Part or all of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the US Bureau of Land Management & US Forest Service. Outfitter #1920 and Permit # CO16003-06004.
1. How much advance notice do you need for a reservation?
2. How do I make a reservation?
3. What are your booking policies?
4. What is your cancellation policy?
5. Can I change my tour date?
6. Do you operate scenic tours year-round?
7. What are your tour times?
8. How many people can go on a tour?
9. Do we have to share vehicles with people we don't know?
10. Are your drivers safe?
11. What type of vehicles do you use?
12. Are your tours suitable for people who are afraid of heights?
13. Are we allowed to stop and explore during tour breaks?
14. Where do we meet the tour?
15. When is the best time to see fall foliage?
16. What should I bring and wear?
17. Do you have lunch on your tours?
18. What is a customary tip?
1. How much advance notice do you need for a reservation?
If we have openings in our schedule, you can walk-in and go on a tour that day. However if you are planning your vacation and want a tour on a specific day or set of days, then at least a two-week notice is suggested. Keep in mind that the summer months, especially July, can book up as early as March. Our best advice we can give for making reservations is to call and book your tour as soon as you know the date or dates you want. You can always change the date with a two-week advance notice, or later if we have openings. We always try to accommodate your schedule and schedule changes if we can.
2. How do I make a reservation?
Feel free to call us (970-944-2526) or use our online reservation form (
reserve now
) or email us (info@lakecitysportsman.com
3. What are your booking policies?
We normally charge you half the cost of the scenic tour at the time of booking as a deposit. At the end of the tour, you arrive back at the store and we charge you for the remainder of the trip. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
4. What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least two weeks in advance of your tour date, we refund your deposit in full. If you cancel after the two-week deadline, we retain the deposit in full. However if you have an emergency, we try to work with you as best we can. If you simply need to change the day, we do our best to accommodate your schedule changes.
6. Do you operate scenic tours year-round?
If you have a scheduled tour and need to change your date, we do our best to accommodate your needs. Keep in mind that during the summer, especially July, we do book up quite quickly.
As a Colorado licensed outfitter, we offer scenic tours from April 1 through October 31 of any year, given road conditions. This condition is important because although we can tour throughout these time periods, mountain roads are not always passable in early spring or late fall. We NEVER risk safety simply to get you out on the road. If a road is impassable, we do not do the tour.
7. What are your tour times?
Full-day and half-day tours begin at 8 am of the booked day. Full-day tours normally end between 4 and 5 pm. Half-day tours typical end between 12:30 and 1:30 pm. We always try to accomodate special needs, so let us know if you require other start and end times.
8. How many people can go on a tour?
As many as you like! If you have more individuals than can fit in one vehicle, we take more than one. The number of vehicles needed is based on the capacity of each.
Not unless you want to. Generally, we seat only those individuals in your party in a vehicle. If you state that you want to share the vehicle, then we'll see if anyone else wants to; however because our tours are priced by the individual and not the vehicle, it's not necessarily more beneficial to share the ride.
Yes, all of our tour guides have driven these roads for many years and have the twists and turns burned in their memory forever! They are experienced 4-wheel drivers and take every precaution to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Our guides are also trained in CPR and emergency care, should something happen.
11. What type of vehicles do you use?
We use four-wheel drive vehicles that have high clearance and are covered. Our vehicles are arguably the most comfortable way to travel on these rugged mountain roads. We do not use vehicles without tops because we often receive daily afternoon showers in the summer. A shower at a low altitude in the summer might be a nice way to cool off, but at 12,000 feet, a summer shower is downright cold. Instead, we stop as often as you like so that you can enjoy the mountain vistas and fresh air. We'd rather take the time to stop, than have miserably wet and cold clients!
Remember that Lake City is in the mountains, and we mean high up in the mountains. Some of our tours have few to no incline views; whereas others will seem as if you are always on the edge of an incline. If you are afraid of heights, please let us know before you reserve a tour. We will work with you to find a tour that is as edge-free as possible. However only you can tell whether a tour makes you feel fearful. If so, please let us know and we will end the trip. We never risk your health to complete a tour.
We highly encourage it! It's a great way to stretch your legs and experience the mountains. If you don't know where to stop, we make recommendations. And remember, we stop when and where you want. Some of our customers simply want to enjoy the ride, which is fine with us too.
All tours begin and end at The Sportsman. If, however, you are staying in Lake City or along the tour route, we're happy to pick you up and drop you off at your location. Just let us know when you book the trip that you'd like a different pickup/dropoff location. If we can accommodate you, we will.
Every year is a little different, but typically the height of the colors can be seen the second and third weeks of September. Keep in mind, weather has an impact on the timing and intensity of color. Sometimes it's just best to call and we'll let you know, to the best of our ability, how the turning is proceeding.
First and foremost, bring a camera! You should also dress appropriately for the season, keeping in mind that depending on your tour, you'll be traveling over 12,000 feet. High altitude weather can be fickle, even in the summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. For the best comfort, we recommend that you dress in layers so that you can change with the temperature swings. Here's a list of the types of clothes you should wear or bring along. (Many of these items are important if you want to stop and walk around.)
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Sturdy footwear for walking around
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Rain jacket and rain pants
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Fleece jacket or vest (light for the summer/heavy for the cold days)
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Long-sleeved shirt with sleeves that roll up into a short sleeve shirt
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Wide-brimmed hat
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Sunglasses
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Mosquito repellant
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Sunscreen
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Light gloves
Full-day tours always include lunch and beverages. Half-day tours include beverages only; however, you can add lunches with a $7 per person fee. If you have the time, we recommended extending your trip to include lunch. It's a great way to spend some time in the outdoors.
Tour guide tips are not included in the tour fee and are discretionary. We recommend that you tip your guide because it is customary. If you do tip, a standard amount is to provide at least 20 percent of the total tour fee for your group.
970-944-2526
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