- Good optics are a must
- Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms
- Mountain lakes provide excellent trout fishing
Species | General Size | Trophy Potential |
---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 160"+ |
The 14,000 foot peaks of Mount Evans, Torreys Peak, Greys Peak and Mt. Bierstadt create a dynamic setting just west of Denver for a herd estimated to be near 90 Rocky Mountain bighorns. Both resident and nonresident tags are available for this unit.
14,000 foot peaks are joined by a number of peaks over 13,000 feet, creating a vast alpine complex complete with cirques, lakes and avalanche chutes. A number of creeks have their headwaters in the alpine lakes, like Leavenworth, South Clear Creek and Chicago Creeks. Passes that cross the Continental Divide include Argentine, Guanella and Loveland.
Lower drainages are lined with cottonwood and willows with oak brush and ponderosa pine found close by. Ridges and gulches leading upward support aspen, ponderosa, lodgepole pines, grassy parks, mountain mahogany and willows. Forests of spruce, fir and pine can cover slopes up to the timberline. On alpine basins and slopes wildflowers, moss, and lichens provide a carpet on the tundra.
Arapahoe and Pike National Forest offer thousands of acres of public lands. Mount Evans Wilderness has restrictions that limit travel to foot or horseback other than on the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway. Mount Evans Wilderness Area is 74,401 acres with over 100 miles of trails providing access to the area. Management is shared between Arapahoe and Pike National Forest.
National Forest improved campgrounds are Guanella Pass, Echo Lake, West Chicago Creek and Clear Lake. The mountain communities of Georgetown, Silverthorne, Keystone and Idaho Springs provide a wide variety of motels, restaurants, cafes, medical facilities, gas and diesel.
Roughly 231 square miles
73.1% public
Elevations from 7,143-14,270 feet