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Planning a Wilderness Hunting or Fishing Trip with Colorado Wilderness Outfitters

planning

Trip Planning

Planning a wilderness hunting or fishing trip in Southwest Colorado requires advance preparation. Trips with Colorado Wilderness Outfitters operate on public land within designated wilderness areas of the San Juan Mountains, including the Weminuche Wilderness and Hermosa Creek Wilderness.

This page outlines the key considerations to help you plan appropriately, understand timelines, and determine whether a trip is a good fit before booking.

Step 1:

Choose Your Trip Type

The first step in planning is determining whether you’re interested in a wilderness hunting trip or a wilderness fishing trip. Each has different seasonal windows, licensing requirements, and physical demands.

View Hunting Trips
View Wilderness Fishing Trips
Step 2:

Understand Seasons & Timing

All trips operate within state-regulated seasons and wilderness access windows.

Seasons & Timing

Timing varies year to year based on:

  • Wildlife seasons
  • Snowpack and weather conditions
  • Water levels for fishing
  • Licensing structure

Some trips can be planned within the same year, while others require advance planning.

Step 3:

Licensing & Tag Requirements (Hunting Trips)

Hunting licenses in Colorado are issued either:

  • Over the counter
  • Through the draw system, depending on species and season
Tag Application Help

Colorado Wilderness Outfitters helps clients understand:

  • Which licenses are over the counter
  • Which require the draw
  • Application deadlines
  • Realistic timelines for planning

Some hunts require long-term planning and preference points, while others are accessible with shorter timelines.

Step 4:

Physical Effort & Expectations

Wilderness trips involve horseback travel, uneven terrain, and variable mountain weather. Physical effort varies by trip type but should not be underestimated.

Before booking, consider:

  • Comfort with horseback travel
  • Ability to hike and spend long days outdoors
  • Willingness to adapt to changing conditions

Setting clear expectations early helps ensure the trip is a good fit.

What to Expect on a Wilderness trip
Step 5:

Camps, Food & Daily Life

All trips operate from established backcountry camps accessed by horseback. Camps are designed for function and comfort within wilderness regulations.

Meals are chef-prepared and finished in camp by your guide. Daily schedules vary by trip type, conditions, and season.

Our Camps
Food & Meals
Step 6:

Trip Length & Group Size

Trips are structured as multi-day experiences and are typically private for individual groups. Trip length varies by species, season, and goals.

Group sizes are kept small to align with wilderness permit requirements and camp logistics.

Pricing
Step 7:

 Booking Process

Booking a trip begins with a conversation to confirm:

Trip type & timing

Licensing requirements

Physical expectations

Availability

Step 8:

Travel & Arrival Planning

Final travel details, meeting locations, and arrival timing are coordinated after booking.

Travel plans may include:

  • Driving to a designated meeting location
  • Overnight lodging before or after trips
  • Coordinated departure times

Specific instructions are provided once a trip is confirmed.

Questions

Common Planning Questions

Some of the most common questions we receive during the planning process include:

“How far in advance should I plan?”
“Do I need horseback experience?”
“How difficult is the terrain?”
“What licenses do I need?”

These topics are addressed throughout the site and during the booking process

FAQ’s
Contact

Start Planning Your Trip

If you’re considering a wilderness hunting or fishing trip and want help understanding timelines, logistics, and expectations, we encourage you to reach out.

Contact Colorado Wilderness Outfitters