Unit 29 in Colorado presents several challenges for hunters, particularly for non-residents and those looking to rifle hunt. The unit is characterized by a limited availability of non-resident tags, with much of the deer population concentrated on private lands and lower elevations near populated areas, making access challenging without private land access or special arrangements. Many hunters report high levels of recreational use by non-hunters, which can interfere with the hunting experience, especially around areas like Brainard Lake. Those successful in the unit often emphasize the advantages of using road systems for hunting access and point to the prevalence of moose over mule deer. It is recommended that prospective hunters consider the unit's complexities, the significant impact of non-hunting populations, and plan for necessary permits for overnight and wilderness areas.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
Boulder west to the Continental Divide thousands of acres of public land. Elk, Deer and a small population of moose are present. Private land makes public land access difficult east of Colorado Route 72.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommend that hunters pursuing game in the northeast region must contend with a highly populated area, a multitude of private lands and differing viewpoints and values when it comes to hunting. Expect extremely high non-hunting recreational use on public lands. There are very few bull moose in the unit and antelope bucks are rarely harvested here.
Continental Divide runs along the western edge with many alpine lakes, basins and headwaters of creeks. Canyons and deep gulches head out of the mountains to the east carving through foothills. High prairie areas begin east of Nederland and continue past Boulder.
Alpine basins with wildflowers, lichens and stunted pine lead to stands of fir and spruce on north facing slopes. Aspens, ponderosa pine, willows, mountain mahogany, and cottonwoods are present as the elevation drops to areas of sagebrush and oak brush. East of the foothills are open spaces with short grasses, cottonwoods and willows along creek bottoms.
Roughly 441 square miles
46.3% public land
Elevations from 5,015-12,923 feet
Roosevelt National Forest provides many campgrounds west of Boulder. Please refer to link for specific information. Indian Peaks Wilderness – Rainbow lakes Campground off Forest Service Road 298. Eldorado Canyon State Park has developed camp sites.Boulder offers motels, hotels, restaurants, gas, diesel and medical facilities. Community of Nederland has motels and bed and breakfast, café and gas stations.
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area about 32,000 acres is reached west of Colorado Route 72 by a number of County Roads and Forest Service Roads. Please refer to link for trailheads. Foot or horseback travel only motorized vehicles prohibited. Roosevelt National Forest 16,000 acres please refer to link for specific use and restriction information. BLM 2,500 acres consisting of small parcels located off County Road 118 seven miles northwest of Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park; 1,441 acres is reached off Colorado Route 36 at McCaslin Boulevard head south to County Road 170 then west about 9 miles to entrance. Hunting with primitive weapons allowed at Crescent Meadows property attached to Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Four wheel drive recommended on county, secondary and Forest Service roads above 8,500 feet
Thunderstorms create flash flood conditions
Use caution while traveling in canyons
Snow storms and high winds possible any time of year
A lot of old mining claim roads