Eleven Taylor River Lodge Summer Pre-Arrival Guide 2024

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SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE | 2024

Let’s Get Planning.

Your Eleven Experience Team is here to help you design the perfect adventure. This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to meeting you at Taylor River Lodge, but until then, let’s start making some plans.

Getting Here

FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

For visitors, entry requirements differ slightly depending on place of birth, length of stay, and what items accompany the traveler. All persons entering The United States must travel with a passport that is six months or more from expiration, a return or onward journey ticket, and proof of funds to support the traveler during their visit.

By Plane:

The closest airport to Taylor River Lodge is the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), which is about 30 minutes away. Due to its small size, flights are limited. The closest private airport is also in Gunnison (KGUC).

If you’d like to book a transfer from the airport to the lodge, please speak with your Experience Manager. Airport transfers are subject to availability and additional pricing. Renting a car at the airport is also a good option, especially if you’d like to explore the area beyond your Eleven itinerary.

By Car:

Taylor River Lodge is located at 10931 Co Rd 742, Almont, Colorado 81210.

Driving routes are heavily impacted by conditions and seasonal closures, so please discuss your options with your Experience Team who will help you navigate the best route.

From Denver: 4.5 hours in summer

• In the summertime, Cottonwood Pass (CR 306) provides a more direct route

From Aspen: 3 hours in summer

• In the summertime, Kebler Pass (CR 12) provides a more direct route

U.S. 50 Travel Delays

Travel delays will be in place this summer between Gunnison and Montrose. Road construction continues on US 50 in the Little Blue Creek Canyon project. The four-mile stretch will have significant delays. Additionally, Middle Bridge, the brige crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir on U.S. Route 50, is closed and under contruction. The suggested detours add significant time to travel. Please check www.us50info.com for the most up-to-date information and speak with your Experience Team before starting your journey to Taylor River Lodge.

Adventures

Explore our guided adventures in the Rockies.

Adventures

ON-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES

A rotating schedule of on-property activities are offered throughout the week. This summer’s line-up includes group activities like wake-up wellness classes, casting clinics, wine and beer tastings, and more. Guests are also welcome to try their hand at axe throwing and archery on the Marksman Range, or join our guides for some time on our climbing wall.

HIKING

Explore world-class hiking trails with our seasoned guides. Whether you want to scout for wildlife in meadows blanketed in wildflowers, ascend through aspen forests, or traverse a steep alpine ridge, all levels are welcome.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Considered the birthplace of mountain biking, the Gunnison Valley is home to an impressive variety of single track and has been drawing never-evers and diehards for decades. Head out with our expert guides for an epic ride tailored to your level.

RAFTING

With plenty of variety, highly trained guides, and gorgeous scenery at every turn, rafting is a must. The family-friendly Gunnison River has countless options for newer paddlers, while the Taylor River has quicker-moving rapids for those seeking a thrill. NOT

GUIDES RIDGE MOUNTAINEERING

A local favorite, the Guides Ridge ascent is a ropesupported climb that follows an 800-foot ridge to Mount Crested Butte’s 12,162-foot summit. A stellar introduction to technical alpine ascents, this popular climb is suitable for adventurous families and seasoned climbers alike.

ROCK CLIMBING

From top roping local crags to navigating advanced routes, the rock climbing in the Gunnison Valley is expansive and our local guides know all the best spots. No matter your experience level, you’ll get your fill of climbing in a safe yet exciting setting.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

From high-alpine lakes to large reservoirs, the valley offers a range of beautiful SUPing destinations. Our guides will personalize your adventure and give you insider tips to improve your balancing technique and get the most out of your time on the water.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Let experienced wranglers show you some of Colorado’s most scenic trails on horseback. Wind through the wildflowers and take in incredible views from the saddle on this memorable adventure.

Fly Fishing

The Gunnison Valley is home to some of the best trout fishing in the country, and Taylor River Lodge gives you a wide range of guided trips. Our expert guides offer walk/wade trips, float trips, clinics, and multi-day fishing itineraries customized for our guests. Beginners can practice their cast at our on-property stocked trout pond, or work the banks of our on-property stretch of the Taylor River. We also have more than two miles of wild trout water on Tomichi Creek. Enthusiastic anglers can head out for a float trip on the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison, and even opt to spend a few nights in the Gunnison Gorge on our multi-day angling trip with RIGS. No matter your level, our guides will make sure you’re getting your fill of big rainbows, browns, and native cutthroats on the Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River, and Tomichi Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN DO THE HATCHES OCCUR?

