Unit 68 in Colorado offers a challenging hunting experience, with hunters frequently highlighting both the physical demands and the variability of success due to factors such as weather and hunting pressure. Key insights include the importance of paying attention to elevation, as elk typically congregate above 11,000 feet to avoid road hunters, and the essential value of local biologist data to understand herd conditions. The unit's elk population has been noted as declining, with a bull-to-cow ratio reported as low as 15/100, which can affect hunter success rates. For those considering this area, preparing for rugged terrain and crowded conditions in accessible spots can lead to a more rewarding hunt, especially if willing to venture into less traveled, high-altitude wilderness areas.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
West of Saguache and east of the Continental Divide, this unit provides excellent hunting for elk and mule deer with good access to a great deal of public land at high and low elevations. Deer hunters can hunt elk simultaneously during some seasons.
Experienced hunters here have a good chance of taking bigger bucks within this healthy deer herd. There is good public access.
Most of this area is mountainous with numerous barren ridges, peaks, basins and slides above timberline, sprawling forests and canyons between the high country and the foothills, which are mostly open pinyon/juniper woodland/grasslands. Huge tracts of public land with good access comprise this entire unit except for about 40 square miles of private land along the eastern and northeastern boundaries and a few scattered deeded parcels elsewhere. Most of the mountains are in the Rio Grande National Forest, and about 20,000 acres are inside La Garita Wilderness. Much of the foothills also are publicly held by the BLM and the state. The Continental Divide is the western boundary and is mostly 9,000-11,000 feet above sea level with many peaks over 12,000 feet above sea level, such as the prominent Twin Peaks in the La Garita Wilderness in the southwestern part of the unit. Much of the high country is steep but not rugged.
Some roads are well-maintained, while some roads are rough and more suited to ATVs than full-size vehicles. Hunters use access roads off Highways 114 and 47. The western 90% of this unit is almost entirely public and is controlled by the Forest Service, the state and the BLM.
Above timberline are grassy parks with willows and shrubs in basins. Engelmann spruces mingle with lodgepole pines in the high country below timberline, while Douglas firs, aspens, grasses and sagebrush grow at middle elevations. Low terrain is covered by pinyons and junipers, many of them spaced far enough apart that grasses grow among them. Other low-elevation plants include sagebrush, oak brush, serviceberries and other browse plants.
Saguache has lodging, gas, groceries and other supplies. Camping is permitted on almost all federal land.
Roughly 603 square miles
86.9% public land
Elevations from 7,400-11,800 feet
Four-wheel-drive recommended
ATVs recommended
Snow and rain can impede travel.