Quick Tips
- Crowded during second rifle season (combined elk and deer)
- Good hunting along the Continental Divide
- In mild weather expect to see hikers
- Lots of moose in the south
- Great trout fishing in high lakes
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
On The Ground
This unit includes Steamboat Springs and hundreds of square miles of the Routt National Forest, giving large numbers of elk and mule deer hunters lots of room to roam from the Continental Divide to the foothills above Steamboat. Some seasons are crowded with hunters.
Nature lovers and backpackers as well as big game hunters flock here, using extensive road and trail systems. Hunters who want to find solitude can hike into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness or other remote terrain. The south end is steep and requires hiking. Plan to hike several miles a day to see elk. This unit is best for archery elk, early deer rifle and muzzleloader seasons.
Terrain
About 160,000 acres of this unit is in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, where storms have toppled thousands of trees, which have then burned in a series of forest fires in the past 10 years. The middle and southern parts of this unit have not been affected by fires as much as the northern areas around Big and Little Agnes Mountains. Plan on walking up a steep mountain to get to level land along ridges.
Roughly 408 square miles
86.1% public land
Elevations from 6,300-12,000 feet
Vegetation
Lowlands to the west are a mix of parks, valleys, sagebrush and runoffs from the mountainous area leading to the east. The high country to the east up to the Continental Divide is rugged with thick conifer forests along the continental divide.
Access
Highway 40 provides access from the south but plan on steep terrain to get up to flat areas at 8,500 to 10,000 feet. County Road 129 heading north from Steamboat Springs offers several spur roads to the east for easy access to this unit. Best access to the south is through Dumont Lake or county road 32 heading east from Steamboat Springs. Hunters don’t need to walk far, which invites hunters. Camping on unmaintained roads over 9,000 feet can be risky because snowstorms sometimes leave motor vehicles stranded until spring.
Camping and Lodging
Camping is permitted on National Forest land and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Lodging is in Steamboat Springs. Several lodges and cabins are available for rent along Road 129 to the north.
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