Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS and a good land ownership map
- A lot of tourists hike and climb in wilderness
- Weather and temperature influence elevations of animals
- Be prepared for hiking in rugged wilderness
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains run for 75 miles along the eastern edge of this unit, and Alamosa is at its southwestern corner. Elk and mule deer thrive here. Hunters may hunt in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve above Great Sand Dunes National Park as well as the Baca National Wildlife Refuge.
Much of the high country is in Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. There is an early September rifle deer season above timberline.
Terrain
With about 6,800 feet of elevation change, terrain varies from rolling sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park and marshy wetlands in the Baca National Wildlife Refuge to rugged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most big game hunting takes place between 8,000 and 12,500 feet above sea level in the mountains of the Rio Grande National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.
Roughly 1,089 square miles
70.9% public land
Elevations from 7,500-14,294 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees, agricultural fields on the valley floor 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 large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridges. High elevations have steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline and are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
Public access is limited near Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, although some public hunting opportunities do exist in Baca.. North of the park is Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, where hunting is allowed. Maintained roads lead to trailheads into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. A few primitive four-wheel-drive roads access national forest lands.
Most mountainous terrain is in the national forest
The BLM manages a great deal of land in foothills
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Bad weather can limit travel
Camping and Lodging
To camp in the wilderness and much of the high country, you must backpack or pack with horses. Good camping sites on public land along roads are near hunting areas, so expect to see other hunters. Hotels are in Alamosa is in the southwest corner and Salida near the northern edge of the unit.
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness
No vehicles in wilderness
Test backpacking gear in advance
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