Colorado: Flat tops wilderness.....

[robtattoo]

A buddy & I are headed out to hunt GMU 25 & 26, this September.
Does anyone have any photos of the area?
I'm not looking for honey holes, just some basic idea of the terrain.
We've scooted on google earth for hours on end & have a good idea of the elevation & terrain, but the one thing it doesn't show is the proportion of barren meadow/dark timber, rock etc...

I have no idea how open or forested the area will be & it's hard to plan our equipment!

[Pete McMiller]

Never been on the Flattops but hunted just north of there 20 years ago on Sleepy Cat Mtn.  I remember investigating the Flattops and looking at pics from outfitters in the area.  Based on that I think you will find dark timber on north slopes, aspen on south slopes and the tops a mix of dark timber interspersed with open parks.  Then again that pretty much describes much of high country elk hunting in Colorado.  Not sure how the exact terrain mix will affect your equipment selection though.

[beaunaro]

Yes... What Pete said.

I've hunted it 4 times near Meeker and more specifically Buford.

A friend and I are going back this year.

Pete describes it perfectly.

Your gear list should include an oxygen bottle, and good boots.

LOL.

[Alexander Traditional]

I don't have any pictures,but we know people in Burns Colorado. I think the area we hunted in was 35. I've heard dad talk about the Flat Tops. The people we know are on Castle Mountain by Winter Ridge. I think the Flat Tops are behind them.

[Keith Zimmerman]

Ive hunted all over CO, except the Flat Tops.  Heading back to 54 again this year.  Ive always packed the same.  Not sure what u are looking to do different.  Good boots, pack, Chap Stic, and water for sure.  Good Luck!

[cacciatore]

I have hunter the Flat Tops for 5 years in a row but it was many years ago,killed quite a few elks there.
The herds bed  down in the canyons and feed on the tops exactly the reverse of what usually happens!

[hart2hart]

Been years ago.Truly God's Country.
What's been said and what I've heard...lots of blowdowns.Steep access routes.Water purifiying
method.Storms with few hiding places.
But you'll never forget the trip.
With luck,a horse to get pack out.
Good Luck,
Mike

[Michael Pfander]

As all have stated.  I have been caught in some big storms over the years.  Have a plan if one comes.  We hiked out thru 3' of snow one year.  No fun with a pack on.  Don't fore get the altitude.  The elk don't care.  If you are going to chase them you can't either.
MAP

[kadbow]

Here are a couple pics taken just north of 26. The pic with my wife and kids is looking back into 26.

 

 


 

[DarkTimber]

Rob...you may already know this but I'll throw it out there anyway.   You can go to the area you are looking at on Google Earth and image icons will pop up.  You can click on the icons and see photos that other people have posted from that area.  You can get a really good idea of what the exact area looks like by looking at those photos.   I've also found that the more photos posted in an area the more traffic it usually receives, typically by hikers and backpackers.

[Amberjack]

Hunted GMU25 3 or 4 years ago.  I don't have any pictures that would be useful for you but here are my 'field notes'.

1. Hunting ground is roughly 50/50 alpine meadow and dark timber stands.  The elk (and deer) we saw were solely in the timber, although paths were apparent through meadows for migration to and from water.
2. As others mentioned above, access is steep with a lot of fallen timber to navigate.  Good ankle support boots and walk in and out with your buddies.  Seriously, some of those climbs can put you in a world of hurt if you slip.
3. I'd recommend scouting not just your hunting area but the roads in and around there.  Some of them are pretty rough and get worse with weather.  Coffee Pot road comes to mind.
4. The area we were in was part of a BLM cattle lease.  Not a big problem, but tracking was problematic with all the hoof-churn in some areas.
5. Because of the terrain you'll probably see several drainages in the area you settle in to.  There are even small wetlands here and there, maybe 50 feet across or smaller.  Critters love that stuff if it's not frozen over.
6. Don't be afraid to 'get higher' if you're not seeing the Wapiti., especially if it's still warm.  Deer are more tolerant of the heat.  
7. We saw a half dozen fat and sassy does 10 minutes into our first day.  If you put in only for elk, consider also buying an OTC deer tag.  GMU25 usually has some left over tags available.

Good luck and have fun!

AJ

[wixwood]

Sounds like a great excuse to attend the CTAS High Country Shoot in June. It's held between Buford and Newcastle and you'll be on the W. side of the Flat Tops with a bow and plenty of 3-D courses to shoot.
The Flat Tops is a huge area and there are differences in the terrain and type of eco-system you’re in depending on E. or W. side, N. to S. and elevation. Basically it is a great representation of just about any environment you can find in the State. It has been quite a few years since I last hunted it and I know the dynamics have changed, but do your research and you will find the type of area you prefer and a good opportunity to hunt what you’re looking for.

[fnshtr]

Rob,

I've hunted the area several times. Once I get a chance to sort through some photos I will try to post some.

Kadbow nailed it though.

Wayne

[fnshtr]

[PaLongshank]

Have hunted the Flattops twice...first impression....they ain't flat!!!!! LOL spectacular scenery of dark timber, BIG meadows, and steep nasty ravines....have good rain/snow gear especially later archery season, water purifying method, good layering clothing for all temps (both extremes), and good boots!  you will put the miles on them....good luck!  

PaLongshank

[PaLongshank]

robtattoo......If I could figure out how to put a pic (computer illiterate) on here I would....if you PM me your email address I can email you some!  PaLongshank

[Whip]

I haven't been in them myself but it sounds like you've got some good descriptions.  What specific equipment questions do you have?  A great pair of boots would top my list.

[Bigriver]

You will definately need some "other bowhunter repellent" too.

[fnshtr]

I had good luck hunting the high trails that connect  basins. Due to the bowhunting pressure the elk move from basin to basin on trails just below the rock slides... early mornings I found them up high (~11,000'). (Opposite of what you might think.)

Good pair of binos are needed.

[dlnwohio]

I like Google earth and spend a lot of time on it however for a much cleared detailed aerial photo check out flash earth