Excellent hatches begin in late June and run through October. Mayflies, caddis, hoppers, and stoneflies emerge throughout the season to please the dry fly aficionado. Love to fish the PMDs or Green Drakes? Just ask us about peak times.

ARE BEGINNERS WELCOME?

There’s no better place than Taylor River Lodge to learn how to fly fish. Our professional guides will give you casting lessons, get you warmed up on the stocked on-property trout pond, and then take you to the nearby rivers and lakes to apply what you’ve learned.

WHAT GEAR DOES ELEVEN PROVIDE?

We provide complimentary access to the industry’s best, including Thomas and Thomas fly rods, Abel Vaya reels, Patagonia Expedition zip waders, Patagonia wading boots, Fishpond nets, Simms wading staff, and a full assortment of commercial and custom-tied flies.

Fly fishing is included for angling-inclusive bookings, but offered as a separately priced activity for standard bookings.

Wellness

Take relaxation to the next level by adding our renowned wellness treatments to your trip.

Massages & Speciality Treatments

All wellness offerings are priced separately.

SWEDISH

Slow, rhythmic strokes calm the nervous system and release stagnant toxins, creating balance and tranquility in the body, mind, and spirit.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

DEEP TISSUE

A targeted variety of therapeutic massage techniques restores blood flow and alleviates chronic pain, injuries, and fatigue.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

ELEVEN SIGNATURE MASSAGE

Experience the fullness of Colorado with this unique treatment that blends hot rocks, CBD salve, and essential oils.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

BAR MASSAGE

Performed on a table or floor mat, this session fuses Thai and Ashiatsu barefoot massage techniques by using gravity and broad strokes to help elongate the spine and muscles, flush the lymphatic system, and relax the entire body.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

FIRE & ICE MASSAGE

This contrasting hot and cold therapy uses smooth, warm river rocks and cool moisturizing body stones that boost the immune system, flush toxins, melt away tension, and leave the skin supple and glowing.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

JUNIOR MASSAGE

For children aged 11 and under, this soothing treatment offers a gentle- to moderate-pressure massage. A parent or guardian is required to attend the session.

30 minutes

HYDRATION THERAPY

Custom-designed by a board-certified Nurse Practitioner, this IV Hydration Therapy provides essential fluids and vitamins, delivering the quickest way to acclimate to altitude, recover from a big day in the mountains, and boost your system after a late night.

CBD ENHANCEMENTS

Enhance any treatment with Deep Relief CBD Salve from Cedaredge, Colorado. Along with its soothing heating effect, this topical CBD boosts your session with muscle and fascia release and broad pain relief.

ON-CALL WELLNESS THERAPIST

Prefer flexibility in scheduling your wellness session? We’ll arrange for a Wellness Therapist to be on call for spur-of-the-moment treatments.

STRESS RELIEF MASSAGE

Featuring acupressure, aromatherapy, deep massage, and nourishing Tata Harper products, this session melts away tension and inflammation in the head, face, neck, and shoulders.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

PRICING GUIDE

Wellness Activities

Activities are offered as private or group sessions and available at an additional cost.

YOGA

Eleven’s in-house yoga classes are highly customizable. Our knowledgeable instructors will adapt the practice to align with guests’ abilities, needs, and comfort levels.

60 minutes

DESTINATION YOGA

Travel with your guide to an entirely unique and tranquil destination to practice yoga and connect with yourself and nature.

3 hours

THERMAL THERAPY

Alternating between a hot sauna and a cold plunge stimulates the immune system, decreases muscle soreness, and elevates adrenaline levels. Practicing this ritual will energize you for all of the day’s adventures.

90 minutes

SOUND HEALING

Restore balance and awaken awareness through this guided mind-body journey that bathes you in a moving range of sounds. This vibrational experience invites deep relaxation and an inner calm that transforms both body and mind.

60 minutes

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD YOGA

Sync your breath with movement and hone your balance while practicing this distinct form of yoga on a beautiful high-alpine lake.

3 hours

FOREST BATHING

Unplug and connect with nature in a whole new way on this outdoor excursion that increases mindfulness through sensory immersion practices.

