This is the classic Rocky Mountain high-country horseback elk hunt. Based out of fully outfitted wall tent camps deep in the San Juan National Forest, you’ll ride out each morning with your guide into some of the most remote and elk-rich country in Colorado. Camp is your home away from home — canvas cook tents and sleeping tents with wood stoves, comfortable cots, and freshly prepared meals every day.
We hunt Colorado Game Management Units 74, 75, and 751, one of the largest and most diverse permit areas in the state. With multiple reserved camp locations ranging from 4 to 10 miles in by horseback from the trailhead, we follow the elk migration throughout the season. Elevations range from 8,500 to 12,500 feet across ponderosa pine, scrub oak, aspen groves, and alpine meadows. Where you hunt depends on the season and where the elk are moving.
Only 6 hunters are booked per season to keep the experience exclusive and maximize your opportunity. Elk are the primary target, and you can also put a deer tag and a bear tag in your pocket for no extra kill fee. All hunts are 7 days — 5 full days of hunting and 2 travel days to and from camp. Being in good physical condition will greatly increase your enjoyment and success on this hunt. There is a 225-pound weight limit for all riders on horseback hunts.
Second and third rifle season elk tags and rifle bear tags are available over the counter. Archery, muzzleloader, and first and fourth season elk tags are draw-only, typically requiring no preference points. The Colorado draw deadline is the first week of April.
Pricing Details
- Archery (Sept 2–30): $6,500 per hunter (2×1)
- Muzzleloader (Sept 13–22): $6,500 per hunter (2×1)
- 1st Rifle (Oct 15–19): $6,500 per hunter (2×1)
- 2nd Rifle (Oct 25–Nov 2): $6,500 per hunter (2×1)
- 3rd Rifle (Nov 8–16): $6,500 per hunter (2×1)
- 4th Rifle (Nov 20–24): $6,500 per hunter (2×1)
- Horseback Drop Camps: $2,600 per person (minimum 2 people)
- 1×1 Private Guide Upgrade: +$1,500
- Additional Guided Days: $1,000/day
- Observers: $1,500 per person
What’s Included
- Fully guided 2×1 (2 hunters per guide)
- All meals prepared daily in camp
- Wall tent lodging with wood stoves and cots
- Horses for daily hunting and travel to/from camp
- Skinning, caping, and meat care
- Deer and black bear opportunity at no extra kill fee
What’s Not Included
- Flights to Durango, Colorado
- Colorado hunting license and elk tag
- Gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Taxidermy and meat processing
Transport
Fly into La Plata County Airport in Durango, Colorado. We recommend staying at the Holiday Inn the night before. The outfitter will pick you up and provide transportation to the trailhead for $50 per person. From the trailhead, you’ll ride horseback 4–10 miles into camp.
Hunt Style
Physical Level — Moderate to Difficult
This is a horseback-based hunt in remote high country. You’ll ride to hunting areas each morning and hunt on foot once in position. The terrain is steep and elevations range from 8,500 to 12,500 feet. Good physical conditioning is strongly recommended. Spot and stalk is the primary method, with calling during archery season.
Trip Requirements
- 225-pound weight limit for horseback riding
- Colorado hunting license and appropriate elk tag required
- Draw tags required for archery, muzzleloader, 1st and 4th rifle seasons (apply by first week of April)
- Over-the-counter tags available for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons
- Good physical fitness strongly recommended for high-altitude hunting
- 50% deposit required to book, balance due 90 days before hunt
WO Trip Protection
For 5% of your trip cost, we guarantee your hunt. If the outfitter cancels, goes out of business, or a wildfire shuts down the area — we rebook you on a comparable hunt at no extra cost.
Ask your consultant about adding trip protection when you book.
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