Quick Tips
- Bring a rod for fishing in the Laramie River
- Cache La Poudre River is wild and scenic
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
About 40 miles west of Fort Collins are the Roosevelt National Forest and the Laramie Mountains, where numerous herds of elk and mule deer can be found. Some antelope dwell in the northwest corner near Wyoming, but most of them tend to stay on private land.
This unit was largely burned during the 2020 Cameron Peak Hunters should be aware that the landscape will be vastly different in areas and animal movements and habits may have changed.
Terrain
Features include Cache La Poudre River Canyon, Chimney Rock, Cherokee Park close to the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River, the broad Laramie River Valley and the Laramie Mountains comprise a diverse landscape. Drainages in the Laramie Mountains have steep-walled canyons. Two prominent ridges, Green and Boulder, are on the western slope of the Laramie Mountains. Numerous rocky outcrops and granite slopes dominate portions of the mountain range.
Roughly 560 square miles
76.2% public land
Elevations from 7,156-11,003 feet
Vegetation
Hay meadows, willows and cottonwoods are near the Laramie River, while oak brush, sagebrush and short grasses grow near the Wyoming border. Ridges are covered with oak brush, sagebrush and mountain mahogany. In the Laramie Mountains are ponderosa pines, some junipers, stands of aspen, open parks and Douglas firs.
Access
Fires and floods in 2012 resulted in the closure of several roads in 2013. Larimer County and Roosevelt National Forest officials have opened several roads, but hunters should call regional or county offices for current information.
Forest Supervisor's Office
Larimer County
The state manages the following recreational lands:
200-acre Arrowhead west of Rustic on Colorado Route 14
25,497-acre Cherokee off Cherokee Park Road in Units 8 and 191
640-acre Bull Mountain, which is reached from County Road 80C
640-acre Jimmy Creek near Bull Mountain Road
640-acre Horse Ranch Pass, which is reached by a rough four-wheel-drive road off Bull Mountain Road
640-acre Dry Creek North
1,920-acre Pfister Draw near Forest Service Road 200
Hunters can explore 289 square miles of Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest and more than 26 square miles of BLM land. County and forest roads provide access. Green Ridge Road 4x4 Trail is rated difficult with exposed rocks and bogs. It is open from July 1 until Nov. 20 if weather permits.
State wildlife areas have posted travel restrictions
Get permission to hunt private land well in advance of hunting seasons
Four-wheel-drive vehicles necessary on several secondary roads
ATVs are useful
Camping and Lodging
Roosevelt National Forest operates several campgrounds: Big South, Chambers Lake, Sleeping Elephant and Big Bend. Opening and closing dates depend on weather and pine beetle treatments. Camping is allowed in the upper unit of Cherokee State Wildlife Area. Fort Collins, which is about 40 miles east of the unit, offers a variety of restaurants, a lot of motels and hotels, medical facilities and access to Interstate 25. Red Feather Lakes at the eastern edge of the unit is a year-round resort community. Check out the Wandering Moose for a meal.
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