Quick Tips
- Fly fish for rainbows in Animas River
- Use the best optics you can get
- Expect to see tourist hiking in the backcountry
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 155"-165" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
Flowing south from Silverton to Durango, the Animas River drains from over one million acres of the San Juan National Forest. A herd of Rocky Mountain bighorns call this area of the state home.
Bighorns can be found in hard to reach steep, vertical cliff areas. The elevation rise from Lime Creek to the summit of North Twilight Peak is 4,075' in only one and a half miles. It is important to use quality optics. Be aware of bears while camping.
Terrain
14,000 foot Mt. Eolus, Missionary Ridge, Putnam Basin, steep cliffs, canyons and drainages along the Animas River, broad mesas, buttes and rolling foothills all create a dynamic landscape.
Roughly 1,150 square miles
81.1% public land
Elevations from 7,800-14,083 feet
Vegetation
Alpine areas support moss, wildflowers, lichens, barren ground willows and grasses. Spruce, fir, aspen, ponderosa pines and open meadows can be found on the mountain sides. Aspen, oakbrush, mountain mahogany, bitterbrush found on ridges, drainages and foothills are all found within this area. Cottonwoods, willows, sagebrush and pinyon/juniper cover lower elevations.
Access
The San Juan National Forest is over one million acres in southwestern Colorado and includes the Weminuche Wilderness Area with over 499,000 acres of pristine backcountry. County and National Forest roads lead to trailheads in the wilderness. There is a good trail system in the wilderness. Durango & the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroads follows the Animas River through some core bighorn areas between Coal Bank Pass and Tacoma.
Four-wheel drive is recommended
Camping and Lodging
The San Juan National Forest provides numerous improved campgrounds. The Weminuche Wilderness has specific travel and camping restrictions, if heading into the wilderness be aware of those regulations. Silverton offers motels, restaurants, café, gas and diesel. Durango has a regional hospital and airport.
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