I have hunted there myself and it is some tough country but they have some big bulls in the San Juans.  Nothing like the rest of the state for foot action for sure.  Get the best hiking boot you can get because it's straight up and down.  
I prefer the Kennetrek boots for sure.
Great hunting for sure....

pagossa springs area ...... rugged , beautiful , good elk pops ........ be in shape

I have buddy in Pagosa Springs. He moved there from Northern Colorado about 10 years ago . He killed elk every year up North but hasn't figured out the San Jauns yet. He told me its real rugged country and horses are a huge asset. I plan on putting in for a deer tag next year so I can get a feel for the country before I go after elk. I currently have enough elk points that I may be able to draw in unit 76 but want to get a feel for the country before I use those points. I will be watching for everyone's comments when they get back. Good luck

I've been once. Check into the "yurts" they have some that are up high so you only have to get way the heck up there once and can stay in a bed with a roof overhead(wish I'd known) But definitely do not, do not, rule out lower elevations. Thick, dark, areas lower is where I actually saw more. Highway north outta Chama, NM

And yes, big bulls

Make sure your chosen unit wasn't burned flat by recent fire...

Joshua

Been goin almost every year since 96, cant get enough. I will be there from sept 13th through 22nd this year. I have had good luck catchen the rut during that time period.

My kind of elk hunting....

Enjoy!

Shoot straight, Shinken

 

Many thanks to everyone who has posted so far love the input

The mountains are really close to God for a reason. The San Juan Mountains are the most beautiful place on Earth in my opinion.

Advise; like mentioned get into great physical shape. Bring light weight fishing tackle, the brown trout provide some great eating. Never leave camp without at least one day's rations. Pay attention to the thermal drafts while hunting. Bring a method of burying human feces, or you can be fined. Be nice to the Rangers. Be safe and have fun!!!

Can you use horses to access that area?

QuoteOriginally posted by looper:
Can you use horses to access that area?

Yes Sir on horses, no gasoline.

I'll be heading to 74 for the first time in October for first rifle season...maybe someday I'll be confident enough to chase 'em with a stick.  Until then, I think we have plenty of work cut out for us just trying to get one with an '06.

One little tip for the OP...the guy that runs Circle K on HWY 145 seems like a pretty decent guy from my phone conversations.  I hope to be packing mine out by myself, but if you get one down he will pack it out for around $3-400. Also, if you stay at his lodge, you can rent a horse for the day and just ride out from the lodge on your own...seems like it might be an interesting way to go.

I hunted the Salt Creek area above Durango two times. Lots of old sign but very few elk while we were hunting in late August/early September. We were between 9K' and 10K'. Heard some bugleing but I never saw an elk. I did have a wolf about 25 yards from my ground stand. That made my trip.