Topo Map: Colorado, Gunnison County, Somerset
Game Unit 521
Elevation: 7,700' to 9,700'
Gunnison County, 10,000 acres Bear Creek Canyon (below) 
Bear Creek Lodge, view facing East. 
Bear Creek Lodge, view facing south. 
Bear Creek Slides. 
The town of Hotchkiss, Colorado bears the family name. This ranch has been in the same family since 1882. The ranch is located south and west of the small coal mining town of Somerset, CO. The ranch is remotely located 5 miles off the highway, in some of the best elk hunting grounds in Colorado. Deer, bear, grouse, and varmint are also found on this ranch. The main cabins are centrally located, and a well established road system makes for easy access to all hunting and recreation areas. This ranch is adjacent to over 40,000 acres of USDA Nation Forest and BLM land known for quality hunting. Bunkhouses and Camping This is a year round property. Parking, tent, and trailer camping are permitted in designated areas. The bunkhouses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. There are four separate bunkhouses on this ranch, ranging in capacity from eight to two. One main cook house (pictured) is equipped with propane stove, two refrigerators, two freezers, potable running hot and cold water, two showers, as well as propane and electric lighting. The kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, etc. for guests' use. Clean, outdoor sanitary facilities are close to all cabins. Corrals with live water are available for members' horses. Directions From the town of Somerset, go approx. 1 mile south on Hwy 133. Keep your eyes open for a rail-road trestle on the west side of the highway. Go under the trestle, and pass through the locked gate. From the highway, proceed 5 miles further on the gravel road to the main camp area. Call for the combination to the pad-lock. General Notes on Bear Creek
- The bunk houses offer a great deal of comfort; be sure to bring clothes you can relax in.
- The general terrain varies from rolling scrub oak to Aspen groves to large draws surrounded by trees. Water holes all around the ranch and surrounding forest provide excellent wildlife viewing and hunting areas. As this is a very large area of land, you will need transportation (especially during hunting season.) We strongly suggest Jeeps, ATVs, or horses for greater mobility. Please keep in mind that this is a working sheep and cattle ranch.
- We limit the number of hunters on this ranch to twelve (12) during all hunting seasons. Archery and Black Powder seasons last seven days, Rifle lasts five to seven days (depending upon the season during which you are hunting.)
- All Colorado lottery applications to hunt this ranch must be postmarked by the first Tuesday in April. The date varies, but the deadline always falls on the first Tuesday in April.
Colorado Division of Wildlife: 303.297.1192
-The nearest town in which you can purchase supplies is Paonia/Hotchkiss. Each is about an hour's drive from the ranch.
- If you have questions that have not been answered, please contact
Tim at 303-601-0888 |
