THE ATLAS · The King
Elk Bugle Backcountry Camp — San Juan Wilderness, CO
Destination: Pagosa Springs + San Juans, CONights: 4Group: 4–6Season: SeptemberEstimated: $3,800–$6,500/person
Horse pack-in to a wall tent camp at 10,000 ft during the September rut. Bulls screaming at 3 AM, elk backstrap seared on a wood fire, bourbon by lantern light. Zero cell signal, zero trophy-ranch fences. End at Dunton Hot Springs for the decompression.
What You'll Do
Elk bugling backcountry camp
Horseback into a wall-tent camp at 10,000 ft during the rut. Bulls screaming all night, elk backstrap on the fire.
Operator: Rainbow Trout Ranch or Lobo Overlook outfitters · Pair with: Dunton Hot Springs decompress day.
Horseback Riding
Hiking
Where You Sleep
- · Wall-tent backcountry camp
- · Dunton Hot Springs
- · The Springs Resort Pagosa
Where You Eat
- · Camp kitchen (chef)
- · Dunton Burnt Stew Tea House
Questions
How fit do I need to be?
Horseback access means you don't hike in, but expect cold nights at altitude. Reasonable cardio required.
Do we shoot?
Optional — some trips are observation only. Bugle-calling and field experience with no tag is a common draw.
How far from the nearest road?
8 to 12 miles depending on weather. Plan on no bailout once you're in.
Ready to book the story?
Five quick questions, then we build the full itinerary — lodging, daily schedule, dining, bars, the group-chat message — and drop you into a Trip Room you can share with the crew.