The Sawatch Range and a few peaks reaching 14,000 feet can be found West of Salida. The San Isabel and Gunnison National Forest provide thousands of acres of public lands. A small herd of mountain goats provide an opportunity for six resident bowhunters.

The 14,000 foot altitude can make this a difficult hunt and hunters can expect to climb over 2,000 feet or more each day to reach mountain goats.

Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak reach 14,000 feet and the North and South Forks of the Arkansas River have their headwaters in these mountains. Alpine lakes feed many creeks that add to the flow of the Arkansas. Some deep gulches reach into the backcountry. Ridges, open parks, avalanche chutes and slopes of scree can also be found nearby.

Alpine slopes and basins covered with wildflowers, lichens, moss, short grass and barren ground willows can be found above 11,500 feet. Below the timberline spruces, fir, pine, willows, grasses and wildflowers can be seen in open parks covering the landscape. At lower elevations aspens, lodgepole and ponderosa pine, spruce and fir are found on ridges and slopes.

The San Isabel National Forest provides many improved campgrounds. The North Fork Campground has nine campsites located on the north shore of the North Fork Reservoir. Angel of Shavano Campground has 20 campsites. The Gunnison National Forest Middle Quartz Campground has 7 campsites. Gunnison, Salida and Buena Vista provide many options for motels and cabins, restaurants, cafes, medical facilities, a regional airport, gas and diesel. Sargents, Pitkin and Poncha Springs offer limited gas and food options. RV campgrounds are located in Gunnison, Salida and Buena Vista.

The San Isabel National Forest, located west of the divide, provides thousands of acres of public lands. U. S. Highways 225 and 50 connect to county roads leading to forest service roads and trailheads. OHV can be used in many areas, so check the National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map. Jennings Creek can be access off County Road 240. Browns Creek trail trailhead can be reached off of U.S. Highway 285 on County Road 270.