Quick Tips
- Be aware of bears near campsites
- Filter drinking water
- Dress in layers
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
On The Ground
North of Del Norte is the La Garita Mountain Range and is home to the Natural Arch bighorn herd, estimated at close to 20 Rocky Mountain bighorns.
Terrain
Tracy, Carnero and Red Rock are semi-desert canyonlands in the eastern part of this area. Carnero Pass and Moon Pass have travel routes from one drainage to another.
Roughly 1,224 square miles
77.4% public land
Elevations from 7,587-12,944 feet
Vegetation
In the San Luis Valley sagebrush flats, canyonlands and rolling hills have pinyon/juniper blue grama grass, oak brush, mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, soapweed yucca and prickly pear cactus. Creek bottoms are covered with cottonwood trees and willows. Forests of ponderosa, lodgepole, aspen, spruce and fir are broken up by grassy parks on mountain slopes. Alpine tundra has carpets of wildflowers and rocks covered with moss and lichen.
Access
Rio Grande National Forest, State and BLM land has thousands of acres of public land. Colorado Route 114 is along the north and northeast boundary. U.S. Highway 160 travels through Del Norte and U.S. Highway 285 heads north out of Monte Vista. A good secondary road system reaches several four-wheel-drive tracts on BLM, State and National Forest lands.
Camping and Lodging
Rio Grande National Forest has improved campgrounds at Buffalo Pass, Luders Creek, Stone Cellar, Storm King, Poso and Cathedral. Alamosa, Del Norte and Monte Vista have motels, restaurants, medical facilities and gas and diesel.
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