Carron & CO LLC dba Vallecito Lake Outfitters, Doug and Sheila Carron

Vallecito Lake Outfitters is located 25 miles northeast of Durango at the scenic Vallecito Lake, serving as a premier entry point for the Weminuche Wilderness and the San Juan Mountains. Operating under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service (Columbine Ranger District), the outfit provides high-altitude adventures that range from family-friendly recreation to serious big game pursuits. The operation is designed to be accessible to all skill levels, whether guests are looking for a short afternoon ride or a multi-day immersion in the wilderness.

The outfitter’s hunting program is built on traditional backcountry methods, offering several tiers of service to accommodate different hunter needs. Their options include Fully Guided Hunts, where professional guides handle the logistics and tracking, as well as Drop Camps and Pack Services for self-sufficient hunters who need help transporting gear and game in and out of remote wilderness basins. These hunts primarily target elk and mule deer, taking advantage of the steep, timbered terrain and alpine meadows that characterize the Weminuche’s high-success corridors.

Outside of the fall seasons, the business is a hub for summer recreation and wilderness exploration. They offer half-day and full-day horseback rides near Vallecito Lake, as well as extensive backcountry pack trips for fishing and photography. These trips utilize a string of mountain-hardened horses to reach pristine lakes and rivers far from the reach of day hikers. Whether you are seeking a quiet sunset ride or a deep-wilderness elk hunt, Doug and Shela Carron provide a professional experience steeped in over 75 years of regional outfitting heritage.