CO Elk huting newbie/ Unit choice

[Trophyhntr2002]

I've been searching for a unit in CO based on all kinds of criteria, But It seems when I'm looking at the map on Onx. There are "roads" everywhere. I want to get as far away from a road as possible but they seem to be everywhere. Are these actual roads or no?

 

[Poser]

If it looks like a road, it probably is a road of some type.

 

[lyingflatlander]

Turn on the roadless layer. It’s found in hunt.

 

[Trophyhntr2002]

Turn on the roadless layer. It’s found in hunt.

Thanks for that.

 

[lyingflatlander]

 

[vanniek71]

If you are looking in the mountains, there are 4x4 and old logging roads all over the place. The area I hunt shows "roads" as well, but many have been blocked off and haven't been driven on for years. The only way to really tell is to get out there and look. One of the "roads" in my area is just like that. It makes it nice to walk to the area I am heading to and it at one time was used, but is completely blocked off unless you have a quad or something and a lot of determination....the dead fall and beetle kill pretty much block those off too.

 

[ChrisAU]

Looks for NFS maps, they will delineate between maintained and unmaintained roads, tough they may not be completely up to date.

 

[Jaden Bales]

Man, not only is that roadless layer awesome, but if you want a good guarantee to "get as far away from roads as possible" just find a big 'ol wilderness area.

 

[wytx]

Travel management maps for the NF show which roads are open and when. They are the MVUM, motor vehicle use maps.

 

[KHNC]

You should just get a tag in Unit 2. I hear it doesnt matter about roads in that area. Full of elk! Good luck!

 

[vanish]

One of the areas i hunt has a bunch of closed roads. They are nice for quick access to an area. However, Its up in the air how many people decide to follow the laws on respecting those closures. Its not uncommon to see freshly cut trees and atv tracks to get around the gates. Really grinds my gears.

 

[elkduds]

Go here for free:
https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=HuntingAtlas
Pick your unit. Click top box in left column, it adds MVUM data showing which roads and trails are open to vehicles, atvs, motorcycles/electric bikes.
Good luck this fall.

 

[armadillo66]

Big fires in the Sangre De Cristo last year moved a bunch of animals north of the Great Sand Dunes and west into the San Juans south of Monte Vista. Many Elk were in the San Luis Valley this winter in areas they had not been in much for years. Unit 82 should have some good elk in it this coming fall