Activities

Escape ... Relax ... Renew

While lots of people come to Sweetwater for things they enjoy doing, remember that sometimes the best trips are when we can do NOTHING for a change; especially if we’re doing that nothing is such a beautiful location. (We also have a GREAT library if you just want to do a LITTLE!). Contact us for all of your outdoor activity needs, and we'll be happy to set them up for you.

Fishing
Fly fishing the Arkansas is one of the famous “must-do” trips for anglers. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has called this part of the Arkansas one of the eight best trout rivers in the state, and cites population counts of over 4,000 brown trout per mile (giving us at least 2000 to pursue without leaving the property!)

Hatches on the Arkansas are very good. The caddis hatch that occurs during the spring is one of the most prolific in the west. Blinding numbers of these flies come off and cover the river. This is a popular time as many fish come to the surface to feed on the caddis. Blue-winged olives and pale morning duns are the most prolific and productive mayfly hatches on the river. Stoneflies and other caddis also stir the river's surface when the conditions are right. The huge golden stonefly hatch usually occurs during the runoff period but can still provide some dry fly action in areas of slower water or along the banks.

Streamers and nymphs also produce very well. They fish exceptionally well along the banks when the river is high from recent rain or runoff. Use some split shot and a long leader to get your nymphs down. A sink tip line will help to get your streamers along the bottom and fished properly.

For the latest report on fishing conditions throughout Colorado, from the Division of Wildlife (DOW) - updated April 1 through August 3. http://wildlife.state.co.us/dowfish/index.asp

For the DOW’s report on gamefish stocking. http://wildlife.state.co.us/fishing/fishcond.asp

For brochures on fishing or hunting regulations.
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Brochures/

Hiking
We have several purposely under-developed trails through the 31 acres of Sweetwater. Some feature natural and cultural history learning opportunities, all have great “Kodak moment” locations!

Mountain Biking
Miles and miles of biking trails and roads in the local area afford numerous opportunities for short or long rides, suited for the novice or the expert.

Off-Road Jeep / ATV Drives
We'll have more on this soon. Driving maps, jeep and ATV rentals are avialable.

River Rafting
What can we say? The Arkansas River is one of the premier paddling spots in the country! Raft trips suitable for family outings, as well as kayak trips for the advanced paddler are right at our doorstep.

Wildlife Viewing
Sweetwater is actively managed to maximize your opportunity to see and truly understand wildlife. We regularly see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep (or evidence of their nocturnal visits) right ON the Sweetwater property. Over one hundred species of birds inhabit this area. We have at least one resident beaver.

Over one hundred species of birds inhabit this area, including bald eagles, kingfishers, mountain bluebirds, flycatchers, and cliff swallows.

The only tigers we’ve seen so far are Swallowtails (butterflys); but yes, Dorothy, there are “lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my”, so make sure your wildlife viewing is done safely. If you’re not sure how to do that, just ask us; we want your experience with wildlife to be as safe as it is satisfying.

We don’t know of any river otters at Sweetwater, BUT the Division of Wildlife has begun a very successful program of re-introduction of this wonderful aquatic mammal on several Colorado Rivers. Keep your eyes peeled!

Wildflower Viewing
An awesome variety of wildflowers bloom in southern Colorado. Starting in May, all throughout the summer, and into fall, a colorful display of wildflowers abound. Ask us for directions to the "special" areas where wildflowers are in abundance at that particular time.

 
Sweetwater River Ranch   24871 US Hwy 50 W   Texas Creek, CO 81223
Toll Free: 888-SWEET-H2O (793-3842)   Local: 719-276-3842  
email: info@sweetwaterriverranch.com
All contents and images copyright 2006 by Sweetwater River Ranch LLC