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Parks Ranger District, Routt NF, Arapaho NF: where and how to hunt
National forest ranger district in Jackson County and Grand County, about 410,804 acres.
Photo: Kimon Berlin (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Parks Ranger District, Routt NF, Arapaho NF
Parks Ranger District: licenses, dates and restrictions
Hunting on Parks Ranger District follows Colorado rules; the forest page sends hunters to CPW for licenses. The 150-yard rule in 36 CFR 261.10(d) covers residences, buildings, campsites and occupied areas; forest roads and water are off limits as a line of fire. Only routes shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map are open to motorized travel.
Forest page text: A license is required to hunt in both Colorado and Wyoming. Licenses may be purchased from state game departments and some local retailers. For more information on hunting licenses, game units, and seasons, visit Colorado Parks & Wildlife or Wyoming Game & Fish .
Secluded mountain lakes and streams await anglers. Many different species of trout are present and provide numerous opportunities for fishing. Fishing permit information can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game & Fish websites.
Recreational target shooting is an appropriate use of the forest, when done safely and with respect to the land and forest property.
The forests contain a variety of game ranges and habitat. Big game on the forests include elk, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and black bear. Many hunters use our trails systems to reach their favorite spots. Visit our Hiking page to view trails. Additionally, our Camping & Cabins page provides useful lodging information.
From the agency source; checked November 5, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Parks Ranger District, Routt NF, Arapaho NF
Parks Ranger District at a glance
Measured by the USFS EDW Lands Area Statistics, Parks Ranger District runs to 410,804 acres. Sorted by acreage, Parks Ranger District sits at number 13 of the 32 ranger districts in this guide. Counting Parks Ranger District, Jackson County has 2 ranger districts.
You can pursue, by the agency list: Elk, Deer, Pronghorn, Moose, Bighorn sheep, Black bear.
From the agency page (USDA Forest Service); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.
2026-27 seasons in the units of Parks Ranger District
For Parks Ranger District the season list holds 50 lines across its GMUs. OTC here means black bear and elk; everything else is by limited license. Rows that need private land (23) stay off this table. 3 rows for species the agency does not list here are not shown.
| Game | Weapon | Sex | Type | First day | Last day | GMUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | cow | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Elk | Archery | cow | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 14 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Second rifle | bull | OTC | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Third rifle | bull | OTC | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 14 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | 18, 181 |
| Deer | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited, early | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 161 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | doe | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited, early | Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | 6 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited, early | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | 16, 17, 161, 171 |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited, early | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 161 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 161 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 14, 18, 181 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 14, 18, 181 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Pronghorn | Archery | buck | Limited draw | Aug 15, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Pronghorn | Archery | doe | Limited draw | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 21, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloader | doe | Limited draw | Sep 21, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | 6 |
| Moose | Archery | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Moose | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Moose | Season choice | bull | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 161, 171 |
| Moose | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Moose | Season choice | bull | Limited draw | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Moose | Season choice | bull | Limited, split | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 18 |
| Moose | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Oct 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 6, 16, 17, 18 + |
| Black bear | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Black bear | Archery | either sex | OTC | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Black bear | Muzzleloader | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Black bear | Muzzleloader | either sex | OTC | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | OTC | Oct 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 6, 14, 16, 17 + |
Season rows and hunt codes from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure, the 2026 Small Game and Waterfowl brochure, the Turkey brochure and the Mountain Lion brochure; property access dates still apply; checked November 5, 2026.
GMU rules that reach Parks Ranger District
GMU overlay for Parks Ranger District (8 units): GMU 6, GMU 14, GMU 16, GMU 17, GMU 18, GMU 161, GMU 171, GMU 181.
