On The Ground
This unit is found in northeastern Utah along the Colorado border. The northern end of the unit is part of the Uinta Mountains and is heavily forested where's the southern half of the unit is primarily open high desert country with excellent wintering habitat for elk.
Hunters during the early season will need to work for elk but will find it fairly easy to distance themselves from the competition with some effort.
Terrain
With over 7,000 feet of elevation change, this unit has a wide variation of terrain. In the valley to the south there are desert valleys and rolling ridges. In the northern part of the unit are high mountain peaks reaching above timberline. Down off of the peaks are steep creek drainages running into foothills.
Roughly 1,115 square miles
75% public land
Elevations range from 4,800- 12,200 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations in this unit have dry, desert rolling hills and flats. Some grass, prickly-pear cactus and sagebrush with scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines and oak brush while sagebrush continues throughout this elevation as well. The higher elevations have scattered aspen groves with the steep slopes covered in conifer forests. The mountain tops have large grassy meadows with scattered ponds and thick aspen and conifer forest leading up above timberline where grass, wildflowers and rock scrabble cover the peaks.
Access
Much of the unit is part of the Uinta National Forest or desert land managed by the BLM, giving great public access. There is road access on all sides of the unit with well-maintained dirt roads leading to less-maintained 4-wheel-drive roads and ATV trails. The Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation does cover some of the land within this unit.
Main roads of access will include Highway 191, Highway 40, Highway 45, and Highway 121
ATV’s or snowmobiles can make traveling easier during periods of heavy snow
Tire chains recommended
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads, there are several locations that have good, flat camping locations for travel trailers or tents. There are a couple of designated campgrounds open to the public. Vernal is the main town that has lodging in the unit. Groceries and sportings goods can also be found in Vernal.
There are modern lodging options found in Vernal
Sporting goods and groceries can be found in Vernal with good selection
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