A name that in itself nurtures visions of history... Of mountain men, trapping, pioneering and early wagon and stage trails. The Cache la Poudre ("hide the powder") rises high in the mountains at Poudre Lakes on the Continental Divide and, after meandering trhoguh the magnificent Poudre Canyon, bursts forth onto the Colorado plains.
In May, 1879 the Cache la Poudre and North Park Toll Road Company began a rough road from Rustic to Cameron Pass and North Park. It was open for travel to Chambers Lake by 1880. Discovery of silver at Teller and Lulu Cities on the Wester Slope caused the road to extend to them in 1881. S.B. Stewart, in 1882, started a stage line with mail service between Tell City and Fort Collins Resorts and small hotels soon followed.
Today, the Canyon contains a modern highway flanked by beautiful scenery, bountiful wildlife, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, and fabulous fishing.
The Cache la Poudre River became Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River on October 30, 1986 and was designated a National Scenic By-Way in 1992.
Sportsman's Lodge offer an alternative to the noise and crowds of a hotel, motel or large resot. The Lodge and many of the 12 cabins were built in the early 1930's. Modest furnishing and the beautiful setting may make you think time has stood still. The furnished on room rustic cabins have cooking facilities. They feature charming woodburning stoves, "just like Grandma cooked on". Modern bathrooms and showers are centrally located. We also have a modern cabin that has a kitchen, sleeping room and bathroom.
Sportsman's Lodge also has 5 RV spaces with full hook-ups. These spaces are spread out over our five acre facility, providing ample room for everyone.
On most summer evening all guests are invited to join us around our large campfire to share their adventures and tales.
