On The Ground
This unit is found in central Utah and features thousands of acres of public for hunters to use. This hunt is centered around migrating elk and snow levels will make a huge impact on elk numbers. Decent road systems can be found here but hunters can also find locations where escaping competition is entirely possible.
During periods of good snow, this area can be excellent for elk. Dry years can be a little tougher but still doable with determination and hard work.
Terrain
This area is largely broken with rough terrain composed of steep ridges and deep cut draws. The areas west of Highway 72 are generally more gentle and heavily vegetated whereas the areas to the east are generally rougher and far more open. Cross country travel can be tough and in certain areas it can be very easy to become cliffed out. Physical conditioning can play a huge role in success at times and is something all hunters should consider.
Roughly 770 square miles
90% public land
Elevations range from 5,200- 10,300 feet
Vegetation
The areas to the west of Highway 72 will see far more vegetation cover than the areas east of the highway. Pine, fir, and aspen will grow in large stands throughout the western half along with pockets of meadows with native grasses and sage. The areas on the north and east side of this small portion will see less tree cover but a more predominant presence of pinyon-juniper. The land to the east of Highway 72 is far more open with huge expanses of sage and native grass along with pinyon-juniper in creek bottom and deep draws. Glassing opportunities will remain good throughout the unit and can play a big role in successfully filling a tag.
Access
This area is almost entirely public land and hunters will not have issues finding areas to hunt. A good road system is found here but hunters will still likely to need to put in some physical effort to reach elk. A large porting on the southeast corner of the unit is included in the Capitol Reef National Park and is not huntable.
Main roads of access will include Highway 72, Interstate 70, Highway 24, Sheep Valley Rd, Red Creek Rd, and Last Chance Rd
ATV’s or snowmobiles can make traveling easier during periods of heavy snow
Tire chains recommended
Camping and Lodging
A few modern options can be found within the unit on the southern end in the towns in Bicknell, Loa, and Torrey. There are no modern lodging options on the north end of the unit but a few choices are available in Salina which is located just outside of the unit. Some select groceries and sporting goods can be found here but most specialty needs will need to be met prior to leaving for the hunt.
There are a few lodging options found on the southern end of the unit in Bicknell, Loa, and Torrey
The closest lodging on the north end of the unit will be found in Salina
Sporting goods and groceries will need to be purchased prior to the hunt beginning.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5