Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS and a good land ownership map
- Many tourists hike and climb in wilderness areas
- Weather and temperature influence elevations of animals
- Be prepared for hiking in rugged wilderness
- Let optics cover the ground for you
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 280"-320" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 65"+ |
On The Ground
A high elevation area in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This area is rugged and remote area with healthy mule deer and elk numbers.
The high country here is rugged. Hunters prepared and willing to hunt hard will have a chance at big mule deer bucks. This unit is managed for quality bull elk.
Terrain
Mosquito Mountain runs from north to south on the western half of the unit, which is part of the San Isabel and Pike National Forest. They have peaks reaching well above timberline at 11,500 feet up past 13,000. The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area is in the southern part of the unit. The mountain peaks and the valleys are covered in rolling ridges and creek drainages covered in conifer and aspen forest.
Roughly 538 square miles
74% public land
Elevations from 7,900-13,898 feet
Vegetation
At low elevations flats and rolling hills are covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees, with scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa pines and oak brush. Middle elevations consist of mostly spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass. At high elevations, steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
There are a few primitive four-wheel-drive roads and ATV trails branch off of well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest land. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. Much of the southern part of the unit is part of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.
Good public access
Four-wheel drive recommended
Camping and Lodging
To camp in the wilderness areas and much of the high country, you must backpack or use horses. Good camping sites on public land along roads, and in forest service campgrounds. Leadville also has lodging available.
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness
Test backpacking gear in advance
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