Question 1

How do I get to the lodge?

Accepted Answer

Access to Budge's Wilderness Lodge is by high-clearance 4WD only. Standard pickups and stock SUVs with about 9” of clearance can make the trip, just take it slow. After September 1st or anytime snow is in the forecast, well-fitting tire chains with tensioners are required. If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle or prefer not to drive to the lodge, we offer pick-up at the Eagle County Regional Airport for $650, round trip per vehicle (max 4 passengers). For detailed directions and other info, please see our Guest Information Page.

Question 2

What species of trout can I catch at Budge's Wilderness Lodge?

Accepted Answer

You can catch wild brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout at Budge's Wilderness Lodge. They are known to respond well to dry flies and streamers.

Question 3

What hunting success rates can I expect?

Accepted Answer

On a good week of hunting 80% of the hunters in camp might take an elk. On a tough week, it may be closer to 20%. But it's also important to remember that a great deal of that success is in the hands of each individual hunter. Physical conditioning and excellent proficiency with one's weapon are two factors that can greatly increase your odds.

Question 4

What fishing techniques are recommended at Budge's?

Accepted Answer

The lodge recommends fishing with dry flies and streamers for the wild trout in the White River. The remote location ensures light fishing pressure.

Question 5

What are the physical requirements for an elk hunt?

Accepted Answer

The weight limit for horseback riders is 250 lbs. Upon booking, please fill out our Health and Medical Questionnaire so that our guides and crew can do their best to create a fun and memorable experience. In this remote and rugged wilderness area, hunters can expect steep mountains, uneven terrain, thick timber, freezing temperatures, snow, high altitude, and extremely challenging conditions. Depending on your background, elk hunting at elevation in the mountains of Colorado might be one of the most physically challenging things you'll do. It'll also be one of the more mentally challenging things you'll ever do as it's a slow grind of getting up early, going to bed late, being away from creature comforts, and the emotional roller coaster that hunting elk usually delivers. Train for this like you would a serious athletic event.

Question 6

Does Budge's Wilderness Lodge offer lodging and meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Budge's Wilderness Lodge offers an all-inclusive program that includes lodging in their historic cabins and all meals. The season typically runs from late June through early October.

Question 7

How is meat care and taxidermy handled?

Accepted Answer

Here at Budge's Wilderness lodge, we take the care of wild game meat very seriously. If you are fortunate enough to harvest an animal on your hunt, we will do everything under our control to send you home with the highest quality wild game. We exclusively use Caribou Gear Game Bags. All of our guests who harvest an animal will go home with a set of these reusable game bags. Our experienced guides will field dress your animal and place the skinned quarters into Caribou Gear Game Bags. We will then pack it back to the main lodge on horses or mules. Everything will be hung in our on-site meat shed until your departure. Transporting the meat home is entirely up to you. Any processing and taxidermy are the hunter's responsibility.

Question 8

How do I access the fishing waters at Budge's?

Accepted Answer

Access to the remote fishing waters is primarily by guided horseback trips. For those staying at the lodge, daily guided horseback trips are offered to position anglers on the White River.

Question 9

What are the hunting license fees?

Accepted Answer

The prices listed above do not include your hunting license or associated fees from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. To learn more and for help with your application, see our limited license and application information.

Question 10

What is the best time of year for fishing at Budge's?

Accepted Answer

The peak fishing season at Budge's Wilderness Lodge is typically in July and August. The lodge operates from late June through early October.

Question 11

What should I bring for an elk hunt?

Accepted Answer

For a suggested packing list, what to expect and directions to the lodge, please see our Guest Information Page.

Question 12

What is the gratuity recommendation for hunting trips?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. This is usually split between guide, wrangler(s), kitchen and housekeeping staff. You are welcome to tip these individuals separately, or you can leave a single amount and we can divide it among the crew.

Question 13

What is the payment and cancellation policy for elk hunts?

Accepted Answer

When booking more than one year in advance, a deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve your dates, then 50% is due December 15 the year preceding your hunt. When booking less than a year in advance, a 50% deposit is required to reserve your dates. New reservations will be held for 1 week, upon which a deposit and signed contracts are required to secure them. The balance is due 60 days prior to arrival. You may cancel your trip at any time, but all payments, deposits and fees paid to Budge's are 100% non-refundable. If a hunting trip is cancelled with more than 90-days notice prior to the arrival date, the non-refundable deposit may be credited toward other guests or dates within 12 months of the date of the original reservation, subject to availability and updated rates may apply. For cancellations made less than 90 days prior to the arrival date, the exact reservation may be transferred to another guest, or the payments received will be forfeited.

Question 14

What is the payment and cancellation policy for fishing, riding and cabin stays?

Accepted Answer

When booking for the next calendar year, a deposit of $250 per person is required to reserve dates, then 50% is due January 15. When booking for the same calendar year, a 50% deposit is required to reserve dates. New reservations will be held for 1 week, upon which a deposit is required to secure them. The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival and any outstanding balance will be charged to the credit card on file at that 30-day mark. You may cancel your trip at any time, but all payments, deposits and fees paid to Budge's are 100% non-refundable. If a fishing trip, horseback riding trip or cabin stay is cancelled with more than 60-days notice prior to the arrival date, the non-refundable deposit may be credited toward other guests or other dates within 12 months of the date of the original reservation, subject to availability and updated rates may apply. For cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the arrival date, the exact reservation may be transferred to another guest, or the payments received will be forfeited.

