Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS and a good land ownership map
- A lot of tourists hike through the unit
- Much of the unit is inside a designated wilderness area
- Be prepared for hiking in rugged wilderness
- Let optics cover the ground for you
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 270"+ |
On The Ground
A high elevation unit located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Made up of the Gore Mountain Range in the Arapaho National Forest, including the Eagles Nest Wilderness. This unit is rugged and remote, but has healthy herds of mule deer, moose and elk.
The high country of this unit is rugged, remote and challenging. Hunters prepared, willing to hunt hard, and up to the challenge will have a chance at mule deer bucks. No antelope live in this unit and moose tags are available for residents and non-residents alike.
Terrain
The western border of the unit is along the backbone of the Gore Mountain Range, a rugged rocky mountain range with a couple of 13,000 foot peaks. Off of those peaks are basins, with many of them holding high alpine lakes and ponds. From the basins there are creek drainages that run to the east down to the valley floor.
Roughly 172 square miles
85.9% public land
Elevations from 8,200-13,580 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations—Flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush and grass, along with scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa pines and oak brush. Middle elevations—Mostly spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridges. High elevations—Steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
There are a few primitive four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch off of well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest land. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. There are some areas of the lower elevations that are private property.
Good public access, but limited vehicle access.
4-wheel drive recommended
Camping and Lodging
To camp in the wilderness areas and much of the high country, you must backpack or pack with horses. Good camping sites on public land along roads are near hunting areas, but expect to see other hunters. Frisco and Silverthorne both offer lodging and are located on the southeast side of the unit.
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness
Test backpacking gear in advance
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