Longridge Outfitters

Long Ridge Outfitters operates out of Freemons Ranch on the upper Rio Grande, about 18 miles west of Creede in Colorado's Unit 76. They're licensed outfitters and guides operating under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service and Rio Grande National Forest.

Unit 76 experienced a major forest fire in 2013. Since then, the burn areas have exploded with re-vegetation, and the elk and deer populations have grown significantly. This means the hunting territory Long Ridge guides in is actively producing quality animals.

• •Fully Guided Hunts run on a 2-to-1 or 1-to-1 guide-to-hunter ratio with experienced guides who know the area thoroughly. LRO provides camps with sleeping tents and cook tents. You access camps by horse or hike, depending on preference. Hunting areas are a short ride or hike from base camp. All you bring is personal gear, rifle, ammunition, bow, arrows, sleeping bag, and game bags.

• •Semi-Guided Hunts work for hunters who want to hunt alone but don't want to rough it. A cook and wrangler stay at camp. Breakfast is ready before you head out, guides drop you where you want to hunt, and a hot meal waits when you're done. You handle the hunting; they handle logistics.

• •Spike Camps get set up as needed for fully and semi-guided hunts. These are smaller operations in the middle of specific hunting areas with fewer comforts but tactical positioning. No open fires allowed. Food and tents provided.

• •Day Hunts operate from Freemons Guest Ranch for hunters who want to hunt out and back the same day. This works especially well for late-season hunts when snow makes backcountry access difficult.

For hunters who prefer to do it themselves, LRO packs your gear and supplies to a pre-selected basecamp location using horses. They'll provide tents and stoves if needed. No horses stay in camp. You handle getting to hunting areas and packing game back to camp.

• •Game Packing Service is available during hunting season across Unit 76. They'll come pack your trophy out for you after the harvest.

• •Horseback Day Rides run June through September:
• •1 Hour: $55/person
• •2 Hour: $110/person
• •2+ Hour: Call for pricing

Rides get you to high-country vantage points for photography, wildlife viewing (elk, deer, moose), or fishing access. Full-day trips include Upper Rio Grande Valley and Ruby Lake.

• •Wilderness Pack Trips into the Weminuche Wilderness area within the San Juan Mountains. Minimum 3 days and 2 nights. Trips include horses, tack, sleeping tents, three meals daily, and basic riding lessons. Run June through September.

• •Guided Fishing to high-country streams and lakes where 50-fish days are common. Brook trout, cutthroat, and brown trout. They recommend sectional 3-4 piece pack rods, light/ultra-light setups, dry flies, small nymphs, or spinners.

• •Backpacking Camps available for those who prefer trekking on foot. LRO has camp set up and ready when you arrive.

"Greg and his assistants went out of their way to make sure we had a very comfortable camp and enjoyable hunt. The food he provided was wonderful. We hunted in some beautiful country and saw lots of game." — Bill (2016 client)

Freemons Ranch 39284 Hwy 149 Creede, Colorado 81130 719-580-8049 [email protected]

Operates under USDA Forest Service special use permit and Rio Grande National Forest authorization.