Hunting
Glenwood Springs is in the heart of some of the best big game hunting area in the U.S. With the largest elk and mule deer herds in the country, the regional opportunities for big game hunting are impressive. Colorado is the only state to offer an over-the-counter bull elk tag to residents and non-residents alike.
Geographically, Glenwood Springs is surrounded by the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest which provides plentiful public land for hunters. There are also large tracts of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Mule Deer
All deer licenses in Colorado are limited, so the best chance of getting a license is in the April drawing through the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Sometimes leftover licenses are available during the late summer and early fall—biologists report the deer populations in western Colorado have rebounded in recent years.
Archery and muzzleloader hunters head to timberline to find deer during the warmer seasons. Rifle hunters focus on the aspen and oakbrush areas until the snow flies and then follow the herds to lower elevations in the later seasons.
Elk
The White River elk herd spends most of the year north of Glenwood Springs in the White River National Forest. Last year there were an estimated 32,000 and 39,000 elk, making it the largest migratory herd in North America. Elk licenses are limited in some seasons and some areas, but unlimited over-the-counter bull elk licenses are available during the second and third rifle seasons and for some archery units. Hunters looking to bag a trophy elk might try the rugged and travel-restricted back country of the Flattops Wilderness Area. Hunters looking for an easier time on other public lands can do well if they head for timberline and hunt away from access roads.
Other hunting
From small game to bear, bighorn sheep and mountain lion, the Glenwood Springs area offers diverse hunting opportunities. Check our local outfitters and sporting goods stores or the Colorado Division of Wildlife to learn more.
Colorado has six major hunting seasons
- A September archery season
- An overlapping late-September muzzleloader season
- Four rifle seasons that run during from early October until late November
Actual season dates are set each January by the Colorado Wildlife Commission using a five-year season structure that provides hunters the ability to forecast future season dates in upcoming years. Licenses can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and grocery stores in the area. They are also available at the Division of Wildlife office located in West Glenwood at 50633 Highway 6 & 24. Check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife for other license details.
High Canyon Adventures
66418 Highway 6
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: 970.945.9773
highcanyon.com
Neighboring Areas:
In just a short drive from Glenwood Springs, you can enjoy hunting with some of these outfitters in neighboring areas.
AJ Brink Outfitters at Sweetwater Lake Resort
3406 Sweetwater Road
Gypsum, CO 81637
Phone: 970.524.7344
brinkoutfitters.com
Avalanche Outfitters at Redstone Stables
373 Redstone Boulevard
Redstone, CO 81623
Phone: 970.963.1144
redstonestables.com
