Born and raised ( Buff since 1967), I fished & guided over 20 yrs 250 days a year. Probably too late for some who already have plans for this year there's always next.
I'd be interested in communicating with anyone interested in their planning of a trip, depends on where, when and whether you prefer the satisfaction of discovery vs guide aided.
Outside of Colorado I've fished Yellowstone and the surrounding area Madison, Gallatin, Firehole rivers.
The Bow River in Alberta CND is a must if you love scenery and fish all the way to Lake Louis.
Salmon and Steelhead in Oregon, Wisconsin and Indiana.
I can point you let me know.

Well, TxSwimbaiter, I just saw your post. Since you're offering, I might pick your brain slightly. I'm headed to Durango, Lord willing, with my wife to visit relatives the first part of October. I will have one day to fly fish. I'm looking for the best stream section to try for one day.

Now, I'd like to try for cutthroat. I've done a speck of research and know of a creek in the general area, I guess it's pretty well-known, now, where they've been carefully restocked and managed. The only problem is that it's at 8800 ft. I'm a little a'skeert. For one thing, I'll be driving a 2 wheel drive SUV. I basically need a half-way decent road. But if I do decide to chance it, that's probably where I'll attempt to fish.

But if I decide that's too much, and no one can tell me where cutties might be found in slightly more accessible locations (That's actually likely to be the most accessible, I understand.), I'm not going to worry about fishing for cutties. Now then, I'm just looking for a good freestone stream. I'm not interested in the "Juan" tailwater. I fish tailwaters, the LMF, all the time. I've fished the Juan several times and have my spots. I'm looking for a good freestone stream. I don't care if it's the Animus in the middle of Durango, or up-river, the SJ in Pagosa Springs or up stream, the Piedra at any point. I just want a nice freestone river section to fish. Maybe I can't go wrong anywhere, but I'd like to know, if possible. If you or anyone can help me out, I'd be much appreciative.

Gotta be honest, you’re going to need 4x4 for 90% of the cutthroat access, and even then you’ll want to hike to the best waters. Second, 8800 feet is low for cutties. You’re gonna find most of your cutthroats at really high elevations, we’re talking 10,000 feet and more. If I recall there is one location where I was catching them close to 12,000. The higher the elevation and the further away you can get from people, the better.

JB - knowing your capacity for hiking and driving, check out Florida river. If it has sufficient water in it, it is a great freestone (that is actually a tailwater). Dry Dropper all day. The creek you are researching is accessible with a 2wd if there is no snow. Go behind the resort and keep driving until you can't. West fork has pure cutties in it and wasn't affected by the fire. Junction creek flows right into Durango - follow it up out of town, never caught a cuttie in it, but easy access for 12" rainbows and browns. Brookies higher up.

Thanks, Jeff! As always, you're a fount of useful information. Florida river, huh? I think I'll do some research on it. Again, it's great to see Maj is doing well.

Sounds like Hermosa behind Purgatory is about the easiest access to target cutties. Thanks, Mac!

It is and they are fun to catch and just beautiful. Jeff has been great to share info...