Question 15

What are the physical requirements for horseback riding?

Accepted Answer

In this remote wilderness area, riders can expect extreme weather, high altitude and rugged terrain. The weight limit for horseback riders is 250 lbs. Upon booking, please fill out our Health and Medical Questionnaire so that our guides and crew can do their best to create a fun and memorable experience.

Question 16

Is there horseback riding for kids?

Accepted Answer

The minimum recommended age for horseback riding is 12 years old, depending on the child and previous riding experience. As an alternative for younger kids (or anyone who is not interested in riding a horse), we offer fully-guided fly fishing trips on foot.

Question 17

What is the gratuity recommendation for horseback riding trips?

Accepted Answer

Tips are customary and certainly appreciated. We recommend tipping 20% of the cost of your trip. Gratuity can be divided equally between the wrangler(s), kitchen and lodge crew. Cash is preferred and we have envelopes available at the lodge.

Question 18

Can I bring my pets?

Accepted Answer

Our pet fee is $40 per pet. That fee is given directly to our housekeeping crew. Dogs are welcome in your cabin and around camp while on a leash. Dogs are NOT allowed in the main lodge where we serve meals, or anywhere around the horses or corral. We frequently have moose, deer, snowshoe hares and other wildlife in camp. Dogs can also spook horses, which can create a dangerous situation when carrying riders. Therefore, please DO NOT let dogs wander off leash anywhere around camp. Pets are not allowed on wilderness camp trips.

Question 19

What is the gratuity recommendation for wilderness vacations?

Accepted Answer

Tips are customary and certainly appreciated. We recommend tipping 20% of the cost of your trip. Gratuity can be divided equally between the wranglers, cooks and hospitality crew. Cash is preferred and we have envelopes available at the lodge.

Question 20

What are the payment and cancellation policies for a wilderness vacation?

Accepted Answer

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm all reservations. The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival and is non-refundable. All payments are non-refundable under any circumstances. If full payment is not received by the due date, you may forfeit your deposit and your space may be offered to our wait list. You may cancel your trip at any time, but all payments, deposits and fees paid to Budge's are 100% non-refundable. No exceptions. If a Wilderness Vacation is cancelled with more than 60-days notice prior to the arrival date, the non-refundable deposit may be credited toward other guests or dates within 12 months of the date of the original reservation, subject to availability. For cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the arrival date, the exact reservation may be transferred to another guest, or the payments received will be forfeited.

Question 21

Are there adventures for younger kids at the lodge?

Accepted Answer

The minimum recommended age for horseback riding is 12 years old, depending on the child and previous riding experience. We recommend a lodge-based stay (above) for younger kids. Those 11 and under are eligible for discounted rates. Please contact us for details.

Question 22

What are the best times to fish at Budge's?

Accepted Answer

The fishing season runs from June 28 through early October. The best time depends on conditions, but generally the season offers excellent dry fly fishing throughout.

Question 23

Why does Budge's open on June 28 each year?

Accepted Answer

People often ask why Budge's isn't open until June 28 each year. That's so late! Here's the reason for our annual opening at the end of June. (See the blog post for the full explanation.)

Question 24

What kind of fish can I catch?

Accepted Answer

We have rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout. The Flat Tops is full of water, which creates productive fish habitat. Our waters are teeming with wild trout.

Budge's Wilderness Lodge

Why book

Overview

At a glance

What you'll catch

Amenities & features

Amenities

Activities

Fishing styles

Techniques

Water types

Seasons

Skill level

Best for

Themes

Credentials

Climate

Lodging style

What's included

Included

Not included

Seasons

Trip planning

Getting there

Gear

Where you are

Nearby destinations

Frequently asked

Guest reviews

Budge's Wilderness Lodge

Why book

Overview

At a glance

What you'll catch

Amenities & features

Amenities

Activities

Fishing styles

Techniques

Water types

Seasons

Skill level

Best for

Themes

Credentials

Climate

Lodging style

What's included

Included

Not included

Seasons

Trip planning

Getting there

Gear

Cancellation policy

Where you are

Nearby destinations

Frequently asked

logisticsHow do I get to the lodge?

fishingWhat species of trout can I catch at Budge's Wilderness Lodge?

activitiesWhat hunting success rates can I expect?

fishingWhat fishing techniques are recommended at Budge's?

activitiesWhat are the physical requirements for an elk hunt?

lodgingDoes Budge's Wilderness Lodge offer lodging and meals?

activitiesHow is meat care and taxidermy handled?

fishingHow do I access the fishing waters at Budge's?

bookingWhat are the hunting license fees?

fishingWhat is the best time of year for fishing at Budge's?

logisticsWhat should I bring for an elk hunt?

generalWhat is the gratuity recommendation for hunting trips?

bookingWhat is the payment and cancellation policy for elk hunts?

bookingWhat is the payment and cancellation policy for fishing, riding and cabin stays?

activitiesWhat are the physical requirements for horseback riding?

childrenIs there horseback riding for kids?

generalWhat is the gratuity recommendation for horseback riding trips?

petsCan I bring my pets?

generalWhat is the gratuity recommendation for wilderness vacations?

bookingWhat are the payment and cancellation policies for a wilderness vacation?

childrenAre there adventures for younger kids at the lodge?

fishingWhat are the best times to fish at Budge's?

generalWhy does Budge's open on June 28 each year?

fishingWhat kind of fish can I catch?

Guest reviews