Tucked along — you guessed it — the Taylor River in the mountain town of Almont, Harmels on the Taylor is the ideal Colorado getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. From fly-fishing and whitewater-rafting to rock climbing, endless adventures await you at this incredibly undisturbed ranch resort. It’s also a short drive from Crested Butte, a ski and mountain-biking sanctuary, and the bountiful Gunnison National Forest.
Though not original (yes, the property has gotten some upgrades over the years!), Harmels still embodies the same charm it had when it served as a welcomed respite for gold miners in the 1800s. A true camp-style ranch, you’ll find cozy fire pits near most cabins, a communal grilling area, and a plethora of outdoor games, kid-friendly books and puzzles to be enjoyed during your stay.
Staying at Harmels on the Taylor is like being back at summer camp. You’re surrounded by cabins filled with friendly faces, the smell of burgers on the grill and s’mores over open flames, and the kind of peace only found when you’re nestled in nature.
At Harmels, guests can experience some of the state’s most revered outdoor activities. Go fly-fishing on the rushing gold-medal waters of the Taylor River — yes, Harmels has fly-fishing guides on staff! Head out on a thrilling whitewater-rafting excursion just steps away from your cabin with Scenic River Tours. Or explore Gunnison National Forest on horseback with Harmels’ crew of knowledgeable wranglers. Discover more activities at Harmels on the Taylor.
The property’s on-site restaurant and bar, Bites & Brews on the Taylor, features hearty fare and innovative craft cocktails. But what makes this a hot spot for resort guests is their full calendar of live music, including many well-loved regional bands like Strand Hill and Between Drifts.
Situated in the center of the property, Cabins 36–39 were combined to create a large four-plex that overlooks the flowing Taylor River and surrounding forest, while also providing an ideal vantage point of the towering Harmels Point, a popular spot for local climbing enthusiasts.
“My group and I had a fantastic experience with Harmels. Arriving from Louisiana, the beautiful mountain weather immediately had everyone in a fantastic mood. Our group of four stayed in one of the larger cabins and everyone had plenty of room to stretch out after a long day on the river. We opted for the guided fly-fishing on Harmels’ private stretch of the Taylor River. Our guides, John and Rob, were fantastic. They were incredibly patient with those of us who were beginners and offered seasoned advice to those who were more advanced. Every single one of us got on a few fish, which was an incredible experience. Highly recommend.” — Kyle H., Google
The town of Almont is just 30 minutes outside bustling Crested Butte. During ski season, people from all over the world flock to Crested Butte’s snowcapped mountains.
As the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte hosts a 10-day Wildflower Festival in July that features more than 200 workshops on gardening, photography, creative writing and more. The town is also known for some of the best mountain biking in the country and hosts the acclaimed Pinnacle Race Series every summer.
Nearby Gunnison National Forest houses more than 3,000 miles of trails of varying terrain and difficulty, four scenic byways and six fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation). Whether you’re an avid adventurer or opting for an afternoon of moving meditation, you’ll find exactly what you need amid the rugged beauty and vibrant wildlife hidden within the forest’s 3 million acres.
Photos courtesy of Harmels on the Taylor