Elk, Deer, and More in GMU 181 and Surrounding Units

Fall in the Rockies means crisp mornings, quiet forests and the start of hunting season. Rabbit Ears Basecamp sits right in the middle of it all, surrounded by some of Colorado’s best Game Management Units (GMUs).

Our property lies inside GMU 181, with easy access to Units 27, 14, 16, and 17. All are known for varied terrain, abundant wildlife and backcountry beauty. Whether you’re glassing for mule deer at first light or hiking timbered ridges for elk, this corner of the Rockies delivers the full Colorado experience.

Where You’ll Be Hunting

GMU 181 (Home Base)

Rolling meadows and dark timber with a mix of public and private land.

Popular for elk and mule deer.

Close to Steamboat Springs and Kremmling, making access simple.

Nearby Units

• Unit 27: East of Basecamp toward the Gore Range. Great elk country with plenty of cover and pockets of public land.
• Unit 14: Southwest of Walden, offering rugged mountain terrain and solid elk populations.
• Units 16 & 17: Forested, mixed-country habitat with elk and deer both common. Some bear opportunities depending on the year’s regulations.

When fall sweeps across the Colorado Rockies, the hills around Rabbit Ears glow with color. Leaf peeping season is short but spectacular, and there may be no better place to catch it than right here at Rabbit Ears Basecamp.

When to See the Colors

Around Rabbit Ears Pass, the best window for fall color usually lands in the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. Higher elevations peak a little earlier, while valleys can hold their color a few days longer. Weather and frost may shift the timing slightly, so it is always worth checking conditions before your trip.

Our favorite weatherman, Seth Linden from Seth’s Weather Report, says colors will be early this year.

Scenic Drives Near Basecamp

Some of the best fall drives in Colorado start right outside our door. A few favorites include:

Rabbit Ears Pass: Just up the road, this classic drive offers sweeping overlooks of golden hillsides and the Yampa Valley. Pull off for photos or simply roll the windows down and take it in.

Buffalo Pass: For those who like a bit of adventure, Buff Pass winds through dense aspen groves and looks out across Steamboat. The road is rough in places, but the views are worth it.

Highway 131 to Yampa and the Flat Tops Scenic Byway: This stretch takes you through wide ranchlands, historic towns and into the Flat Tops Wilderness. Dunkley and Ripple Creek Passes are especially beautiful in late September.

North Routt County: Head north toward Hahn’s Peak and Steamboat Lake. The drive mixes aspens, meadows and mountain views, with plenty of quiet pull-offs for photos or a picnic.

Favorite Local Spots

You don’t have to go far from Basecamp to find your own patch of color. Some of our go-to spots are:

Dumont Lake: Just ten minutes away, this alpine lake is ringed by glowing aspens. Pack a picnic and enjoy the reflections.

Walton Peak Trail: A moderate hike with big views. At the summit you will see a patchwork of gold and green stretching for miles.

Fishhook Lake Trail: A family-friendly hike where kids can crunch through fallen leaves and spot their reflections in the water.

Spring Creek Trail: A local favorite that often turns earlier than other spots thanks to the cool, shaded canyon.

Mandall Lakes Trail in the Flat Tops: A hidden gem with color from start to finish. Go as far as you like, the trail is beautiful the whole way. A little further out, it’s about a 1 hour drive from Basecamp.

Photo Tips for Capturing Fall

Whether you are using your phone or a full camera, a few tricks can help you capture the magic:

• Go during golden hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset gives you soft, warm light that makes colors glow.
• Look for contrast: Frame the yellow leaves against the white bark of aspens to make the colors pop.
• Use reflections: Lakes, ponds, and even puddles can double the beauty when the trees are mirrored in the water.
• Zoom in on details: A single leaf, a cluster of branches, or sun filtering through the trees can be just as stunning as a wide-angle shot.
• Keep the sun behind you: Bright colors shine best when the trees are front-lit.

 

September is when Steamboat slows down. Summer crowds thin, the air cools just enough for a sweater at night, and locals gather for festivals, races, and community fun. It’s the sweet spot between lake days and leaf peeping and the calendar is packed. Here are the can’t-miss events we think capture the spirit of Steamboat in September.

August in the Rockies is the golden hour of summer. The days are still warm, the evenings turn crisp, and the aspens are just starting to whisper about what’s coming next. It’s the perfect time to squeeze in a few more adventures before fall. From dusty trails to quiet lakes, here are seven of our favorite ways to spend late summer near Rabbit Ears Basecamp.

1. Rent a RZR Side-by-Side on Rabbit Ears Pass

For wide-open fun, nothing beats a side-by-side. Local outfitters in Steamboat and Kremmling rent Polaris RZRs that let you cover serious ground in a single afternoon. Cruise through meadows, climb forest roads, and find ridge-top views that hikers rarely see. Don’t forget sunglasses inside your helmet and a bandana for the dust.

2. Paddle or Pontoon at Wolford Reservoir

Wolford is a local gem for late-summer water play. Mornings are perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking across calm glassy water, while afternoons are made for pontoons and picnics. Look for trout surfacing near shore or birds skimming the lake as you drift.

3. Boating or Fishing on Stagecoach Reservoir

A little farther out, Stagecoach offers another slice of water fun. Cast a line for trout or northern pike, or bring along a canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle. With fewer crowds than some lakes, it’s a great option for families who want space to spread out.

4. Horseback Riding with Local Outfitters

See the country the way ranchers always have, from the saddle. Local ranches around Kremmling and Steamboat offer guided rides that wind through meadows and aspen groves. Beginners are welcome, and rides can be as short as an hour or as long as a half-day adventure.

5. Mountain Biking on Rabbit Ears Pass

When the snow is gone, the forest roads and multi-use trails up on the Pass open wide for mountain bikers. Ride through thick stands of pine and aspen, climb to broad overlooks, and enjoy cool air even in August. It’s a workout, but the views at the top make it worth it.

6. Soak in Hot Springs After Adventure

After a day of dust and sunshine, nothing feels better than slipping into natural hot water. Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a rustic, tucked-away vibe, while Old Town Hot Springs in Steamboat is family-friendly with slides and pools. Either way, it’s the perfect reset for tired legs.

7. Scenic Picnic on the Pass

Sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones. Pack a basket and head up Rabbit Ears Pass for a picnic with a view. Walton Peak and Dumont Lake both have spots where you can spread out a blanket, watch the sun drop low, and toast the last days of summer.