Colorado Flat Tops Outfitters

[grahambiel]

We're heading out to Colorado to hunt the flat tops on our first elk hunt and will be packing in and setting up a basecamp in the backcountry.

I've been pouring over onx and dialed in an area that seems ideal but then I heard that it tends to be heavily used by outfitters so now I'm thinking it might not be the best option.

Would anyone with knowledge of the flat tops care to share the general areas (via PM is fine) that tend to be popular with drop camps/outfitters? We're looking for places to avoid that might be further in but will end up being crowded anyway. I'm thinking it would be a little disheartening to hike in 5-6 miles only to walk up to 5 groups of guys in wall tents where we intended on camping.

I realize hunting the flat tops and never seeing others is a pipe dream but just trying to get creative on how to avoid people as much as I can.

 

[idahohikker]

Beg the forest service for camp info. They should give it where they are permitting the outfitters, often quite excessively IMO.

 

[grahambiel]

Very helpful, didn’t think about that!

 

[Jd259]

Yup contact the forest service in meeker they have all that info for you. I stop there every time I go into the flat tops and talk to them to see where there all at and what the elk are looking like when I’m goin in there, really nice and knowledgeable people.
best of luck

 

[md126]

I agree w/ the above comments. Just remember, anyone can pack in and set up wall tents, Outfitter or not (and they often do).

One positive to having Outfitters in the area is that they often will provide a service to pack out meat (for a fee) if they are not busy w/ clients.

Enjoy the hunt!

 

[grahambiel]

Fair point. I know there's only so much we can do but just trying to do what I can before we get there to avoid being totally covered up in other camps. Thats an issue with wilderness areas, while you might be far from roads its tough to get far from trails so guys on horseback are always gonna be a possibility

 

[Scooter90254]

In my opinion you’re better going in with the idea you will be hunting with someone else and work back from there. No matter the research or miles you put on your very unlikely to be alone. Having the correct expectations will lead to a successful/enjoyable hunt.

 

[Elktaco]

Scooter is right on the money

 

[HuntingAddict]

I hunted there and agree with the comments above . PM if you like .

 

[RobertsA]

I just went through meeker at the end of July for a scout trip. I stopped by and asked the FS and they gave me information of 2 outfitters that are setting up on rat mountain just northwest of Big Marvine peak and are coming in from the Marvine loop trailhead.

 

[camping1601]

I know there's 2 or 3 that go in around the southern end of 25 and 24.

 

[grahambiel]

Thanks guys, i got some info from the forest service and went through and started marking trailheads where they've permitted outfitters...to make a long story short if you want to know which area they've permitted an outfitter, find a spot on the map that looks like it might have a slight possibility of holding an elk, find the nearest trail and follow it back to the trailhead. 99% chance there's an outfitter permitted there.

 

[GrumpyHiker]

You will know right away that outfitters are running the area if the trailhead is packed with trucks and the trails are near unwalkable after some moisture. Trails will also be 3-6 trails wide after rain/snow. Use the feedbag litter as a bag for the other litter you find.

 

[Jd259]

I’ve hunted it many times and you shouldn’t worry to much about the outfitters and drop camps there’s a ton of country up there to escape the pressure I usually hunt 3rd and 2nd season and I’ll maybe see five people in the week I’m in there just walk off the trail a half mile or so and you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

 

[BigPine]

A lot of outfitters, but there's a lot of country. Forest service emailed me a list of outfitters and their camps, with coordinates. More for curiosity than anything else . We hunted from a different to us spot last time. 16x20 wall tent and 5 guys 50 yards off a main trail. I don't think anyone even saw our camp although we could hear their horse hooves from a long way off.
We still got into elk.