At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Scout and learn the unit, its big country
- Have a detailed map that shows road access
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Plan to hunt all or as much of the season as possible
- Located near Capitol Reef National Park


Hunters discussing Thousand Lakes, Utah highlight the area's rugged terrain and variable weather, recommending preparedness for both steep hikes and potential weather changes. There is a consensus on the need for thorough pre-season scouting to understand elk movements and behavioral patterns, as well as the importance of acquiring local knowledge to navigate the area's complex geography. Common advice includes leveraging late-season opportunities where animal movement is more predictable due to weather-driven behaviors. Overall, hunters find success when they combine strategic planning with adaptability to the area's conditions.
With views of Capitol Reef National Park from Thousand Lake Mountain, this unit not only holds good herds of mule deer but is absolutely beautiful. With good public access and moderate terrain, this area gives hunters a fun and enjoyable hunt.
A general deer unit, managed for hunter opportunity, this unit still holds good bucks. In recent years the number of mature bucks has been growing. There is also good public access in this unit.
A smaller unit with only one mountain range, the Thousand Lake Mountain. A flat top plateau that leads to red rock canyon country to the east and to farmland in the south and west. Off of the mountain are rolling ridges and creek drainages covered in thick conifer forests. There are also some small mountain lakes.
Much of the unit is part of the Fish Lake National Forest or desert land managed by the BLM, giving great public access. Road access is avaliable on all sides of the unit with well-maintained dirt roads leading to less-maintained 4-wheel drive roads or ATV trails.
The low elevations on this unit have dry, desert rolling hills and flats. Some grass, prickly-pear cactus and sage brush with scattered pinyon pines and juniper trees. Middle elevations are covered in ponderosa pines, oak brush and sagebrush. The higher elevations have scattered aspen groves with steep slopes covered in conifer forests.
Most hunters camp along roads, there are several locations that have good flat camping locations for travel trailers or tents. There are a couple of designated campgrounds open to the public. Torrey, Loa and Bicknell are the nearest towns with some offering lodging, but it’s limited.
Roughly 520 square miles
94% public land
Elevation from 6,700-11,306 feet
ATVs recommended
4-Wheel drive recommended
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to camp near other hunters