GMU 6, GMU 14, GMU 16, GMU 17, GMU 18, GMU 161 and 2 more carry the elk antler point restriction. Elk CWD testing GMUs here: GMU 6, GMU 14, GMU 16, GMU 17, GMU 18, GMU 161 and 2 more (selected rifle hunt codes). Groups 2 and 3 set the lion harvest limit here.
| Unit | Counties | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| GMU 6 | Jackson | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
| GMU 14 | Routt, Grand | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 2 |
| GMU 16 | Jackson | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
| GMU 17 | Jackson | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
| GMU 18 | Grand | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
| GMU 161 | Jackson | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
| GMU 171 | Jackson | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
| GMU 181 | Grand | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 3 |
GMU totals from 2024 give a sense of the game: GMU 18 produced 662 elk.
| GMU | Game | Animals taken | Hunters | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 6 | Elk | 321 | 3,161 | 10% |
| GMU 6 | Deer | 108 | 215 | 50% |
| GMU 6 | Pronghorn | 100 | 150 | 67% |
| GMU 6 | Black bear | 9 | – | – |
| GMU 14 | Elk | 151 | 1,293 | 12% |
| GMU 14 | Deer | 34 | 172 | 20% |
| GMU 14 | Pronghorn | 0 | 8 | 0% |
| GMU 14 | Black bear | 32 | – | – |
| GMU 16 | Elk | 284 | 1,839 | 15% |
| GMU 16 | Deer | 22 | 153 | 14% |
| GMU 16 | Pronghorn | 26 | 54 | 49% |
| GMU 16 | Black bear | 7 | – | – |
| GMU 17 | Elk | 319 | 1,994 | 16% |
| GMU 17 | Deer | 7 | 81 | 9% |
| GMU 17 | Pronghorn | 51 | 68 | 75% |
| GMU 17 | Black bear | 7 | – | – |
| GMU 18 | Elk | 662 | 4,997 | 13% |
| GMU 18 | Deer | 110 | 609 | 18% |
| GMU 18 | Pronghorn | 17 | 138 | 12% |
| GMU 18 | Black bear | 10 | – | – |
| GMU 161 | Elk | 318 | 2,888 | 11% |
| GMU 161 | Deer | 70 | 249 | 28% |
| GMU 161 | Pronghorn | 120 | 169 | 71% |
| GMU 161 | Black bear | 4 | – | – |
GMU overlay from the CPW Big Game GMU layer; unit rules from the 2026 Big Game brochure; 2024 elk harvest by GMU, 2024 deer harvest by GMU, 2024 pronghorn harvest by GMU, 2024 bear harvest by GMU; checked November 5, 2026.
The ground of Parks Ranger District by county
It is one district of Routt National Forest.
| County | NFS-owned acres |
|---|---|
| Jackson County | 327,377 |
| Grand County | 83,428 |
From the agency source, USFS EDW Lands Area Statistics; checked November 5, 2026.
Where Parks Ranger District is and how to get in
Coordinates used on this page: 40.3511, -106.1859.
point from CPW Hunting Atlas Land Management (COMaP) Forest Service polygons inside the USFS EDW Ranger Districts boundary (polygon centroid of the largest part); checked November 5, 2026.
Supply towns and CPW help near Parks Ranger District
The handiest town is Hot Sulphur Springs, 20 miles off in a straight line. A bigger stop is Steamboat Springs: population 13,620 in 2024. CPW Hot Sulphur Springs Office is the closest CPW office, about 21 miles.
| Town | County | People (2024) | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Sulphur Springs | Grand | 654 | 20 miles | south |
| Kremmling | Grand | 1,436 | 23 miles | southwest |
| Granby | Grand | 2,305 | 24 miles | southeast |
| Walden | Jackson | 557 | 27 miles | north |
| Steamboat Springs | Routt | 13,620 | 35 miles | west |
Towns from places.json (Census 2024 estimates); CPW offices from the CPW Contact Us page; businesses from services.json listings; straight-line miles. Checked November 5, 2026.
Parks Ranger District and the land around it
If Parks Ranger District is busy, Taylor Draw STL lies 8 miles to the northeast. Close by you will find 5 trust land parcels and 1 SWA. No hunting at Windy Gap Watchable Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting), Red Mountain State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting) and Granby Ranch (Conservation Easement) (CPW lists no hunting).
| Nearby | Type | Acres | County | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Draw STL | State trust land | 320 | Jackson | 8 miles | northeast |
| Indian Creek STL | State trust land | 640 | Jackson | 10 miles | north |
| Antelope Creek STL | State trust land | 1,240 | Grand | 11 miles | southwest |
| Macfarlane Reservoir STL | State trust land | 2,880 | Jackson | 12 miles | north |
| Owl Mountain SWA | SWA | 920 | Jackson | 12 miles | north |
| East Carter Mountain STL | State trust land | 1,794 | Grand | 12 miles | west |
Point: CPW Hunting Atlas Land Management (COMaP) Forest Service polygons inside the USFS EDW Ranger Districts boundary (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Closed places from lands.json closed rows. Statewide public land map.
