Recreation
Hartsel Springs Ranch is nothing short of a high country paradise. The over 300 days of sunshine, surprisingly mild winters and unsurpassed beauty lead to an abundance of recreational activities.
Perhaps the biggest challenge you’ll find is narrowing down which activity you want to do. Keep in mind that you would be hard pressed to find so many world class activities anywhere. As you read this section of our web site, you may get tired of hearing so many activities being described as “world-class.” We guarantee you, however, that you will not get tired of experiencing these activities first hand.
Fishing opportunities in Park County and the surrounding areas are rich and abundant. There are rivers, including the Tarryall River, Middle Fork of the South Platte River and the South Fork of the South Platte River. Numerous creeks, state wildlife areas (Alma, Tomahawk and Antero) and many reservoirs (Tarryall, Eleven Mile, Spinney Mountain, Antero and Jefferson Lake). Many of these waters are considered “Gold Medal Water” which is a designation by the Colorado Division of Wildlife given to areas with prime fishing opportunities for large trout.
Those looking for opportunities to kayak and white water raft won’t be disappointed. Chaffee County, located west and south of Park County has plenty of “rough water” to enjoy kayaking, while white water rafters can relish the water of Trout Creek Pass.
Park County and the surrounding areas provide numerous recreational opportunities. The Pike National Forest and Lost Park Wilderness area wrap around the South Park valley and provide hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and campers myriad choices tailored to all ages and experience levels. Some of the more challenging hiking trails include the Colorado Trail, Triple Crown Fourteeners, Gold Dust Trail and Mount Silverheels.
Outdoor recreational activities are endless with the following attractions being located within an hour of the Ranch:
- Sawatch Mountain Range containing 15 of Colorado’s 54 14,000-foot peaks including the three highest peaks in the state: Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive and Mt. Harvard.
- White water river rafting on the mighty Arkansas River rated amongst the best recreational white water rafting in the world.
- Spinney Mountain Reservoir – Holding one of Colorado’s healthiest populations of Cutthroat trout, the fish are so big that regulations won’t allow you to keep anything under 20 inches in length!
- Eleven Mile Reservoir – The holder of several state fishing records, this reservoir also serves as a recreational lake with boating and other water related activities.
- Antereo Reservoir – Offers boating and fishing
- Eleven state designated wildlife areas
- Pike’s Peak
- Cripple Creek
- Summit County Ski Areas including the world class resorts of Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. Another 20 minutes away is North America’s legendary Vail Resort
- Monarch Ski Resort
- Royal Gorge
- Cripple Creek
- Aspen
- Colorado Springs
Horseback riders will enjoy the trails through the Pike National Forest and in several of the local mountain towns, such as Bailey, Leadville and Nathrop. If a horse is needed, one of the numerous outfitters in the South Park area can provide one as well as a guide for a spectacular tour of the region.
Summit County, immediately west of Park County, boasts world-class skiing and other winter activities at Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain Resorts. Summer activities in Summit County include music, theater, biking, hiking, rafting and sailing.
The Blue River, Snake River and Ten Mile Creek all feed Summit County’s two large reservoirs, Dillon Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir, where you will find people enjoying sailing, kayaking, canoeing and water skiing.
