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Guided horseback trips & big game hunts
Adventure Awaits in the West Elk Wilderness
Explore the wild heart of Colorado’s high country with our trusted guides, seasoned horses, and 21 years of backcountry experience. From serene day rides to rugged multi-day elk hunts, West Elk Wilderness Outfitters takes you deep into the stunning solitude of the West Elk Wilderness
What We Offer
Unplug. Saddle up. Step into the wild.
West Elk Wilderness Outfitters delivers unforgettable backcountry experiences in the heart of Colorado. Whether you're after peaceful trail rides or high-adventure hunts, our trips are crafted for lasting memories.
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Remote. Rugged. Remarkable.
Colorado’s Hidden Gem for Riders and Hunters Alike
With over 176,000 acres of protected wilderness and more than 200 miles of trails, the West Elk Wilderness is a remote paradise unlike any other in the Rockies. This volcanic landscape features towering peaks, dense aspen forests, deep canyons, and wildlife-rich valleys—making it a dream for horseback riders and hunters alike.
Home to elk, deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles, this is one of the least crowded wilderness areas in the state—and one of the most beautiful.
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Adventure with Integrity
Licensed, Insured, and Wilderness-Approved
West Elk Wilderness Outfitters is fully licensed, bonded, and insured (Reg. #2411), operating under special use permit on the Gunnison National Forest. We’re also an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
All rides and hunts include:
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Knowledgeable, experienced guides
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Well-trained horses and mules
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Forest Service-approved trails
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Safety-first riding at a walk-only pace
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Optional helmets for riders
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Liability and risk release forms
Don’t Take Our Word for It…
See Why Guests Come Back Year After Year
"I went on a full-day horseback ride with Bruce and it was hands-down the best experience I’ve had in the mountains. The horses were gentle and sure-footed, and the views were beyond anything I’ve seen in Colorado. Bruce was patient, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely safe the entire time. I didn’t want the day to end—we'll definitely be back for an overnight trip next summer."
– Sarah L.
"I've hunted all over the country and this was by far one of the most rewarding trips I’ve taken. The camp setup was comfortable and well thought out, and the ride into the wilderness was a memory in itself. We saw plenty of elk and ended the trip with a mature bull that scored just over 310". Bruce and the team really know what they’re doing, and their respect for the land shows."
– Tom W.
"There’s something special about riding into the wilderness with no noise but hooves and wind. My family and I did a half-day trail ride, and every minute felt like something out of a movie. We saw deer, crossed streams, and took the best family photo of the year up on a ridgeline. My kids still talk about it. This is the kind of trip that brings you closer together."
– Angela D.
"I booked a multi-day pack trip with a group of friends, and it was one of the most well-run operations I’ve ever seen. The food was great, the tents were warm, and the views from camp were unreal. What stood out most was Bruce’s deep knowledge of the area—he knew every trail, every pass, and made us feel like locals. You can tell he really loves this place, and it made the whole trip that much more meaningful."
– Jason M.
