In the heart of the White River National Forest and
adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness

White River National Forest

Reports of gold in the late 1850s unleashed a tide of settlers into the Colorado Territory. Towns, mills, roads, fences, and railroads sprung up on the land reserved by the Utes.

Although no precious metals were found in the Flat Tops Area, the surrounding valleys were excellent for raising livestock and grow crops. Most of the area receives more than 15 inches of rain a year and has become some of the best agricultural land in the state by irrigation from many of the streams and rivers that flow from the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. This irrigation has transformed the dry sagebrush-covered grasslands into lush green meadows.

Wildfire... friend or foe?
Nearly 80,000 acres of what is now the Flat Tops Wilderness went up in flames in 1898. Today, a new forest has taken its place. In many areas forests of Englemann spruce and subalpine fir have been replaced by aspens and lodge pole pines. We now know that fire is critical to a healthy forest and a balanced ecosystem. Total fire suppression disrupts this natural cycle, leading to disease and insect infestations. Also, a forest with large amounts of dead wood is often at risk of catastrophic wildfires.

The Forest Service now uses fire to improve forage for wildlife. Controlled fire reduces older, woody vegetation and stimulates new shoots, which are eaten by wildlife.

The Forest Service continues to suppress fires that are set by people, burned under undesirable conditions, or endangers life and property.

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Ripple Creek Lodge is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.

Ripple Creek Lodge operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service,  White River National Forest.