Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS and a good land ownership map
- A lot of tourists hike and climb in wilderness
- Weather and temperature influence elevations of animals
- Be prepared for hiking in rugged backcountry
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 65"+ |
On The Ground
This unit includes part of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and a section of the Sawatch Mountains in the San Isabel National Forest. Hunters up to the challenge of hunting rugged and remote terrain have a good chance of seeing mature mule deer and elk. Antelope are hunted in low terrain.
A rifle deer season takes place in early September above timberline.
Terrain
With eight mountain peaks reaching higher than 14,000 feet and including some of the highest summits in the state, this unit is rugged and remote. Below peaks are basins that lead to deep canyons. Out of the valley floor there are rolling foothills up to the mouths of the canyons.
Roughly 283 square miles
79.5% public land
Elevations from 7,700-14,420 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees, agricultural fields on the valley floor with scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa pines and oak brush. Middle elevations consist mainly of spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridges. High elevations have steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
A few four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch from well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest land. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. Much of the north is in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Elk and deer hunting is allowed on 910-acre Heckendorf State Wildlife Area
Elk, antelope and deer may be hunted in 2,177-acre Maxwell Park State Trust Land
The Colorado Trail runs through the unit
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended
Camping and Lodging
To camp in wilderness and much of the high country, you must backpack or pack with horses. Good camping sites on public land along roads are near hunting areas, expect to see other hunters.
There is lodging in Buena Vista
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness
No vehicles in wilderness
Test backpacking gear in advance
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