Welcome To Long Scraggy Ranch!
We at Long Scraggy Ranch have created this informational binder of activities near and far from the camp. This is to help provide you with other activities or ideas that the camp itself may not offer. Long Scraggy Ranch does not endorse any of these companies nor at this time can we recommend any of the companies. The places to visit or activities to do are entirely up to you and your group.
We will start with things closer to the camp and progressively get farther away and it will be by activity. Enjoy!
*Remember when doing any of these activities to have plenty of water, study or take a map and compass, use plenty of sunscreen, and that the Colorado weather can change in a few minutes. We are located in an area that receives a lot of lighting and the typical afternoon thunderstorm is almost like clockwork. So plan accordingly and contact the Resident Director for any questions.
Fishing
Great News! Long Scraggy Ranch is within 15 minutes of Gold Metal Fishing waters. The South Platte is a spectacular place to fish. The meandering stream is inviting to fisherman and beautiful to view. It is approximately 14 miles south on Hwy. 126 to reach Deckers, Co. where you can start your adventure.
The Gill Trail: an excellent place to hike or fish in a remote but beautiful canyon. The river is slow and has pockets of deep water. One can often see the 20 inch Rainbow and Brown Trout swimming from riverside.
Flies & Lies: A quaint fishing store with many pictures on the wall, and all the flies one needs in this area. The owner Richard Johnson is a friendly chap, who will gladly give you information. Next to his shop is a coffee shop and a small grocer. 303-647-2237 or www.fliesnlies.com
The North Fork: For the more adventurous, this river cuts through the small town of Buffalo Creek and is located 10 minutes North on Hwy 126. You can start your trip by stopping at Greens Mercantile and shop for some candy or soda. This Fork of the South Platte is often kayaked and fished. The water is a class 3 to class 4 depending on the flow. The fishing here isn’t great, but it is still a fun time, with most fish caught ranging in size from 8 to 15 inches.
Fishing the South Platte near Deckers, Co.
Pine Valley Lake: This beautiful lake lies in a small valley where on one side the Hi Meadow Fire in 2000 burnt through. This is a great place to go for a quiet stroll with or without the family. This is a Jefferson County Open Space Park and is very family friendly and handicap accessible. The lake does have pretty good fishing especially after it has been stocked. The typical fish is 8 to 10 inches.
The Hatch Fly Shop: This is another local fly shop that has all the flies you need and also offers guided trips. This shop is located at the intersection of Hwy 285 and Hwy. 126 on the Northeast corner next to the gas station. 303-816-0487 or www.thehatchflyshop.com
There are many more fishing locations within an hours drive. If you would like more information please contact the Resident Director.
Fishing the South Platte River near Trumbull, Co.
Hiking/Biking
In our location we are truly blessed by great trails. Off of the ranch there are three trails. Within in 10 minutes in either direction on the highway you can find even more. Best of all we are basically surrounded by National Forest where you can go explore on your own.
Long Scraggy Peak: At an elevation of roughly 8800 feet, Long Scraggy Peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding Pike National Forest. The start of the trail is located on the North side of the Rifle Range and heads generally to the East. This hike starts with an easy walk to the base of Long Scraggy. Once you reach the base this hike turns into a moderate to difficult uphill hike. You should allow yourself at least 4 hours. The hike is approximately 6 miles round trip.
The view looking South from the top of Long Scraggy Peak
The Spring Creek Waterfall: While not as spectacular as the Long Scraggy Peak this trail offers a close glimpse at what a wildfire can do. This trail starts at the North end of the Ranch and basically follows the creek and/or valley to a waterfall. The waterfall is more like a small cascading part of the stream and is somewhat anticlimactic. On this trail it is more about the hike than the destination. The Buffalo Creek fire of 1996 burnt through this area and it burnt so hot that to this day nothing substantial has grown back. You should give your self at least 3 hours to complete this easy hike. It is approximately 3 miles round trip.
The Colorado Trail: We are fortunate to be within 5 minutes of accessing this great trail that goes all the way across Colorado. The third trail I mentioned from the camp connects with the Colorado trail and is located on the West edge of camp just beyond our property boundary. This trail is easy to moderate close to camp and is great for hiking or mountain biking. You could hike the trail for minutes, hours, or days depending on your desire. For more information contact the Resident Director.
*In our area it is good to remember that you will see all kinds of wildlife. While Deer, Elk, Birds, etc. are harmless, there are also predators like Bears and Mountain Lions that have been known to attack people. Most of all it is us who can harm them by leaving trash, starting fires, feeding them, and countless other ways. So please be mindful of what you do and leave only your tracks.
Resident Director Holding a 6 foot plus Bull snake at the Ranch!
Restaurants
This is one area where being far removed from the main traffic areas hurts your opportunities. That said we do have a few places close by and more to come in the future.
Elephant Rock Café: This is a unique mountain experience. Located in the town of Pine Grove about 10 to 15 minutes North on Hwy. 126, this café is ran out of an old camping trailer on the North side of the highway. The café is a drive up or walk up and order. While it lacks in a place to sit down, it makes up for in great coffee and other hot drinks. Open Thursday-Sunday.