2 hours

Food & Drink

Enjoy an all-inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and Colorado-inspired cuisine.

FOOD INCLUSIONS

Breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner are included and served daily, and we are happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions as noted on your guest information form.

Local, organic, and sustainable provisions are sourced whenever possible and menus are carefully tailored to fit each guest’s dietary preferences. Our menus are inspired by the relaxed Colorado mountain culture and crafted to fit our adventurous summer activities.

Breakfast is served at the lodge and feature comforting classics with a modern, healthy twist.

Lunch is tailored to your day’s adventure. If out in the wilderness, our in-house chefs will customize a field lunch with your choice from the in-field menu. If dining at the lodge, you will have the option of selecting an entrée from the in-house lunch menu. In the afternoon, enjoy an après snack.

Dinner is a three-course experience served in the main lodge at your preferred reservation time. Along with a variety of appetizers and creative desserts, the entrée selections feature two set house classics and one rotating summer-inspired chef’s special. A special outdoor Fire and Feast dinner is offered two nights a week and served buffet or family style to capture the Colorado-mountain lifestyle.

DRINK INCLUSIONS

Taylor River Lodge offers a fine selection of liquor, beer, and wine included in your stay. Our on-site bartenders are also happy to make you a cocktail from our Colorado-inspired cocktail menu. If you have a special beer, wine, or liquor preference, please discuss this with your Experience Manager in the pre-trip planning process.

Preparing for Your Trip

Check out the essential information needed before you go.

Packing List

DON’T FORGET TO PACK:

Passport

Prescriptions and medication

Reusable water bottle

Camera

Batteries/chargers for devices

Personal toiletries

Day backpack

CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD

YOU PACKED:

Comfy clothes for relaxing around the lodge

Casual clothes for dinner and meals

Athletic clothes for outdoor activities

Warm layers for chilly summer nights

Rain jacket and pants

Quick-drying layers

Sandals, clogs or comfortable shoes

Athletic closed-toe shoes

Hiking/waterproof boots

Swimsuit

Polarized sunglasses

ADVENTURE GEAR:

Mountain Biking Packing List

Full-finger bike gloves

Biking shoes

Padded chamois riding shorts

Riding shoes

Pads (optional)

Small backpack or hydration pack

Helmet (if you prefer to use your own)

Fly Fishing Packing List

Fly rod and reel if you prefer to use your own

Heavy wool socks for inside of waders

Fishing vest or pack

Terminal tackle

Good to Know

CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:

• Check-in time at Taylor River Lodge is at 4:00 p.m. and check out time is at 10:00 a.m.

• Please note: Access to your room outside these hours is not guaranteed. Please communicate with the Experience Team to coordinate any conflicts with check-in and checkout times.

LOCAL TIME ZONE:

• Colorado operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST).

ALTITUDE DETAILS:

• Taylor River Lodge is located at 9,000 feet above sea level. High altitude can affect each individual differently. To combat the side-effects of high altitude, which can include trouble falling asleep, shortness of breath, and nausea, we recommend hydrating regularly and getting adequate rest. If you think you will require additional oxygen resources, please contact the Experience Team.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT:

• Electricity at Taylor River Lodge is 120 volts with type A or B outlets.

CELLULAR SERVICES:

• While you will generally have access to cell phone service in the town of Crested Butte, expect to have little to no cell phone service at Taylor River Lodge. Check with your cell phone provider to see if you will have service in Colorado and the United States if you are traveling from another country.

CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:

• We suggest you take US Dollars in cash for taxis, tips and other items if you will be spending any time in the country before or after your Taylor River Lodge experience. It is also recommended that you notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling internationally. Visa and Mastercard are regularly accepted in Colorado. American Express is also accepted but not by all establishments.

• Note that Taylor River Lodge is a cashfree property, meaning we only accept credit cards.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Sales Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.

GRATUITY:

• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the Taylor River Lodge may consider 10% to 15% of their total stay cost. This amount will be distributed among all staff and guides who have contributed to your stay.

Contact

Taylor River Lodge Experience Team: TRLExperienceTeam@elevenexperience.com (970) 319-3693 (7:30am - 9pm MST, during operational hours) ADVENTURE GALLERY VIDEO LODGE GALLERY FLOOR PLAN