Game and terrain near Parks Ranger District
Parks Ranger District sunrise, sunset and shooting times
Walk-In Access properties open an hour before sunrise and close an hour after sunset, two hours for waterfowl, deer, elk and pronghorn hunters.
| Day | Moment | First sun | Last sun | Rifle hours | Shotgun hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2026 | Pronghorn bow opener | 6:15 a.m. | 8:05 p.m. | 5:45 a.m. to 8:35 p.m. | 5:45 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:32 a.m. | 7:38 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. to 8:08 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. to 7:38 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Muzzleloader opens | 6:42 a.m. | 7:22 p.m. | 6:12 a.m. to 7:52 p.m. | 6:12 a.m. to 7:22 p.m. |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Duck season opens | 7:02 a.m. | 6:46 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. to 7:16 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. to 6:46 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Second rifle opens | 7:25 a.m. | 6:14 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. to 6:44 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. to 6:14 p.m. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Lion season opens | 7:01 a.m. | 4:43 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. to 5:13 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. to 4:43 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:25 a.m. | 4:41 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. to 5:11 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. to 4:41 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure and the Small Game and Waterfowl brochure; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Mountain Time); checked November 5, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Ranges to visit before hunting Parks Ranger District (Routt National Forest, Arapaho National Forest)
Drive about 21 miles from Parks Ranger District (Routt National Forest, Arapaho National Forest) to reach Byers Canyon Shooting Range, the nearest CPW-listed range.
From the CPW Shooting Range Finder, ranges’ own pages and directory listings, checked November 5, 2026.
Parks Ranger District FAQ from the agency sources
Orange or pink on Parks Ranger District?
Solid orange or pink, at least 500 square inches above the waist, and a hat, for firearm deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and bear.
Can I set out bait, salt or grain on Parks Ranger District?
No bait for big game, turkey, small game or birds; normal agricultural salt and mineral blocks are the only exception for big game.
What legal shooting hours apply on Parks Ranger District in November?
Big game: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. On November 7, 2026 that works out to 6:12 a.m. to 5:27 p.m. in Jackson County (NOAA solar formula).
Is there an official website for Parks Ranger District?
Yes, run by USDA Forest Service: the official page.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Parks Ranger District?
A CPW license valid in the unit. Federal land managers do not issue hunting permits here.
Roughly how much country does Parks Ranger District take in?
About 410,804 acres in all.
What part of Colorado holds Parks Ranger District?
Look in Jackson County and Grand County.
Which game management units cover Parks Ranger District?
The CPW GMU layer gives GMU 6, GMU 14, GMU 16, GMU 17, GMU 18, GMU 161, GMU 171 and GMU 181.
What animals can be hunted on Parks Ranger District?
Elk, deer, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep and black bear.
Is there OTC elk on Parks Ranger District?
Not entirely; 4 OTC rows apply, such as archery (OTC, residents), and the rest need the draw.
Is CWD testing required for elk from Parks Ranger District?
GMU 6, GMU 14, GMU 16, GMU 17, GMU 18 and 3 more: mandatory CWD sampling for listed rifle elk hunt codes. Antler point rule: GMU 6, GMU 14, GMU 16, GMU 17, GMU 18 and 3 more.
Where should I stay when hunting Parks Ranger District?
Hot Sulphur Springs is your nearest base, 20 miles off.
Which CPW contact handles Parks Ranger District?
CPW Hot Sulphur Springs Office in Hot Sulphur Springs, (970) 725-6200 (21 miles away). Poaching tips can go to CPW Turn In Poachers.
One last look at Parks Ranger District
Confirm your hunt code, GMU and the open dates for Parks Ranger District before you load the truck.
Sources: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4; seasons from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure. Checked November 5, 2026.
Other photos on this page: NPS Photo (Public domain); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain); USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain).