Are horses or ATVs required for the hunt?

Access to hunting areas may be via horseback or ATV, but guides provide instruction and support; prior experience is helpful but not mandatory.

What is included in the trip price?

The package includes expert guides, field dressing, game transport to the processor, meals, wilderness lodging, and transportation to/from Colorado Springs airport.

Is this hunt suitable for beginners?

The hunt is designed for hunters aged 12 and up with moderate to advanced experience and good physical fitness, but guidance is provided throughout.

Can I upgrade the lodging?

Yes, cabin upgrades are available for those seeking more comfort while remaining close to prime hunting grounds.

What’s not included in the trip price?

Taxidermy and meat processing services are not included and must be arranged separately.

What should I bring with me?

Bring layered clothing, a reliable rifle, sturdy boots, hydration gear, and personal hunting accessories as recommended by your guide.

Ultimate Elk Hunting Adventure in Colorado’s Westcliffe High Country

Positioned in the heart of Colorado’s rugged high country, Westcliffe offers elk hunters an unbeatable playground of vast public lands and challenging terrain. The "Elk • Public Land • 3rd Rifle • Westcliffe • 4 Days" adventure invites experienced rifle hunters to pursue trophy bulls amid sweeping alpine ridges, dense conifer stands, and open meadows that stretch toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This 4-day hunt provides a rare chance to experience the raw, untamed wilderness where elk thrive, blending high-altitude adventure with expert guidance and genuine backcountry living.

Launching from a wilderness camp that houses between two and four hunters, this trip emphasizes personalized service and small-group camaraderie. Your expert guides are deeply familiar with the region’s elk patterns, tracking game through rugged draws and timbered slopes. Access to prime hunting grounds is unique here; hunters may travel via horseback or ATV, adapting to terrain and conditions to maximize opportunities. Whether spot-and-stalking through thick aspens or navigating rocky outcrops on horseback, each day promises immersive contact with the stunning natural landscape.

Lodging is rustic yet comfortable, with wilderness camp accommodations offering shelter from the often unpredictable mountain weather. For added comfort without compromising proximity to productive elk habitat, cabin upgrades are available. Meals are provided and crafted to fuel you during physically demanding days in the field. Additionally, comprehensive service includes expert field dressing and transport of game to the processor, streamlining your hunt and letting you focus on the experience.

Westcliffe, Colorado, lies at an elevation that challenges even seasoned hunters, with variable weather and demanding hikes across forested ridges and alpine valleys. These lands harbor trophy-quality elk in substantial numbers due to expansive public land ownership and careful wildlife management practices. Adding to the allure, the area's history is rich with ranching and hunting traditions that have shaped this rugged corner of the southern Rockies.

This hunt is ideal for hunters aged 12 and older who are in good physical condition, ready to tackle moderate to challenging terrain over four days. Technical skills required include rifle proficiency, horseback riding or ATV operation (guidance provided), and wilderness navigation. It's an experience that merges adrenaline, patience, and the spirit of the American West into one unforgettable adventure.

The remote setting, expert support, and access to trophy elk territory distinguish this outing as a premier Colorado hunt. Whether you’re chasing your first bull or adding an extraordinary trophy to your collection, this four-day expedition offers a compelling and authentic wilderness experience few other outfits can match.

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.