Quick Tips
- Use quality optics
- Horseback or backpack access
- Prepare for a strenuous hunt
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Weminuche Wilderness is the centerpiece of the San Juan National Forest located some 20 northeast of Durango. The Vallecito herd is native to the unit and is estimated to be larger than 125. Challenging terrain and a physically demanding location can make for a very difficult hunt.
Terrain
With over 6,000 feet of elevation change there is a lot of diversity in the terrain. From the rolling valley floor there are a few foothills that lead up to big and steep creek drainages. The top of the drainages there are some large basins that typically hold alpine streams and lakes. Out of the basins there are tall peaks, some of are over 13,000 feet.
Roughly 200 square miles
96.9% public land
Elevations from 7,678-13,821 feet
Vegetation
Alpine basins consist of wildflowers, lichens, mosses, stunted pines and barren ground willows. Timberline elevations have spruce, fir, open grassy parks while ridges, drainages and canyons have oak brush aspen, ponderosa pine, mountain mahogany with some cottonwoods and willows lining creek bottoms.
Access
San Juan National Forest, including the Weminuche Wilderness Area which is the largest wilderness area in Colorado at 499,771 acres. County and national forest roads lead to trailheads in wilderness. There is a good trail system in the wilderness. Roads to consider; County Road 501, Middle Mountain East, Middle Mountain Road, Piedra Road and National Forest Road 642.
Camping and Lodging
Vallecito Lake offers a number of improved campgrounds. There are also several other improved campgrounds on San Juan National Forest land. Weminuche Wilderness has camping and travel restrictions. Durango is 20 miles to the west providing restaurants, hotels, motels, a regional airport, medical facilities, gas and diesel. Bayfield is the closest town along US Highway 160 and offers limited motels, cafes, gas and diesel.
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