety, and we will base all of our decisions on providing the safest ride possible.

Half Day Horseback Rides (Three hours) Price: $75.00 per person

These rides take you on a three hour ride through the West Elks. These rides are a good option for inexperienced riders. We will have the chance to view some amazing areas of the West Elk Wilderness and possibly see some of the abundant wild game that our area offers.

Full Day Rides (Six hours) Price: $150.00 per person

Our full day rides allow us to gain access to more remote areas. We can also include brook fishing in West Elk Creek, and other remote beaver ponds if that is desired.

Pack Trips

If you are looking for a guided wilderness horse packing trip, we recommend our pack trips! We love spending extended periods of time in the Colorado high country. We hope you will come with us on one of our trips because we know firsthand the effects of these trips. After many months of living in the West Elk Wilderness we still feel the joy, and freedom that the wilderness offers anyone who takes the time to listen.

The two different types of pack trips we offer are Progressive and Base camp trips. Included with both trips are guides, horses, pack animals, all basic camping equipment, and all meals. You only need to bring your personal equipment.

Click here to get a recommended personal gear list for each individual. We can supply much of the necessary personal equipment for a small rental fee.

Progressive Trips

Price for Progressive Trips: Private $250.00 per person per day
or Combination $225.00 per person per day

With a progressive trip we move our camp as the trip progresses. We have the option to stay at each site for a day or two before we continue on to our next camp. These progressive trips allow us to explore more of the West Elk Wilderness. We have a variety of destinations to visit.

Base Camp Trips

Price for Base Camp Trips: Private $225.00 per person per day
or Combination $200.00 per person per day

During our base camp pack trips we will ride to a camp and stay there for the predetermined time. Each day we can arrange many different activities, such as day horseback rides from our base camp, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and at certain camps mountain climbing! These trips are logistically easier for the guides and stock, so the price is a little lower.

Private Progressive Pack Trip	$250.00 per person per day
Private Base Camp Pack Trip	$225.00 per person per day
Combination Progressive Pack Trip	$225.00 per person per day
Combination Base Camp Pack Trip	$200.00 per person per day

Drop Camps

A drop camp is when we pack you into a site and leave your there for the duration of your stay. We have several different sites that have access to spring water deep in the West Elk Wilderness. We take the horses back with us so you don’t have to worry about them. We offer many different options for our drop camps.

For the basic drop camp we pack in all of your equipment and supplies, and you ride into your site on horseback. We drop you off for a predetermined length of time and will return with pack and riding horses to bring you back out.

We also offer one way drop camps and hiking drop camps. With this service we provide the pack in, and riding in. You then walk out when you desire, and carry all of your equipment on your back. Hiking drop camps require you walk in, but we will pack in your equipment. Again all of these trips are very flexible if you have special requests please contact Gary.

Basic Drop Camps	4 or more guests: $1600.00 per person Two or three guests: $1700.00 per person
One Way Drop Camp	$160.00 per person + $100.00 per horse
Hiking Drop Camp	$300.00 wrangler fee + $150.00 per pack horse

Reservations

Contact Garry Ballard for reservations, or more information.
417-767-1121
GaryBallard@centurytel.net

Licensed–Bonded- Insured - Reg #2411

West Elk Wilderness Outfitters operates under special use permit on the Gunnison National Forest. West Elk Wilderness Outfitters is an equal opportunity service provider.