WHERE THE ROAD ENDS,
ADVENTURE BEGINS
WELCOME TO THE FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS
River’s Bend Outfitters is located in GMU 24, which lies in the heart of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in the White River National Forest. Our USDA Forest Service special use permit gives us special access to guide in some of the most wild, remote, and game-filled areas. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is the second largest Wilderness Area in Colorado, with almost a quarter million acres of pristine wildlife habitat that restricts the use of any mechanized form of transportation.
Home to a heathy population of mule deer, Shiras moose, black bear, mountain lions, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and the largest elk herd in North America, there is ample opportunity for sportsmen looking for adventure and opportunities. In addition to abundant wildlife, the Flat Tops fisheries is second to none with a multitude alpine lakes, high country streams and the world famous White River.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
15 USFS Allocated Camp Locations
In terms of permitted camps, River’s Bend Outfitters (RBO) is one of the largest outfits in Colorado. This allows us to tailor camps to best fit our hunters/anglers needs. These camps were established in the mid 1970’s in the best hunting locations within the Flat Tops. Our closest camp is 4 miles from the trailhead with 1,500 feet of elevation gain taking approximately 2 hours horseback, and our farthest is 11 miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain taking over 4 hours horseback.
RBO takes pride in maintaining some of the nicest camps with up to date gear to ensure comfortability when hunting with us. All you need to bring are clothes, a sleeping bag, food (drop camps only), tag(s) and your firearm/bow.
We set ourself apart from other outfitters by using our 50+ years of knowledge of the area and sharing that with our hunters. We assist all interested guests by:
Helping you understand the Colorado draw system
What type of hunt is best suited for you
The best use of your preference points (if you have any) and dollar, whether it’s with RBO, LKS Outfitters or even areas that we are not permitted to guide in
Once hunters are booked, RBO provides:
A spreadsheet with POIs
Recommended gear lists for every season and type of hunt
A detailed list of everything supplied in camp
An open line of communication to help you best prepare for a fun and successful adventure
PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND STOCK
River’s Bend Outfitter’s (RBO) is one of the longest running permitted outfits in Colorado, with almost 50 years of continuous operation. Founded by Kip Gates, RBO was taken over by his son, Tel Gates, in 2014. In early 2024, LKS Outfitters acquired the business from the Gates family and continue to work closely with them, as their knowledge and connections of the area and game are unrivaled. LKS Outfitters is Colorado’s largest public land outfitter, running two other well-known outfits in the state - Flat Tops Wilderness Guides and Horn Fork Guides.
Our staff is made up of experienced horsemen, hunting guides, fisherman, and survivalists. The guiding staff is all first aid certified and several are certified Wilderness First Responders.
Most importantly, our horses and mules are made for the mountains. From years and miles of packing gear and meat, most of them know the area better than any person around.
UNBEATABLE HABITAT
The Elk herd in the Flat Tops is estimated around 40,000 head, making it the largest elk herd in the world. Colorado’s 4-point antler restriction, the remoteness of the area, as well as GMU 24 being a draw unit for every season, allows for a decent possibility of running into a trophy bull throughout the year.
While most hunters come to the Flat Tops in search of elk, the Flat Tops boasts a healthy mule deer population with tags being readily available through the draw system.
Due to the drastic elevation change, the Flat Tops has a diverse array of vegetation types, including oak brush/chokecherry/serviceberry interface that makes for fantastic fall black bear hunting opportunities.
If you’re one of the lucky few hunters that is successful in drawing a Shiras moose or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tag in the Flat Tops, you won’t be disappointed in the quality and population numbers for both species.
LOCATION
We are located in Meeker, Colorado. We require that all guests spend the night in town the night before packing into camp. The trailheads are a 45-60 min drive from town.
Meeker is located 4 hours from the Denver airport, 1 hour 15 min from the Hayden airport, and 1 hour 45 min from both the Eagle and Grand Junction airports.
Meeker is a full-service town, with multiple hotels, restaurants and a sporting goods store and grocery store for any last minute purchases.
There is no public shooting range in Meeker. Places nearby to check your rifle’s zero are:
West Rifle Creek State Wildlife Area Shooting Range (1783-2001 County Rd 252, Rifle CO 81650)
Routt County Public Firing Range (31253-31299 Routt City Rd, Hayden CO 81639)
If traveling on I70 through Gypsum, we highly recommend the Eagle Valley Trap Club (100 Gun Club Rd, Gypsum CO 81637) **requires $10 donation**
