West Elk Wilderness area access

[DirtyDusty]

I am looking real hard at a 2 rifle hunt in Colorado, in the West Elk Wilderness area. Was thinking about putting in at the end of 721 just north of Jackass Gulch. One map I look at just shows an unimproved road, while another shows improved gravel. Anyone familiar with this area? Is this road passable if it snows? Most of this is high elevation, so will it be snowed in this time of year? What about rainbow lake area at the end of 724?

[Pop-r]

Very good road up to Rainbow. Chains & you can get up there (if snowy) There will be ALOT of people! Snow may or may not be an issue (altho it is most likely) I'd say it could be your friend! Good luck!

[DirtyDusty]

Any idea about 721?

[DirtyDusty]

BTW, when you say a lot of people, are you talking about 30 or 40 people camped out, or is it like people standing in line for concert tickets?

[TENFIVE]

Dirty,

Jackass Gultch is where Eagle Mountatin run their drop camp outfitter business. They have 8 or 9 camps that the reach from the Waterman Ranch. There is a lot of land but you will have company during 2 rifle, for sure.

We are hunting with Eagle Mountain during the second week of Archery.

Good luck,

Jeff

[DirtyDusty]

I messed up and didn't realize that the 2nd rifle had caps on unit 54 otc. and they are all gone. I started looking at unit 53 since I had some maps already. Specifically I was looking at coming in from the north side of the wilderness from Panoia down 709 and parking and coal creek trailhead. Then hiking south around kaughman ridge area. Anyone familiar with this area? How rough is it? Any help is appreciated.

[Elkduds]

PM

[smj281]

I am going there in two weeks. I am thinking about accessing the area from the east side. Is that possible?