Quick Tips
- The difficult terrain requires extra caution
- Rangefinder are recommended
- Roaring Fork River offers world class fly fishing
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Over 100,000 acres of the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness and high elevations along the Continental Divide can be found in this area South of Carbondale and west of Aspen. Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates a herd of 60 Rocky Mountain bighorns.
This is a challenging hunt due to the high altitudes and steepness of the trail system. Patience and continual glassing is one key component to finding a trophy ram in this area.
Terrain
The Elk Mountain Range is made up of a number of high peaks including Capital Peak, Snowmass Mountain and Maroon Peak. A few passes crossing the Continental Divide are used heavily by recreationalist, with Schofield Pass between Crested Butte and Marble as one of the most travelled. Lakes that are scattered within the wilderness include Avalanche Lake, Geneva Lake, Galena Lake, Elko Lake, Yule lakes and Beaver lakes. Crystal River has its headwaters near Elko Lake below Schofield Pass.
Roughly 292 square miles
78.9% public land
Elevations from 6,134-14,130 feet
Vegetation
14,000 foot peaks can be found on cirques filled with glacial lakes. Wildflowers are found on lakesides, steep slopes and broad ridges. Rock outcroppings are foundations for moss and lichens. Barren ground willows flourish next to water sources. Bristlecone pines are dotted on ridges near timberline. Just below the treeline slopes with stands of spruce, fir and pine can be found. Groves of aspen, ponderosa and lodgepole pine and divided by open grassy parks. Willows and cottonwoods line creek bottoms and lower elevation lakes. Oak brush, mountain mahogany and bitterbrush cover lower elevation ridges and gulches.
Access
Colorado Route 133 and Route 82 provide a connection to county and forest service roads. Avalanche Road, County Road 3 towards Marble and Capital Creek Road heading west of the community of Snowmass are all roads worth noting. Travel is restricted to horses and foot within the wilderness. The wilderness lies within the Elk Mountains and spans portions of the White River and Gunnison National Forests.
Camping and Lodging
White River National Forest provides improved campgrounds at Brogan Flats, Avalanche and McClure. The mountain towns at Carbondale and Basalt provide a wide variety of bed and breakfasts, motels and rentals. Regional medical facilities are close to the unit in Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Some gas and diesel fuel options are open 24 hours.
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