Quick Tips
- Trout fishing in North Platte River
- Try panning for gold in streams
- View bison herds south of Hartsel
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
West of U.S. 285 between Kenosha Pass and Fairplay and east of the Continental Divide, this unit supports large herds of elk and mule deer. Moose numbers are increasing, and antelope numbers are stable. Hunters must draw a tag to hunt any big game animal here.
State controls on hunting pressure have resulted in good hunting for every big game species in this unit, which is about 50 miles southwest of Denver.
Terrain
Some land north of Highway 285 is flat. Some peaks reach 13,000 feet in elevation. Flats of South Park north of Highway 285 to mountain peaks above 13,000 feet create a very scenic landscape. Broad hay fields and winding creeks such as Tarryall, Michigan, Jefferson and Beaver are below long gulches and sharp ridges that lead into the high country.
Roughly 162 square miles
70.7% public land
Elevations from 9,500-13,822 feet
Vegetation
Alpine above 11,500 consists of forbs, wildflowers, mosses, stunted conifers and willows. Below 11,500 feet grow alpine firs, Engelmann spruces, aspens, bristlecone pines and some short grasses. Below 10,000 feet grow ponderosa pines, spruces, aspens and lodgepole pines. The higher reaches of South Park have prairie grasses.
Access
More than 100 square miles are in Pike National Forest, which is served by many roads that branch from U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Route 9. About 950 acres of state land is at Teter-Michigan Creek off County Road 35.
Some secondary roads may become impassable after snowfall
Four-wheel-drive traction is recommended
ATVs are beneficial on primitive roads
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can find lodging in Fairplay along with restaurants, including Millonzi’s Italian restaurant, a grocery store, shops and gas stations. Jefferson, Alma and Como have cafes and gas stations. Pike National Forest allows camping near dirt and gravel roads. Jefferson Lake Recreation Area is a fee area northwest of Jefferson off U.S. Highway 285. Campgrounds open in May and close in early October if weather permits.
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