Classic Rocky Mountain wilderness horseback mule deer hunt in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest, GMU 74. Horses are used to access remote backcountry camps and for daily hunting. This is the real deal — wall-tented camps deep in the wilderness with a cook, guides, and all the comforts of a traditional mountain camp.
The terrain ranges from 8,500 to 12,500 feet in elevation, through ponderosa pine, scrub oak, and up into alpine meadows. Where you hunt depends on the season, as guides move camp to follow migration patterns.
This is a 7-day trip with 5 full hunting days and 2 travel days to and from camp. Camp is 4-10 miles in by horseback from the trailhead. Wall tents with wood stoves, comfortable cots, tables, and chairs make camp your home away from home. A dedicated cook prepares all meals. Only 6 hunters per season to ensure quality.
There is a 225lb weight limit for all riders on horseback hunts.
Pricing Details
- Horseback Guided Hunt — $6,950 per hunter (2×1 guiding)
- 1×1 Guiding — add $1,500
- Additional Guided Days — $1,000/day
- Observers — $1,500 per person
- Colorado Hunting License: ~$800 (elk), $402 (deer), $102 (bear)
- Black bear can be added at no additional charge — just purchase tags
What’s Included
- Fully guided hunt (2×1 standard)
- Horses for transport in and out of camp and daily hunting
- Wall tent camp with wood stoves, cots, tables, and chairs
- Dedicated camp cook — all meals included
- In-field game care (skinning, caping, meat care)
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Gratuities
- Airport pickup ($50 per person from Durango)
- Game processing (~$400)
- Colorado hunting licenses and tags
Transport
Drive or fly to Durango, Colorado. Airport pickup available from La Plata County Airport for $50 per person. Recommend staying at the Holiday Inn in Durango. From the trailhead, camp is 4-10 miles in by horseback.
Hunt Style
Horseback hunting through the San Juan National Forest. Terrain ranges from 8,500 to 12,500 feet. This is a physically demanding hunt — being in good condition will greatly increase your enjoyment and success. Hunting on foot from horseback access points.
Physical Level — Moderate to Difficult
Trip Requirements
- Valid Colorado hunting license required
- Hunter safety card required if born after 1949
- Hunter orange hat and vest required during rifle seasons
- 225lb weight limit for horseback riders
- Draw required for archery, muzzleloader, 1st and 4th rifle seasons (typically no preference points needed, deadline first week of April)
- 2nd and 3rd rifle elk tags available over the counter
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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