The Cruise-In: This is a great burger joint on the South side of Hwy. 285 just west of the stop light at Pine Junction. Along with burgers, they make some of the best fries in the 285 Corridor. Their menu includes shakes, a variety of sandwiches, and they also have a breakfast menu.
Zokas: This newly remodeled restaurant is in the town of Pine Grove on the North side of Hwy. 126. It is still new enough that we have not had a chance to sample the menu. Opening Early July 2006.
The Bucksnort Saloon: This tavern/restaurant lies about 2 miles North of Pine Grove in a narrow canyon. Parking is limited, and it generally has a more party like atmosphere. It is worth visiting for the drive and the unique location along Elk Creek.
Crossroads: This small restaurant offers hot wings, pizza, and burgers on their menu. It is located in Pine Junction and is on the North side of Hwy. 285. Turn onto Mt. Evans Blvd. and go about a half a block and it’s on the North side of the road. Crossroads also has a Starbucks inside!
JJ Madwells: This small restaurant is in Aspen Park. They specialize in pizza, calzones, and prime rib. They often have specials throughout the week, like buy one calzone get one free.
Woodside Inn: Can you say Chinese Cuisine? This restaurant is located next to the Cruise-In on the South side of Hwy. 285 just west of Hwy. 126. They have live music on Saturday nights and are open until midnight daily.
There are other places located in Conifer, Aspen Park, and Evergreen; some of them include Wendy’s, The Little Bear, Qdoba, Subway, and other small diners.
The Little Bear Evergreen, Co.
The Bucksnort Classic Design
The Clubhouse and Restaurant at Evergreen Golf Course 
Food and Fellowship in the Roundhouse at the Ranch
General Activities
While Long Scraggy Ranch itself offers many activities which we will list below, there are many others as you can see from above that one can do. In this section we will include others that don’t fall into the other categories. ENJOY!
We will start with the many activities at the camp and then move onto others farther away.
Long Scraggy:
Swimming at our heated indoor pool
Archery, at this time one needs to bring their own supplies. Hopefully in the future they will be available to rent from Long Scraggy Ranch.
Rifle Range, you will need your own firearms and ammunition. Small caliber only.
Bocce Ball
Horse Shoes
Ping Pong Table
Shuffle Board
Frisbee Golf
Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, and Tennis
We have supplies for many of these activities, but it sometimes works best to bring your own. We do not have gloves for softball.
Now we will take a look at other activities off of the Ranch.
Golf: Evergreen Golf Course is approximately 45 minutes away. It is a beautiful course lined with pine forests. Elk and deer are often seen near the course. The most exciting hole is a par 3 where you cannot see the green and one needs to hit their tee shot over a rock outcrop.
Horseback Riding: While there are many places around one that we know of and have some fliers for is C&M Outfitters near Jefferson, Colorado. They offer hay rides, and horse back riding at different time intervals. It is approximately one hour west on Hwy. 285 to Jefferson. Contact information is 719-836-3557.
Whitewater Rafting: The closest place would be out of Idaho Springs. These outfitters run a variety of rivers, and they offer a variety of trips.
A. Clear Creek Rafting Co. 303-567-1000
B. Geo Tours Whitewater 303-756-6070
C. Arkansas River Tours 800-321-4352
Scenic Drives: Most of these trips would take a half day some more some less so plan accordingly.
A. Guanella Pass: Located North on Hwy. 285 this pass takes you on the west side of Mt. Evans and Mt. Bierstadt, two of Colorado’s Front Range 14,000’ peaks. It is a beautiful pass, where on the northern terminus lies Georgetown, Co. a historic mining town.
B. Pikes Peak: Here you can drive to the top of this 14teener that overlooks the fruited plains. This is the purple mountain majesty. This drive will take you through Woodland Park a small town that has a dinosaur museum and plenty of places to eat.
C. Garden of The Gods: This amazing park has many rock formations to keep you looking and hiking all day long. This park is located just to the Northwest of Colo. Springs.
During the winter months or even during the summer, some of the ski towns Colorado is famous for can be reached within an hour and a half’s drive west. Towns like Breckenridge, Frasier, Dillon, and Keystone are all great places to do sight seeing or in the winter skiing.
There are many things to do in Denver and Colo. Springs each of these cities can be reached in about one hour. There are Zoo’s, The Denver Mint, museums, and depending on the time of year sporting events like the Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche (all professional sports) that can be taken in. Focus on the Family is based in Colo. Springs, as well as the Air Force Academy. The list could keep growing, so if you feel like a trip to the city, contact the Resident Director for help.
Hopefully this book has given you some ideas, or maybe you just prefer to enjoy God’s creation here at the Ranch. Either way; May the Lord guide, and protect you, and may you always seek to please and honor him.
A Beautiful Sunset at Long Scraggy Ranch. Where if you stop to look, God’s Blessing’s are everywhere!