Planning a DIY western hunting trip for the first time is daunting. Determining where to hunt, scouting land, purchasing tags, and buying extra gear are all things to consider, but a big part to any hunting trip is figuring out where you’re going to sleep and set up base camp.

Are you considering Colorado for a public land elk or mule deer hunt but don’t want to go back country backpack style or book an expensive trip with an outfitter? If you find yourself somewhere in the middle, leave the camping gear (and your savings) at home and rent a private secluded hunting cabin from Lifetime Adventures LLC.

I’ve had the privilege of hunting the area surrounding the cabins for the past few seasons and it’s been an amazing experience to say the least. In 2016, I killed my first bull (a 6×7 that scored over 300 inches) and in 2017 I missed a 6×6 at 50 yards. During the 2018 archery elk season, I hunted with my buddy Dan Johnson of Nine Finger Chronicles where we had heart-pounding encounters throughout the week. I want other people to experience the same landscape, bugles, and life-changing moments that I’ve had while hunting this area.

*Please Note: This is not a guided hunt or outfitter service.

Rich History and Scenic Views

The property itself has a rich history in American land deals dating back to the early 1900’s. As the story goes, Teddy Roosevelt sanctioned two 40-acre parcels out of the national forest and sold them to a good friend during his presidency. Since then, the properties have changed hands of ownership throughout the years but the landscape has remained the same.

The scenic views of the San Juan mountain range are breathtaking and the starry night sky is tough to comprehend. There are a number of cleared trails throughout the property that wind through dense timber and around small ponds.

The 10,000 Foot Advantage

The 80-acres is located at 10,000-foot elevation, offering a serious advantage for elk and mule deer hunters. A two-mile private gated road winds you up the mountain, making it difficult for other hunters to access the public land on the backside of the property. Most of the hunting takes place between 9,500-11,000 feet in the heart of a 20,000-acre section of the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Rustic Cabins with Amenities

The East camp has two sleeper cabins, with two beds and a wood-stove in each. There is also an outdoor overhang area with a grill, outhouse, shower, and picnic tables to make food and relax after a long day.

The West camp also has two sleeper cabins with a wood stove in only one of them. There is also an outhouse and a main dining cabin with a large table, cooking area, wood stove and extra beds to accommodate additional guests and gear. I can tell you from experience, there’s nothing like coming back to a warm fire and a comfy bed after a long day hiking the mountain.

Affordable Rates

2021 rates for weekly cabin rentals are $800 per person as a four person group, or $3,200 total for one camp. You can have less than 4 people in your reservation but the minimum is still $3,200 per week, whether you have 2 people or 4 in camp. Depending on the time of year, we can accommodate more than four people in camp, just contact us for availability. Guests check in to the cabins on Sunday at 3pm and check out at noon on the following Saturday.

Unit 65 Elk and Mule Deer Opportunities

Non-Residents can buy over-the-counter archery elk (either sex) and 2nd/3rd season rifle (bull only) in unit 65. Elk muzzle loader and all mule deer seasons are draw tags. Non-residents have a 95% chance of drawing an archery mule deer tag with one preference point and a 25% chance of drawing a second or third season rifle mule deer tag with zero preference points.

Below are some photos of elk and deer taken at camp over the past few seasons.

Travel and Logistics

If you plan on flying into Colorado, I recommend flying into Montrose Regional Airport which is about an hour north of the cabins. I arrange to meet guests in Montrose or Ridgway and you’ll follow me up to the property in your own vehicle. It is recommended that you drive a four-wheel drive suv or pickup truck with adequate ground clearance due to the roads being rough and rocky.  

Booking Your Stay

These cabins make for an unbelievable getaway and vacation spot with your family or a group of friends. Whether it’s a bachelor party, hunting camp or just a week of fun exploration, there’s no better spot to call home in Southwest Colorado. To book a week with Lifetime Adventures LLC, please fill out out the Transition Wild Contact Form or give me a call directly at 517-898-9599.

“It’s more than just a stay – it’s a true mountain experience.”