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About the Trip
We invite you to one of the jewels of Southern Colorado, a 170,000-acre ranch in the San Luis Valley. This is a landscape-scale managed property with three 14,000-foot peaks within its borders, inspiring wilderness, pristine trout streams, and one of the premier elk habitats in the entire state. Golden groves of aspen trees line the mountain roads of your arrival to the lodge, curated with world-class art, taxidermy, artifacts and rustic elegance that make it one of the best in the West.
Hosted by Editor-In-Chief Tyler Sharp and James Beard Award-winning chef Jesse Griffiths, this experience has been in development for a few years, and we’re ready to unveil it to subscribers and guests. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or just starting your journey, this three-day/three-night adventure has something for everyone, no matter your skill level.
We have put together an action-packed agenda that includes cow elk hunting, field dressing and pack-out demonstrations, butchery classes and open-fire cooking led by Jesse Griffiths, as well as conservation discussions, a long-range shooting and workshop with Swarovski Optik, fly fishing instruction and sporting clays competitions.
There are limited spots to hunt a cow elk, but all guests can participate in the breakdown and pack out of the animal if they want to learn how it all works. For hunting guests, it is a high-probability opportunity to harvest cow elk, process the meat on-site, and stock your freezer for the coming year. For non-hunting guests, gaining experience in a somewhat controlled backcountry setting will give you skills and knowledge to apply for future hunts or wilderness situations.
We look forward to showing you this incredible ranch, helping impart wisdom from industry professionals and sending you home with some new skills and memories.
On the Agenda
Cow Elk Hunting
There are limited tags available for guests to hunt while at the ranch, a high-probability opportunity given the ranch’s conservation and management practices. All guests will have the chance to participate in the butchery and cooking of the harvest, led by acclaimed chef Jesse Griffiths.
Field Dressing
While hunting guests might have experience field dressing an animal, we will be making process available to other guests who wish to learn how you effectively and safely break down an animal in the field, keep the meat clean, and load it onto a backpack so that it can be carried out.Â
Butchery Tutorial
Jesse Griffiths, winner of the James Beard award for his acclaimed Hog Book, knows a thing or two about butchery. Once the elk meat is back to the lodge, Jesse will lead a workshop on how to break the meat down into specific cuts, storing and preserving it, then cook a meal over open-fire. Â
Sporting Clays
Guests will have the chance to shoot sporting clays from a trap located close to the lodge. This is a great way to hone your skills or have a friendly competition. On site experts can help improve your form, or if you don’t want instruction, you can just have fun. Shotguns in various gauges will be provided as well as shells.Â
Fly FishingÂ
Whether you are a trout addict or a beginner, there multiple casting ponds, streams and alpine lakes on property. You’ll be able to witness first hand the extensive efforts the staff and ownership have put into trout and water conservation, including the restoration of the native Rio Grande cutthroat population.Â
Rifle Shooting Workshop
With support from our friends at Swarovski Optik, we’ll have scopes and various calibers of rifles on hand for a shooting workshop. You’ll be able to test out different styles of rifle scopes, as well as shoot out to distances of over 1000 yards if you’re up for a challenge. Professional instructors will help you focus on improving your techniques. Â
Lodging & DiningÂ
Lodging
The Ranch’s guest rooms showcase a welcoming authenticity with an artful touch, and channel the spirit of the legendary West. A refuge from the elements, each guestroom features a desk, a reading nook and either double queens or king beds. The lodge is filled with cozy fireplaces, and there is a gym, spa and office facility on site.Â
FoodÂ
Three chef-prepared meals a day, snacks and appetizers during happy hour will be provided, with the refined mountain fare including locally-sourced ingredients and recipes made from scratch by the in-house ranch chefs. The daily meals will be supplemented by an open-fire elk dinner from Chef Jesse Griffiths.
Drinks
End each day of adventure in the great room around a crackling fire with premium cocktails made by the staff bartender. All drinks are included in your stay and there are wine pairings with dinner each night, as well as a wide selection of beers. Enjoy a nightcap under the stars while you trade stories with other guests.  Â
Trip Details
Event Dates
October 31st – November 2nd 2024
Pricing
- $2,900: Single Occupancy Early Bird*
- $4,800: Double Occupancy Early Bird*
- $5,100: Single Guest Hunter Early Bird*
*Flights not included
Transportation
- Guests are responsible for getting to/from the lodge.
- Check in time is 2pm on Thursday 10/31. Check out time is 11am on Sunday 11/3.Â
- Flight / Travel Options
- Fly to Denver or Albuquerque – 4 hour drive
- Fly to Colorado Springs – 2h15m drive
- Fly to San Luis Valley Regional – 45 min drive
What’s Included
- Premium lodging for 3 days/3 nights
- All food: 3 chef-prepared meals a day, daily snacks and appetizers during happy hourÂ
- All alcohol: premium spirits, beer and wine pairings with meals
- Access to a wide range of Swarovski Optik products for field testing or wildlife observation
- All fishing gear and licenses
- Access to rifles, optics and ammo for rifle range workshopÂ
- Access to shotguns and shells for sporting clays
- Access to all recreational equipment on property; archery, mountain bikes, helmets, hiking packs and poles
- Potential wildlife encounters with elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, & a wide range of birds
- If purchasing hunt:
- Â License and tag for elk hunters (limited tags available, see ticket page for cost)
- Â Access to on-site meat processing
What’s Not Included
- Transportation to/from the ranch (flights and/or rental car)
- Any shipping costs for processed elk meat that you can’t take with you
- Optional tips for elk guide