Eleven Taylor River Lodge, Colorado – USA

Tucked away in the awe-inspiring Taylor Canyon, Eleven Taylor River Lodge is a former general store turned private retreat sitting on eight acres of adventure-filled land. Along with fly fishing there is hiking, river rafting, horseback riding, a relaxing spa, and farm-to-table dining. It’s a great spot to fully embrace the Colorado “off-the-grid” mentality.

Spectacular variety of fly fishing in Colorado

Anglers heading to this gorgeous remote setting will find a spectacular variety of fly fishing rivers, lakes, ponds, streams and small creeks with something suitable for all ability levels.  

There is no compromising on the quality of fly fishing options; whether you prefer to walk and wade or simply drift through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, just tell your guide and he will take you to the locations.

Anglers can enjoy 26 miles of the Gunnison River in pursuit of big brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Alternatively guests can access a myriad of nearby mountain streams where accurate casts with dries or nymphs can produce astounding wild trout. There is also a mile of semi-private water right in front of the lodge where you can wet a line whenever the mood strikes you. 

In the early season it is possible to go pike fishing on the flats of Taylor Reservoir, or fish the feeder stream inlets at Blue Mesa for rainbows, browns and cutthroat.

Off-the-grid comfort

Blue sky, emerald green pine trees and granite cliffs frame all of your adventures at Taylor River Lodge.  Formerly used as a general store for fishing and tackle, the property has been transformed into a private retreat which is open from late May through mid-October. The property includes a main lodge with communal dining space, bar, fireplace, lounge and riverfront seating. There is a bathhouse including steam room, sauna, indoor pool, hot tub, and spa facility with two treatment rooms. 

The off-the-grid location deep in Colorado’s Taylor Canyon is the perfect setting for friends, families and corporate groups to unplug and reconnect. 

The surrounding mountains offer rugged single track and scenic hiking trails, and the on-site rock climbing wall, archery and hatchet throwing area will make you nostalgic for your Scout days. After a day outdoors, steam and soak in the Bathhouse or cosy up in the main lodge with a good book. Evenings take on a campfire vibe with stargazing and s’mores around the communal fire pit.

The accommodation retains the original 1940s board-and-chink bones but has been renovated with en-suite bathrooms and personal steam showers. The design blends international touches, like Moroccan rugs and Indian block-printed pillows with vintage finds such as hickory wood rocking chairs and antler-framed mirrors. The lodge accommodates up to 32 people in six en-suite queen cabins, three have lofts with two twins bed, and two family homes.   

Meals at Taylor River Lodge showcase locally-sourced ingredients. Each meal can be catered to your dietary preferences whether served in a family-style or three or five-course seasonal format. Dinners featuring dishes like smoked pulled pork with heirloom grit soufflé and cast iron chicken with cornbread panzanella salad with watercress and apple cider jus are just some of what the guests can expect. 

Secluded and Exclusive

Tucked away in a secluded canyon near Crested Butte, the exclusive Taylor River Lodge is the perfect place to get back to nature and sample Colorado’s great outdoors at their very best.

Due to its location the lodge can either be a stand alone itinerary or part of a larger combination trip either focusing in central USA or taking in the east and/or west coasts.