Do I need a hunting license and tag for this trip?

Yes, all hunters must secure tags through Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s draw system before the hunt; applications are due by April 1 of the hunt year.

Are horses or ATVs provided during the hunt?

Yes, access to hunting areas may be arranged by horseback, ATV, or a mix, depending on terrain and conditions.

Is prior hunting experience required?

While previous rifle hunting experience is recommended, guides provide personalized support to make the hunt safe and rewarding.

What accommodations are included?

Meals and wilderness lodging at small camps are included, with optional cabin upgrades available for added comfort.

Can I bring a guest or non-hunting companion?

The hunt is limited to up to two hunters per camp; non-hunting guests would need separate arrangements and approval.

What happens to the game after successful harvest?

Field dressing and game transport to processors are provided to assist with ethical game retrieval and processing.

Master the Colorado Backcountry: Elite Elk Hunting Adventure Near Kremmling

Set against the vast and varied backdrop of Colorado’s high country near Kremmling, this five-day elk hunting expedition offers a rare opportunity to pursue trophy bulls on expansive public lands teeming with wildlife. This trip is designed for dedicated rifle hunters aged 12 and up, looking for a challenging and authentic backcountry experience far beyond conventional hunting grounds. The rugged terrain, marked by open meadows, dense timber stands, and rolling foothills, defines the hunting landscape, inviting visitors to engage fully with Colorado’s iconic wilderness.

What sets this adventure apart is its blend of traditional and practical techniques combined with expert local guidance. Small camps, hosting 2 to 4 hunters, create an immersive environment where personalized attention is standard. Hunters gain access to prime elk habitats via horseback or ATV rides, navigating trails that wind through forests of spruce and fir, rocky ridges, and alpine parklands. Once in place, the hunt shifts to spot-and-stalk methods, where patience and keen observation are rewarded with chances to spot mature bulls bugling across valleys or silhouetted on distant ridgelines.

Lodging is rustic yet comfortable, focusing on wilderness cabins or traditional camps that serve as a base from which to explore daily. All meals are provided, ensuring energy and focus remain high throughout the demanding days. For those preferring added comfort, an optional cabin upgrade delivers a cozy retreat close to productive hunting grounds. Beyond the physical rigors, this hunt is a lesson in local ecology and conservation ethics, deeply tied to Colorado’s commitment to sustainable wildlife management.

Kremmling lies roughly 90 miles west of Denver and acts as the gateway to outdoor adventures in the Gore Range and North Park region. The area's reputation for abundant elk herds makes it a standout destination for hunters who want to combine serious pursuit with the solitude that public lands afford. This expedition integrates seamlessly with the local outdoor culture, offering a deep connection to place while navigating some of Colorado’s most scenic and untamed landscapes.

To join this hunt, participants must secure hunting tags through Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s draw system, with applications due by April 1st. The experience includes expert guides, field dressing support, and game transport to processors, rounding out the package for a seamless backcountry adventure. Whether crossing rugged ridges on horseback or carefully stalking through timber, this elk hunt is a testament to Colorado’s wild spirit and the pursuit of the ultimate bull elk trophy.

About Dry Creek Ranch

Dry Creek Ranch is a guided hunting operation based in Westcliffe, Colorado, specializing in elk and mule deer hunts across public and private land. Located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and adjacent to the Greenhorn Mountains, Dry Creek Ranch offers guided rifle hunts, cow elk hunts, and limited private‑land trophy mule deer hunts on nearly 8,000 acres of exclusive property. Hunts run at elevations from 7,000 to 11,000 feet, providing diverse terrain and high‑country conditions.

Guides operate small camps and provide expert, personalized attention using spot‑and‑stalk techniques, horseback, and ATV access to reach prime hunting areas. Wilderness lodging and meals are included on many hunts, with optional cabin upgrades available for added comfort. Trip lengths vary by season and license type, including multiple rifle seasons and four‑ to five‑day itineraries for public‑land elk hunts, plus specific mule deer seasons focused on trophy bucks.

Dry Creek Ranch emphasizes ethical, guided hunting experiences managed to maximize opportunity in Colorado backcountry. The operation lists a range of trips including first through fourth rifle elk seasons in Westcliffe and Kremmling, multi‑day public‑land elk hunts, private‑land cow elk hunts, and restricted mule deer hunts in second and third seasons. Each trip description clarifies access methods, lodging, and guiding style.

Hunters booking at Dry Creek Ranch can expect focused attention, experienced logistical support, and access to both public and private hunting grounds near Westcliffe, Colorado. All marketing and trip information reflect the business’s advertised offerings and locations. Reservations are arranged through the business contact directly.