Taylor River Lodge

Taylor River Lodge is a sanctuary for those who seek nature without compromise. Tucked into the dramatic Taylor Canyon beneath cliffs and conifers, this is where the comforts of luxury intersect with off-grid wilderness. Once a 1960s general store and fishing outpost, it has been masterfully reimagined by world-renowned hospitality group, Eleven Experience, into a highly curated alpine escape. Owners and their guests will unplug, head to the river, and let the day unfold at its own pace. Whether hosting a multi-generational reunion, bringing the family up for the holidays, or throwing a high-level company offsite, this riverside enclave delivers rare access, timeless design, and five-star comfort in the wild. It’s like sleep-away camp—if sleep-away camp came with a private chef and steam showers.

Overview

More than a lodge, this is a carefully choreographed mountain hamlet. The ranch property unfolds like a private alpine village—cabins tucked into the woods, trails and bike paths linking each building, and communal areas designed for both relaxation and reconnection. The layout strikes a balance between shared experiences and quiet moments by the river—ideal for everything from family gatherings to restorative retreats.

Improvements

• 15 buildings, 12 bedrooms, sleeps 24 guests, on-property manager accommodations.
• Six standalone cabins with private entrances, queen beds, spa-style baths, and mountain-inspired interiors. Three include lofts for kids or extra guests.
• Two larger family homes—Green Drake and Royal Wulff—each with two king suites, bunk rooms, and lounge areas. 
• Main lodge with a grand stone hearth, horseshoe bar, cozy reading nooks, and communal dining for shared meals and casual conversation.
• Bathhouse nestled in the trees with a saltwater pool, dry sauna, steam room, riverside hot tub, and massage treatment rooms.
• Media/game cabin known as “Copper John”
• The fitness center with massage rooms that can be re-imagined into any type of auxiliary space
• A custom-built climbing wall, archery and hatchet-throwing range, and trout-stocked casting pond offer an on-site adventure experience.
• All buildings are connected by a loop path through the trees, creating a peaceful and intentional village experience.
• This level of development is nearly impossible to replicate today, with Taylor River Lodge including its own private water and water-treatment systems.

Location

Located in Almont, Colorado, Taylor River Lodge sits just off of CR 742 on the west side of Cottonwood Pass. Despite its immersive mountain setting, it’s easily accessible year-round. Gunnison/Crested Butte Regional Airport is conveniently located, offering quick access for regional and international travelers. You can also reach the property via the iconic hike from Aspen to Crested Butte—a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike.

Surrounding Area

The Gunnison Valley is a playground for outdoor lovers. With gold medal waters, granite walls, alpine lakes, and epic singletrack, Taylor Canyon is a basecamp for year-round adventure. Nearby Crested Butte adds world-class skiing, eclectic culture, and small-town charm. For nearby dining and occasional music, owners can head to The Almont Resort or Harmels. Despite the proximity, Taylor River Lodge remains blissfully private, a hidden gem amid Colorado’s rising prestige destinations.

Backstory

From its beginnings as a rustic fishing camp and general store selling tackle, the lodge has evolved with reverence for its setting. The original cabins have been preserved and elevated.

Seasons & Setting

The four-season climate supports a range of activities, from whitewater rafting and wildflower hikes in summer to snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in winter. Autumn brings golden aspens, while January blankets the lodge in fresh powder, a dynamic, year-round appeal for owners and guests alike.

Adventure Overview

Built for movement, Taylor River Lodge makes adventure effortless. With onsite climbing, hiking, casting, and biking, plus nearby rafting, SUP, and backcountry skiing, owners and guests can enjoy the full spectrum of mountain recreation without leaving the canyon.

Hunting

The property is situated near top-tier game units renowned for their elk, mule deer, and bear populations. It’s a luxurious base camp for fall hunts, complete with spa-like recovery and comfort built in.

Fishing

The Taylor River is one of Colorado’s most renowned tailwater fisheries—home to wild trout of legendary proportions, including the state record. This idyllic stretch of river runs just 20 miles from Taylor Reservoir to its confluence with the Gunnison, making it one of the most prized and limited angling resources in the state. A true four-season trout stream, it’s a tailwater angler’s dream: clear, cold, and teeming with trophy fish. Nearby, float trips on the Gunnison River expand the fishing experience. At the same time, the private pond near the lodge offers a perfect setting for casting practice or introducing newcomers to the sport.

Almont, where the East and Taylor Rivers meet to form the Gunnison, sits at the base of Taylor Canyon. The upper Taylor begins in the Collegiate Peaks and flows through alpine valleys into Taylor Park Reservoir, backed by a 1937 bottom-release dam. This unique setup feeds Mysis shrimp into the river, nutrient-rich crustaceans that help grow some of Colorado’s largest trout in the 1.5-mile catch-and-release stretch below the dam.

The river’s gradient and structure, boulders, pockets, seams, and soft flats create ideal conditions for both nymphing and dry fly fishing. These dynamic features stretch across much of the river, offering a variety of techniques throughout the season. Summer is peak time, with fly fishing at the forefront.

Outdoor Recreation On-Property

• Direct river access for fishing and boating
• Stocked trout pond
• Create a recreational haven on-site with space for campfires, hammocks, lawn games, and riverside decks
• Private climbing wall, archery, and axe-throwing range

Recreation Nearby

• Iconic rock climbing and bouldering
• Hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails
• Scenic paddles and peak-bagging
• Crested Butte ski slopes and festivals

Water Rights

These rights encompass domestic, spa, landscaping, and pond use, supporting comfort and sustainability throughout the seasons.

Property Taxes

The standard for luxury properties in Gunnison County, with potential reassessment options depending on the plans.

Investment Outlook

With limited inventory and increasing demand for destination-caliber retreats, Taylor River Lodge offers multiple paths: from family legacy, corporate retreat, to wellness haven. Its location on a famed river, Eleven Experience pedigree, and built-in infrastructure make this a rare Colorado ranch opportunity.