|
The Iron Crown Lodge is situated atop a hogback in mixed timber at 9000' elevation in extreme northwest Jackson County, approximately three miles south of the small community of Pearl, adjacent to Independence Mountain. The views are spectacular. From the front porch and balcony, the Continental Divide is about six miles distant, dominated by Mount Zirkel, the Park Range, and the Sierra Madre. From the back porch, the view opens across a valley to Independence Mountain, and the Snowy Range of Wyoming in distance.
Activities:
Since the Lodge is located where one might normally expect to find a wall tent, the convenience for hunting the surrounding BLM and National Forest lands is a major plus. The Iron Crown is also within 30 minutes' drive of most of the private ranches in the northern part of Jackson County that permit hunters. Moose, bears, mountain lions and eagles have all been observed from the Lodge grounds. In addition to elk, deer, and pronghorns, hunters will also like to know that upland game birds, rabbits and waterfowl are normally in plentiful supply in North Park. Located within Big Game Unit 161,the Iron Crown is an ideal base camp for a fall hunting trip.
Fishing is superb in North Park. Good trout fishing in Big Creek is just under three miles from the Lodge. Big Creek Lakes (eight miles) offer spectacular high country scenery, as well as Rainbows, Lake Trout and Tiger Muskies for float-tubers, powerboat fishermen and canoers. In summer the sandy shores of this lake are a good place for picnics, and for youngsters to play and swim.
Other lakes in the area include Lake John, Cowdrey Lake and the Delaney Butte Lakes (Gold Medal). Other streams near the Lodge are the North Platte River (especially North Gate Canyon, which is the Gold Medal section), North Fork, Michigan River, Canadian River and the Encampment River. All within 30-40 minutes from the Lodge.
You can begin your hiking, horseback riding and/or ATV excursions right from the front door of the Lodge, or you can trailer your horses or machines to several trailheads or other parking areas in the vacinity. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses, or other equipment. There is plenty of room for two to three livestock trailers adjacent to the Lodge.
In winter, outside activity shifts to back country skiing, shoe-shoeing,and snowmobiling. Access to the Iron Crown from December through late spring is usually possible only by these three methods. The trip from the parking areas to the Lodge may be one to six miles, depending on conditions. Groomed trails may be accessed by trailering machines to the State Forest at Gould (1 hour)or the Medicine Bow N.F. at Mountain Home, WY (30 minutes).
Walden (pop.750) is the nearest town where goods and services are available. The trip is 27 miles and takes about 35 minutes in fair conditions. There are two restaurants (River Rock and Moose Creek) in Walden. Other nearby dining spots are the Wycolo Lodge (30 miles) on Highway 127 at the Colorado/Wyoming line; and the Lake John Resort (25 miles). Walden hosts the Never Summer Rodeo, a popular event in late June, as well as the North Park Snow Cross, which attracts several hundred snowmobilers each February.
Accomodations:
The Iron Crown is built from native Spruce and Lodgepole logs, and contains about 1400 square feet. On the main floor is a large den, modern kitchen and dining area, all open to a towering vaulted ceiling with exposed log posts, purlins and beams. Also on the main floor is a bedroom fitted out with a double bed, and an adjoining full bath.
The second floor may be accessed separately from the outside via a staircase to the front balcony, or from the inside via a wrought iron spiral staircase. The upstairs features a large study with a sleeper sofa, and a master bedroom, fitted out with double bunk beds on both top and bottom. There is a half bath adjoining the master bedroom.
A loft bedroom adjoins the master bedroom. It is fitted out with double bunk beds, both on top and bottom. There is a separate ship's ladder to access the loft bedroom from below. The lodge will sleep 5-10 adults comfortably, or up to three families with children.
In addition to the main lodge building, a 36'x36' enclosed wooden barn is scheduled for completion by 1 September 2007. This structure will be available to shelter any livestock or equipment brought by guests.
Although located far from the power grid, the Lodge's self- sufficient systems provide for all the comforts of home. All appliances and systems are fueled or powered by wood, propane or solar PV electricity. Our caretaker will have the systems up and running for you upon arrival.
The Lodge has a radio equipped for good AM-FM reception, but no TV (by design). Verizon cell phone service works from the Lodge, but AT&T cellular does not work.
Other Services:
Our goal is to provide our guests with exceptional wilderness accomodations in an uncommonly beautiful mountain setting. In addition, we want our guests to define the kind of experience they want to have, and how much help they want in making that experience happen. Upon request and an additional fee, we can arrange the following services for your convenience: transportation to and from any point within a 200 mile radius, including all the major and secondary airports; home-cooked meals; grocery delivery; guides; wranglers; game recovery/processing; taxidermist service; shipping. You name it and we will make every reasonable effort to make it happen!
Responsible groups of friends, especially families, are welcome year round. Inquiries should be directed to Winston or Rainey Way.
Visit Soon! |
