Premier Colorado Wilderness Hunting Lodge

Trappers Lake Lodge & Outfitting presents a rare opportunity to acquire a historic Colorado wilderness lodge and fully permitted big game hunting outfitter. Nestled in the iconic Flat Tops Wilderness and surrounded by over 2.3 million acres of public National Forest, this lodge has operated for generations as one of the state’s most authentic outdoor adventure destinations.

The lodge holds a unique USFS Resort & Outfitting Special Use Permit, granting exclusive commercial access to guide hunts and operate wilderness camps across approximately 48,000 acres (75 square miles) of prime elk, mule deer, black bear, and moose habitat. Such permitted access is increasingly rare, making this an exceptional acquisition for a serious buyer seeking an established Colorado outfitter business.

Historic Lodge & Complete Infrastructure
Located steps from Colorado’s second-largest natural lake, Trappers Lake, the lodge features off-grid cabins, some dating to the 1800s and fully restored to preserve their historic character. The main lodge offers a full-service restaurant and bar, a general store with outdoor and hunting gear, bathhouse, laundry, staff housing, and a barn with corrals. Powered by reliable generators and mountain spring water, the lodge provides an authentic wilderness experience with modern operational functionality. Guests visit for multi-day hunting trips, horseback adventures, fly fishing, and wilderness retreats.

World-Class Big Game Hunting & Guided Services
Trappers Lake Lodge is the sole commercial outfitter permitted in its designated hunting compartments, providing guided hunts in some of Colorado’s most sought-after Game Management Units. Experienced guides lead horseback hunts, pack-in drop camps, and custom wilderness adventures across diverse terrain, including alpine basins, aspen groves, creek bottoms, and dense timber. The lodge maintains a reputation for fair-chase, trophy-class hunting experiences and unmatched wilderness knowledge.

Year-Round Outdoor Opportunities
Beyond hunting, the lodge offers horseback trail rides, guided fly-fishing trips, canoe and kayak rentals, wildlife photography, and multi-day family or corporate retreats. Its proximity to the Flat Tops Scenic Byway, Yampa Valley, and Steamboat Springs allows for marketing a full range of wilderness adventures and events.

Permitted Operations & Growth Potential
The USFS Special Use Permit provides a long-standing framework for ongoing outfitting, pack trips, drop camps, and guided day rides while preserving public access. Proven high-use data demonstrates operational capacity, with additional opportunities to rebuild historic footprints for up to 35 more guest cabins. Winter operations, including backcountry skiing, snowcat tours, and winter outfitting, present untapped growth potential.

Revenue & Legacy
Trappers Lake Lodge generates strong revenue streams through lodging, guided hunts, outdoor services, retail, equipment rentals, and food & beverage operations. Generational brand equity and loyal clientele create a legacy business with multi-year growth potential.

Why This Opportunity is Unique

Exclusive, federally permitted access to tens of thousands of wilderness acres.

Historic and iconic wilderness legacy—birthplace of the national wilderness preservation movement.

Surrounded by protected National Forest lands, preserving guest experience and