Bordering Colorado for 60 miles west of Raton, this unit is dominated by large private ranches where guided hunters take many mature elk, mule deer and antelope. Public elk hunting takes place on three state wildlife areas (residents only) and the famed Valle Vidal area.

Private and public properties are well-managed. Volcanic soils limit antler growth. Animals harvested here hardly ever qualify for all-time B&C records. Some of the largest and most famous hunting ranches are in this unit.

Most hunting takes place on land that is flat or not steep. Large grassy parks and huge ponderosa pine and aspen forests account for much of the best elk habitat. Some mountains are among the highest in the southwest, reaching 12,584 feet in Valle Vidal. A great deal of pinyon/juniper woodland is sprawled across lower hills, mountains and ridges and is above expanses of flatlands and foothills. Water sources are common. Valle Vidal, 101,794 acres in the Carson National Forest, was given to the people of the United Statesville by Pennzoil in 1982 and is managed to yield trophy-size elk, hunted only by residents and nonresidents who draw once-in-a-lifetime tags. Two state wildlife areas—Elliott S. Barker and Urraca—and the northern half of a third—Colin Neblett—are in the unit and are open only to resident hunters.

Large ranches comprise most of the unit except for Valle Vidal and three state wildlife management areas. There is good access to public areas and all large ranches on maintained roads. Cerrososo Road, which reaches Valle Vidal from the east, leaves U.S. Highway 64 between Colfax and Cimarron and is tough on tires with sharp, volcanic rock. Carry several extra spare tires. Most of the old roads on Valle Vidal have been closed, leaving large roadless areas where hunters must hike or ride horses to reach. Semipublic land includes the Boy Scout of America’s 137,493-acre Philmont Scout Ranch, where hunters can enjoy guided hunts, and the National Rifle Association’s 33,000-acre Whittington Center, where hunters can enjoy guided elk, mule deer and antelope hunts.

Alpine tundra shrubs, forbs, grasses and wildflowers grow on the tops of the higher mountains above spruce, fir and pine forests. Middle-elevation land is mostly covered by ponderosa pines and aspens and large grassy parks. The next level down is mostly a vast pinyon-juniper jungle with oak brush slopes and draws and sagebrush ridges and foothills. Lowlands are mostly covered with prairie grasses, particularly grama, with scattered ponderosas, pinyons and junipers, mostly on the edges of ridges, and a few alfalfa fields and other crop fields. Cottonwoods and tamarisk grow along creek bottoms in valleys.

Most hunters on private land are provided lodging in cabins or lodges. Some outfitters and ranchers have customers stay in motels. Hunters in Valle Vidal may camp along roads only at two designated sites, McCrystal Campground and Cimarron Campground. Hunters who backpack or take horses into the backcountry of Valle Vidal may hunt from spike camps. Resident hunters who draw tags to hunt on state wildlife areas usually camp near hunting sites. Motels and hotels are in Raton with national chains well represented. Several RV parks also are in Raton, including a KOA campground. The lodge Casa del Gavilan is six miles south of Cimarron. Cimarron Inn and RV Park is in Cimarron. Hunters who pay for guided trips usually have lodging provided. Half a dozen motels and several RV parks are in Eagle Nest. Cabins also may be rented there.