History and Information

The Tarryall Mountains and Tarryall valley are sandwiched between South Park and the Colorado Front Range. The higher mountain peaks extend up to 12,486 feet and their associated slopes and drainages take in some of the most rugged and remote wilderness in Colorado-- indeed the majority of the high country is encompassed within the 120,000 acre Lost Creek Wilderness.

The Valley divides the Tarryalls from the Puma Hills. For centuries the valley provided a gateway to the summer hunting grounds of the Ute's in South Park and was an important part of the Ute Trail. Western settlement moved into the valley only during the latter half of the 19th century, with a mix of farmers and miners trying desperately to find their fortune. Mining was short lived, but the evidence remains in the form of old trails, abandoned mines and lonely cabins scattered throughout the area. The remnants of the town of Puma City is 10 miles from the lodge and once had over 1000 inhabitants during the mining heyday in the 1890's.

Farmers made an early effort to grow potatoes and other crops. Ultimately the elevation and climate change made farming less than productive and by the 40's, locals turned either to ranching or to a burgeoning industry that provided lodging for city folk interested in spending time in the real mountains.

Today, the area remains substantially as it was 100 years ago. Because the original homesteads were surrounded by the public land of the Pike National Forest and remained in the hands of ranchers and recreationists, development never really took place. The valley is a true picture of what a quiet mountain valley is supposed to be with just enough people to keep things interesting, wild water, forgotten trails, spectacular natural vistas and a pervading quiet..............