Quick Tips
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Be prepared for hiking in rugged backcountry
- Be mobile and willing to move camp
- Hunt away from roads and main trails
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
A small unit west of Salida, this area is almost entirely in the Sawatch Range of the San Isabel National Forest. Healthy herds of mule deer and elk live here, ranging from rugged high country along the Continental Divide to the South Arkansas River bottoms west of Poncha Springs.
Hunters who work hard have a good chance at mature mule deer bucks. There is an early September rifle deer season takes place above timberline.
Terrain
Rugged peaks and ridges of the Sawatch Range run along the Continental Divide on the western edge. Some peaks are well above timberline, including 13,971-foot Mount Ouray and 12,667-foot Pahlone Peak. Steep canyons and drainages run east to the valley along the South Arkansas River. Some large meadows are on ridges. Rolling parallel ridges branch from foothills. West and southwest aspects in the lowcountry are mostly open.
Roughly 128 square miles
90.8% public land
Elevations 7,500-13,951 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats and rolling hills 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 mainly consist of spruce and fir trees mixed with scattered aspen groves and large sagebrush openings. High elevations have steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline and are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
Numerous primitive four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch off a few well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest land.
Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding
Poncha Pass and Little Cochetopa Creek state trust lands are open to hunting
Colorado Trail runs through the unit
four-wheel-drive and ATVs are recommended
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads on public ground. In remote areas, hunters haul tent camps with horses or backpack. Poncha Springs and Salida are the closest towns with lodging.
Arrive early for good camping locations
Expect to see other hunters camped nearby
Expect to see tourist camping in the backcountry near trails
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