Quick Tips
- Physical conditioning is important here
- Be prepared for miserable weather
- High-quality binoculars and a spotting scope can help immensely
- Prepare in advance for help in packing out elk
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This South San Juan area is one of Colorado’s top units for deer, elk and bear hunting. Habitat ranges from oak brush foothills at about 7,000 feet to open alpine meadows above timberline and peaks above 10,500 feet. Hunters who hike from roadside camps or pack into wilderness on horseback or by foot have plenty of terrain to hunt.
Terrain
Tundra above timberline extends for miles from the headwaters of Piedra River to Wolf Creek Pass and down to New Mexico with several high lakes that hold trout. The western San Juan Mountains are steep, heavily timbered slopes leading down to aspen benches and low oak-covered rolling foothills at the lower end. Pagosa Springs is on the western border of the unit, which extends south to New Mexico, east to the Continental Divide in the South San Juan Wilderness and north to the Continental Divide in the Weminuche Wilderness. Montezuma Peak is the highest point at 13,150 feet in the South San Juan Wilderness.
Roughly 764 square miles
62.4% public land
Elevations from 6,500-13,150 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations consist of rolling hills covered with oak brush and scattered aspen groves and ponderosa pines. Middle-level land is steep and mostly forested with spruce and fir, while narrow ridges have some aspen benches and there are many grassy meadows. High terrain is open alpine tundra with thickets of willow and stunted spruce and fir.
Access
Forest Service roads lead to numerous roadside camping areas and trailheads. Some roads lead to the base of the San Juan Mountains and to major trailheads and off-road campsites. Wolf Creek and Fall Creek roads off of Wolf Creek Pass and the East Fork of the San Juan and Mill Creek Blanco, Buckles Lake and Navajo roads. Primitive side roads lead to good hunting areas at lower elevations.
ATVs and 4x4 vehicles allowed on marked roads only
ATVs not necessary but helpful
Four-wheel-drive trucks recommended
Camping and Lodging
Some motels and lodges with good hunter accommodations are in Pagosa Springs along with several RV and trailer parks. The National Forest Service maintains improved campgrounds, but many hunters opt for camping along access roads and at trailheads.
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