Quick Tips
- Don't miss a chance to fish in the Colorado River
- Visit the ski resort town of Vail in the south
- Shed hunting opportunities if you have extra time
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 270"-310" | 320"+ |
On The Ground
North of Vail and south of the Colorado River, this Eagle County unit offers hunting opportunities for elk and mule deer hunters. Elk tags are sold over the counter for some seasons. Deer tags valid in mid-to late November are hard to draw with applications almost tripling in the past three years.
Eagle County historically has produced many record book mule deer and those who hunt hard and are patient in the last November season have good chances of taking big bucks. Most of the big bulls come from the Eagle Nest Wilderness or on private land where they migrate. Private property impedes access in some areas and hunting pressure can be frustrating.
Terrain
North of the ski resort town of Vail, this unit contains the high and steep Eagle Nest Wilderness along its eastern boundary with topography dropping to the west. The highest ridges and peaks are above timberline, which is at about 11,500 feet. Below that most land is heavily timbered except for two to three miles from the highways along the western and southern boundaries. Deep canyons descend rapidly to winter range. Large aspen patches are at middle elevations. The west boundary is Colorado Route 131 between Wolcott and State Bridge on the Colorado River. Deep aspen canyons are on the south end of the unit along Interstate 70.
Roughly 275 square miles
83.8% public land
Elevations from 7,170-13,370 feet
Vegetation
Lower elevations consist primarily of pinyon pines, junipers and sagebrush. High elevations are heavily timbered, mostly with firs and spruces, while middle elevations have Douglas fir, aspens, grass meadows and sagebrush. Water is scattered with many springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Access
Private land impedes access in much of the unit. You need a good land ownership map and a GPS unit to avoid trespassing. A large network of ATV trails covers much of the south. Some are closed during hunting seasons.
Limited road access
Private land, the Colorado River and Interstate 70 limit access
ATVs are recommended
In 2013 many roads were closed to ATVs
Four-wheel-drive and tire chains are recommended
Most access roads to high elevations pass through private land
Camping and Lodging
Eagle is the nearest city with lodging and also has a small sporting goods store and places that sell groceries, supplies and fuel. At State Bridge a small store sells limited supplies and some lodging seasonally. Camping is allowed on federal land.
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