Quick Tips
- Landowner maps reccomended
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Cold and snow can cause animals to drop in elevation
- Be prepared for thin air and rugged terrain
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
Salida is in the southeastern corner of this mostly public unit. High peaks of the Sawatch Range in the San Isabel National Forest are in the west and a valley is in the east. Healthy herds of elk and mule deer along with some antelope live here. Mining claim roads provide good access.
High country is rugged yet roads access much of it. There is a rifle deer season above timberline in early September.
Terrain
With three peaks reaching above 14,000 feet—Mount Antero, Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak—this section of the Sawatch Mountains is rugged. Some other peaks exceed 12,000 feet in elevation. Creek drainages are steep. Rolling foothills are above a valley that contains irrigated farmland and fenced pastures.
Roughly 242 square miles
67.5% public land
Elevation from 7,100-14,269 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines, juniper trees and 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 consist of steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
Thanks to mining in the area, numerous primitive four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch off a few well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. The 2,949-acre Droney Gulch State Wildlife Area and the 597-acre Sand Creek State Trust Land are open to hunting. The Colorado Trail runs from Wrights Lake State Wildlife Area on the northern boundary to Foose Creek on the southern boundary.
Four-wheel drive or ATVs recommended
Private mines are scattered throughout the Sawatch Range
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads on public ground. There are several good places to camp, including some developed campgrounds. Motels are in nearby Poncha Springs and Salida.
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to see other hunters camped nearby
Tourists camp in the backcountry near trails
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5