Quick Tips
- Be prepared for blizzards in October
- Many black bears
- Excellent trout fishing
- Warning: insect-killed trees fall in high winds
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
This large unit is almost entirely public and features a huge portion of the famed Flat Tops Wilderness. Great deer and elk populations can be found here but hunters will still need to work hard to locate mature animals. Hunters will find all manner of adventure here from deep backpacking trips to big day hunts.
This unit offers some incredible opportunities but the hunting pressure is still high and locating mature animals can be a chore. Many roads become impassible by early to mid-November but a large portion of the game will have migrated into lower elevations by that time.
Terrain
Comprising more than half of this unit is the Flat Tops Wilderness, which is above the Colorado River to the east and the north and south forks of the White River to the west and ranges mostly from 9,000-10,500 feet. Some of the peaks are 10,500-12,354 feet above sea level, which is more than a mile higher than the lowest point near Buford. Extremely steep rock walls tower above South Fork and Marvine Creeks. Terrain in the northern part of the wilderness gradually rises and features benches, while the southern part has some dramatically steep slopes. More than 100 small lakes are on the plateau along with many parks and alpine basins.
Roughly 950 square miles
92.8% public land
Elevations from 7,000-12,002 feet
Vegetation
Cottonwoods and willows line the south and north forks of the White River. Hay meadows below hills covered with sagebrush and oak brush are near Buford. Mountain mahogany, some pinyon/juniper woodlands and oak brush grow on foothills with stands of Engelmann and blue spruce, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir along with large groves of aspen grow above 8,000 feet. The Flat Tops consist of wide meadows, lush open parks and some conifer forests along with alpine basins with grasses, forbs and alpine scrub. The National Forest Service warns hikers to stay out of forests when winds are strong because of the danger of being struck by falling trees that have been killed by bark beetles.
Access
County Road 8, east of Meeker, travels along the White River joining many Forest Service Roads that lead to trailheads into the Flat Tops Wilderness. Numerous wilderness trails allow hikers and pack strings to travel deep into the mountains. North of the White River are many good roads and trails. No motors or mechanical transportation (including bicycles and game carts) are allowed in the wilderness.
Hunters need four-wheel-drive to travel on some roads
October snows can trap hunters
Some roads are deeply rutted
Camping and Lodging
Meeker and Rifle have motels, restaurants, RV parks, medical centers and vehicle services but are located just outside of the unit. About 15 national forest campgrounds are open from mid-May through early November, depending on weather.
Meeker lodging includes Rustic Lodge, Ute Lodge
Rifle lodging includes Budget Star Motel, Gateway Lodge
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