North Fork Ranch

Established in 1985, North Fork Ranch rests quietly along one-half mile of the tranquil North Fork of the South Platte River. Our 520 acre ranch sits at an elevation of 8100 ft. Your visit can be action-packed with Colorado fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting, zip-line tours, shooting and swimming -OR- you can savor peaceful, wooded walks, reading on the porch, relaxing and meeting new friends. Our guests return year after year for a secluded getaway in the mountains of Colorado where there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish

If fly fishing is your passion, you’ve found the perfect spot! Our pristine stretch of water, over two miles, is conveniently located within one hour southwest of Denver.

Our professional guides will ensure an unforgettable fly-fishing vacation experience whether you choose a full or half-day trip. Only fifty yards off the back porch of our Colorado fishing lodge you’ll find the tranquil North Fork of the South Platte River teeming with rainbow, brown, cutthroat and steelhead trout. Fish you will remember for a lifetime. Whether you are here for the day, multiple days, or the entire week, you will always want “one more day”. The North Fork of the South Platte boasts over a mile of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s favorite trophy trout fishing river. The river is fly fishing only, guided, barbless hooks, catch and release.

Sample of Typical Itinerary

Saturday
Arrive after 3 p.m; settle in and relax; fish, hike or take a refreshing dip in our heated pool.

Sunday
Horseback riding orientation in the morning. Afternoon trail ride deep into the woods of our own 520 acres, fly-fishing class with one of our exceptional, professional Orvis guides, or our horsemanship clinic. Western BBQ for dinner. Evening hayride with a campfire sing-a-long.

Monday
An exciting day of whitewater rafting or enjoy a scenic lunch trail ride.

Tuesday
Spectacular champagne brunch ride and cook-out. Afternoon target, bow & arrow shooting, and an evening rendezvous with a “Mountain Man”.

Wednesday
A breathtaking high country hike, a four hour lunch ride or an all day high country wilderness trip. All followed by a steak cook-out.

Thursday
Lunch trail ride, a scenic van trip to Breckenridge, a Zip-Line Tour or a great day to relax at the ranch. Finish your day with an evening square dance.

Friday
An "end of the trail" ride or trapshooting and an afternoon ride. A fabulous 5 course candle light dinner finishes the perfect week in Colorado.

Saturday
Flapjack breakfast cook-out and departure by 10:00 a.m.

On-site Activities

We offer Guided Fly Fishing, Hiking, Massage, Gourmet Home Cooked Meals, Target Shooting, Bow and Arrow Shooting, Trail Rides, Champagne Brunch, Campfires, Fly-Fishing Classes, Horsemanship Clinics, Mountain Man Story Time, Game Nights, Square and Line Dancing, Riverside Lunches, Hayrides and Sing Alongs. All on site!

Off-site Activities

We offer Zip-Line Tours, White Water Rafting, Breckenridge Trips and more!

Lodging, Meals, and Accommodations

Lodging options include everything from one-bedroom suites to three-bedroom family units with cathedral ceilings, sitting areas, and stone fireplaces. Suites and cabins include private baths and cozy pillow-top beds in king, queen and twin size configurations. Each cabin is uniquely decorated and all share wonderful views of the wilderness surrounding the ranch. It’s like being at home… but better — just relax, grab an appetizer and a glass of wine, put your feet up and let us take care of all the details.

Wildhorse Lodge – a small lodge with 5 suite style rooms: perfect for couples, singles, or families with adult children.

Stonehenge Mansion – our largest accommodation sleeps 12: a six-bedroom, three-bath lodge, with three large common areas, each with wood-burning fireplaces – great for a family reunion, families traveling together or large families.

Klondike Cabin – A true log cabin with a common sitting area and impressive large rock fireplace. Perfect Colorado lodging for families with younger kids, this cabin is just across from the pool. Gather ‘round the fireplace in the evening and share stories about your day!

Homestead Cabin – Great for larger families visiting our Colorado Dude Ranch: this cabin sleeps up to 9 people. Older kids can sleep separate from the adult area with plenty of privacy for all. You can all come together in the common area for games, snacks and socializing around the stone fireplace and coffee bar or enjoy the views from any of the multiple porches.

Species You Fish for by Season

Our river is teeming with rainbow, cutthroat, brown trout as well as the tenacious steelhead and brook trout.

What Should Customers Bring?

It can be confusing on what needs to be packed. We’ve compiled a list to help you better prepare. A complete list of items to pack will be provided in your reservation packet. If you have any questions on what needs to be brought, just contact us.

Summer List:

• Camera
• Flashlight
• Hat (Cowboy hats available for purchase in the trading post)
• Hiking shorts
• Jeans
• Light hiking boots (for hiking, not riding)
• Light Jacket
• Riding Boots (boots to borrow available)
• Rain Gear
• Small day pack/fanny pack
• Sunglasses
• Sun screen
• Swim suit
• Warm hat & gloves

Winter List:

• Active athletic clothing (non-cotton)
• Camera
• Day pack for extra clothing & supplies
• Flashlight
• Lightweight gloves
• Liner socks & outer socks
• Long underwear/capilene
• Sunglasses
• Sun screen
• Swim suit for hot tub
• Warm coat (for evenings)
• Warm hat
• Windbreaker

Other Suggestions:

• Camera – extra memory cards
• Binoculars
• Fishing gear
• Good book
• Deck of cards