CO Elk Unit 48

CO 48 Tactical Analysis. Terrain & Access CO 48 spans nearly 192,000 acres across high alpine terrain, ranging from 8,800 to over 14,400 feet. With 92% public land and 32% designated wilderness, this is a high-country unit dominated by national forest. Access concentrates on lower drainages and ridgelines accessible via maintained roads; the wilderness core requires backcountry travel. Hunters should expect steep terrain, extended scouting days, and physical demands typical of Colorado's high-elevation ranges. Herd Quality Recent wildlife surveys indicate an average/well-managed bull:cow ratio of 24:100 across multiple years. This reflects typical Colorado elk populations with balanced..