West of Leadville, this unit has flatlands with antelope and high, rugged and remote mountains with elk and mule deer. High country includes parts of three wilderness areas—Holy Cross, Mount Massive and Collegiate Peaks—and part of the Sawatch Range in the San Isabel National Forest. Great hunting can be found here for those willing to put in the effort.

Well prepared, hardworking hunters have a good chance of taking great mule deer. There is a rifle deer season that takes place in September above timberline.

This area includes the highest peak in the state, Mount Elbert, 14,433 feet above sea level, along with several other peaks that range from 12,000 to more than 13,000 feet in elevation. Parts of three wilderness areas—Holy Cross, Mount Massive and Collegiate Peaks—and part of the San Isabel National Forest comprise the high country, much of which is well above timberline. On these mountains are high alpine basins that drain into deep canyons leading down to the valley.

Low elevations have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees and scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa pines and oak brush. Middle elevations mainly consist of spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats on ridges. Those flats are covered with grass and wildflowers. High elevations consist of steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.

A few four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch off well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding.

To camp in the wilderness and much of the high country, you must backpack or pack with horses. Good camping sites are on public land along roads and in U.S. Forest Service campgrounds.

Roughly 300 square miles

87.8% public land

Elevations from 9,000-14,433 feet

Much of the high country is wilderness where no vehicles are allowed

Leadville National Fish Hatchery is closed to hunting

Box Creek and Crystal Lake state Trust Lands are open to hunting by foot

Highway 82 runs through the unit

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended

Expect to see other hunters. Lodging is available in Leadville

Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness

Test backpacking gear in advance