This unit is unique in that it includes three urban areas as well as the east half of Rocky Mountain National Park, which is closed to hunting, plus a mule deer or elk season is going on every month from August through January.

Plenty of elk and a lot of public land with great access and many mature bulls make this a great place to hunt. The state does not manage for big deer, but a few trophy class bucks are taken every year. Hunters must draw any elk or deer tag. Many Rocky Mountain National Park elk migrate to private property.

This is classic elk country with steep canyons and mountains, dark timber, long drainages, meadows and rocky ground with open south slopes. Some notable peaks include Meadow Mountain at 11,647 feet above sea level, Sugarloaf Mountain at 8,904 feet and Comanche Peak at 10,182 feet. Elevations start out at 5,000 feet in the east and climb over 14,000 feet in the west. Most game is between 6,500-9,000 feet, depending on the season and species.

Most hunting takes place in the Roosevelt National Forest, which has great access from Estes Park. Hunters have good access from Highways 34, 36 and State Routes 7 and 72, all of which lead to many unimproved roads. Hunters can use ATVs and 4x4 vehicles in most of the area. Some areas are closed to vehicles.

Dark timber, Douglas fir, aspens, Indian grass, some spruce, lodgepole pines and other conifers comprise most vegetation over 8,000 feet. Alpine terrain is above tree line, which is about 11,500 feet above sea level. Terrain under 8,000 feet has croplands, rabbitbrush, cacti, riparian plants such as willows, short grass, prairie shrubs and native and alien grasses.

Estes Park, Loveland and Ward have motels, hotels and bed and breakfast lodging. Hunters can pitch a tent or set up a camp almost anywhere in the Roosevelt National Forest.