Mt. Elbert and Mount Massive are backdrops to thousands of acres in San Isabel and White River National Forest, including the two wilderness areas of Mount Massive and Hunter-Fryingpan. Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates that the Mt. Elbert herd is close to 125 bighorns.

Expect very high recreational use during September on weekends in both National Forest lands and wilderness areas. This is a very physical hunt in demanding terrain. Some trails will allow access to remote basins and drainages, but wilderness travel is restricted to foot or horseback. Spend time glassing for small bands of rams in isolated areas.

Mt. Elbert and Mount Massive join many other 13,000 foot mountains along the Sawatch Range. Independence and Hagerman Pass along the Continental Divide are some of the highest passes in the state. Two rivers have their headwaters on the slopes of Mount Massive, Arkansas River on the east and Fryingpan River on the west. Alpine basin lakes are nestled below the various mountain peaks. Turquoise and Twin lakes are large reservoirs that feed the Arkansas River.

Stands of cottonwood, groves of aspen and dense areas of willow can all be found along the Arkansas River. Pinyon/juniper with oak brush, sagebrush and mountain mahogany cover foothills. Ponderosa, lodgepole pine, aspen and grassy parks cover the slopes above 9,000 feet. Dense forests of spruce, fir and pine can be found on north facing slopes below timberline. Once above timberline, vast open meadows are covered with wildflowers. Moss and lichens create a carpet on rocks with barren ground willows bordering wet areas.

U.S. Highway 24 and Colorado Route 82 connect to a number of county and forest service roads leading to the Mount Massive Wilderness Area, portions of the White River National Forest and the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness. Both national forests combined offer over 100,000 acres of public lands. Lake County Road 4 joins with Pitkin County Road 40 at Hagerman Pass. Halfmoon Road southwest of Leadville leads to Emerald Lake below Mount Massive.

Many improved campgrounds are provided by San Isabel and White River National Forests. They are very busy throughout the summer and during September. Leadville and Buena Vista offer many choices in cabin rentals and motels, café and restaurants, medical facilities and 24/7 gas and diesel fuel options.