Quick Tips
- Spend hours glassing basins
- Good optics are a must
- Be in good physical condition
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 155"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located west of Salida close to the Monarch Pass and within the San Isabel National Forest, holding an population of an estimated 30 Rocky Mountain bighorns. Resident archery and rifle tags were available this year through the statewide draw.
Terrain
The Sawatch Range creates the Continental Divide along the western edge. Monarch Ridge is visible on the east side of U.S. 50 as it heads to the summit of Monarch Pass. Mount Ouray is the highest peak in this area at 13,000 feet, located near Marshall Pass. A number of drainages such as Green, Little Cochetopa, Pass and Fooses flow eastward away from the peaks towards the Arkansas River miles away.
Roughly 139 square miles
89.5% public land
Elevations from 7,509-13,971 feet
Vegetation
Irrigated hay fields along creeks in the valleys are lined with willow, aspen and cottonwood. Groups of oak brush, sagebrush and pinyon/juniper cover the hillsides. Stands of ponderosa, lodgepole pine, groves of aspen and open grassy meadow accompany a rise in elevation. Forests of spruce, fir and pine with open parks cover mountain slopes before reaching the timberline.
Access
San Isabel National Forest provides thousands of mountain acres of public lands. U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highway 285 connect to county and forest service roads that lead close to known bighorns areas. The main connection is Country Road 200 and XX32 (Marshall Pass Road). Other roads that can be used by ATVs or four-wheel-drive OHVs are Forest Service 906, 225, Stumpy Creek, County Road 221, 210 and Pass Creek.
Camping and Lodging
The improved campgrounds of Monarch Park and O’Haver Lake are located in the San Isabel National Forest. Salida and Gunnison can provide a variety of motels, café and restaurants, medical facilities, gas and diesel fuels. Gunnison has a regional airport.
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