Hunters have expressed mixed feelings about Colorado's Unit 161, with several challenges noted alongside occasional successful experiences. Despite corrections in season dates and draw odds, ongoing issues such as increased hunting pressure, significant deadfall from past fires, a reported decline in game populations, and the presence of wolves have affected the unit's attractiveness, especially for elk hunting. Experienced hunters advise considering higher elevations for accessing elk early in the season and note the overlap of other hunting activities, which adds to the competition and pressure. Additionally, hunters planning trips should be aware of extreme weather variability and access difficulty, advising early scouting and preparation for potentially arduous terrain.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-75" | 80"+ |
High
Low
This unit runs along the eastern side of the Sierra Madre Park Range from about 20 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs to Wyoming. Antelope live in the foothills and flatlands, while many elk and mule deer summer near the Continental Divide and migrate to lowlands in the fall.
Some big mule deer have been taken in this unit, where rifle hunters enjoy two early seasons: the first one in Mount Zirkel Wilderness and the second in the entire unit. This area is not known for producing big elk and some bucks and bulls migrate into Wyoming.
Most of the Continental Divide runs between 10,000 and 12,000 feet in elevation. Below it are many alpine basins and steep drainages paralleled by dense timber. Above 8,500 feet are long, deep canyons, benches, rocky ridges and a few lakes, while rolling foothills are below that level, dropping into high desert plains with dry gullies, creek bottoms and mesas.
County and Forest Service roads provide good access. A lot of trails in Mount Zirkel Wilderness reach the Continental Divide. Colorado Route 125 north of Walden intersects county roads that lead to BLM, state or national forest lands. Hunters may use ATVs to retrieve game from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 11,239-acre Independence Mountain State Trust Land, but otherwise motor vehicles are prohibited there.
Cottonwoods and willows line the North Platte River. Bitterbrush, sagebrush, oak brush and short grasses dominate lowlands. Foothills have some pinyon-juniper woodland mixed with ponderosa pines, sagebrush and oak brush. Above 8,500 feet are forests of spruces, firs, aspens and ponderosa pines with many parks. Alpine basins are filled with wildflowers, lichens, lupine and moss.
Lodging is available at North Park Inn in Walden, which also has restaurants, such as Moose Creek Cafe, fuel stations and a medical care center. Some hunters camp on public land, including in Cowdry Lake State Wildlife Area and at established sites in the Lake John State Wildlife Area. Big Creek Lakes Campground in the Routt National Forest has 54 campsites at a fee near Big Creek Lake about five miles from Wyoming.
Roughly 408 square miles
71.1% public land
Elevations from 7,880-12,180 feet
Richard State Wildlife Area, 2,323 acres
Tire chains and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
No vehicles are allowed in Mount Zirkel Wilderness