Hilltop High Guide

Northwest Colorado, which includes the White River National Forest, is home to the largest migratory elk herd in North America and the largest mule deer herd in the United States. Within that area, the Flattops Wilderness is known as some of the very best elk and deer country anywhere. In addition to elk and deer, the area is also home to black bear, mountain lion, big horn sheep and an occasional moose.

The Flattops consists of a wide range of terrain. The lower elevation vegetation starts out with sage and oakbrush/mountain brush, progresses to small parks and rolling meadows with aspen and evergreens, and advances up to alpine tundra where several peaks are 12,000 feet in elevation. Travel in the area is limited to walking or horseback, and there is potential for heavy snowfall -- particularly in the later seasons -- so hunters should be prepared to endure a variety of weather conditions.