Flat Tops Wilderness Guides, LLC

Contact

Jimmy Oswald
j.oswald@ftguides.com
Phone:970-343-4460

LKS Outfitters, LLC owns and operates Flat Tops Wilderness Guides (FTWG). Formerly known as Colorado High Guides and then Hilltop High Guide Service, FTWG is one of the longest running permitted outfitters in Colorado, with almost 40 years of clients chasing elk.

Our staff is made up of experienced horsemen, hunting guides, fisherman, and survivalists. The staff is all first aid certified and several are certified Wilderness First Responders. Several of the original staff are still involved and their knowledge is invaluable to newer staff and hunters.

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. In terms of permitted camps, we are one of the largest outfitters in Colorado with 30 different camp locations.  We can use the camps that fit our guest’s needs best. Camps near streams, we got it. Camps near lakes, we got it. Camps near elk rutting areas, we got it. Camps near elk migration trails, we got it. Camps near oak brush for bucks and bears, we got it. An outfitter with 4 camps? You’re stuck with whatever they might have!

Our closest camps in the Flat Tops Wilderness are about 3 miles and 1,500 ft. elevation gain from our base camp. Our farthest camps are 12+ miles and over 3,500 ft elevation gain into the area. Public access is by foot and horseback only. There is absolutely no vehicle access into the area, including bicycles.

Unlike most outfitters in Colorado, our base camp is operated on private property on the edge of over 240,000 acres of designated road-less wilderness (surrounded on three sides by public land). We invest heavily in our facilities to accommodate our guests. We have a 3,000 square ft. pack station where we can saddle and pack 50+ mules and horses at a time, under any weather conditions. We also have a 3,500 square foot lodge that can accommodate 10 guests at a time. During the later rifle seasons we use the lodge for guided elk and deer hunts. During September, we guide bear hunters out of the lodge as well. There is almost always staff at our facility with ready stock. Although we are as remote or more remote than other outfitters’ public land or leased base camps, emergency vehicles and help can always reach our base camp.

The White River elk herd is 30,000+ animals, of which a large portion live in the Flat Tops. Colorado’s 4-point antler restriction and the remoteness of the area allow for a decent possibility of running into a trophy bull during any season. Our large hunt area and number of camps allows us to increase your chances. We have several over-the-counter seasons, so planning a hunt is easy. Mule deer is a relatively easy draw tag. Bear and cat populations are at a decade long high. September rifle bear tags are an easy draw. 18in+ Cutthroat are not uncommon in the high lakes. You can typically catch Brook trout all day long in the lakes or miles of streams.

We work here year-round, allowing us to scout the fishing waters and hunting areas constantly.

LKS Outfitters guide for many species and in many units across the state:

Sheep Units:
11
17
66
47
12
23
2
59

Goats Units:
3
17
1
2
14
6

Elk/deer Units:
48
481
49
56
57
25

Moose Units:
48
481
49
56
57
25
24

Mountain Lion:
These are classified by USFS ranger districts, not units

CO