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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?

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