Quick Tips
- Be mobile and willing to move camp
- Hunt away from roads and main trails
- A lot of tourists hike and climb in wilderness
- Weather and temperature influence elevations of animals
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-80" | 80"+ |
On The Ground
The San Juan Mountains meet the San Luis Valley about halfway across this unit, which is southeast of Alamosa and holds elk, mule deer and antelope. Much of the western half is in the South San Juan Wilderness and the Rio Grande National Forest.
Hardworking hunters have a good chance of finding bull elk, mule deer and antelope, who are in low terrain in the east. There is designated high country wilderness in the west and good road access in much of the area.
Terrain
Much of the western half of the unit is 8,000-11,000 feet above sea level with peaks reaching above 13,000 feet. Timberline is at about 11,500 feet. Dense forests in large drainages run through the mountains, and includes part of the South San Juan Wilderness, which is among the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the Lower 48. The eastern half is part of the San Luis Valley, which is west of the Sangre de Cristo Range and is mostly flat land and low hills. Roughly half of the low terrain is private and half BLM land with the San Luis Hills Area of Critical Environmental Concern on the eastern edge. Between the San Luis Valley and the Rio Grande National Forest are thousands of acres of state land that surrounds 635-acre La Jara Reservoir State Wildlife Area and includes 2,808-acre La Jara SWA and 9,485-acre Hot Creek SWA. All three state wildlife areas are open to elk and deer hunting.
Roughly 1,214 square miles
70.3% public land
Elevation from 7,591-12,498 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats with rolling hills covered in sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees, agricultural fields on the valley floor with scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa and oak brush. Middle elevations mainly consist of spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridge tops. High elevations have steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers, and loose rock scrabble.
Access
Numerous primitive four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch off a few well-maintained roads that access much national forest land. A lot of wilderness and backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the state wildlife areas.
Good public access
ATVs make travel faster and easier
Four-wheel drive recommended
Bad weather can limit vehicle travel
Limited access and private land in much of the east
Camping and Lodging
To camp in the wilderness and much of the high country, you must backpack or pack in with horses. Good camping sites on public land along roads are near hunting areas, so expect to see other hunters. The nearest hotel is in Alamosa about 20 minutes from the nearest part of the unit and more than an hour from much of it.
A few small towns are in the unit but lack lodging
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness areas
Test backpacking gear in advance
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