Unit 59 Boulder Basin (Area 59)
Boulder Basin — deep South Fork Shoshone wilderness elk in the heart of grizzly country
Absaroka Range / Washakie Wilderness · Last reviewed 2026-07-12
Area
393
sq mi
Public land
90%
approx.
Elevation
6,000–12,000
feet
Motorized
wilderness
access
Overview
Area 59 covers the South Fork of the Shoshone River drainage southwest of Cody, reaching into the heart of the Washakie Wilderness in the Absaroka Range. More than half the unit is designated wilderness, so nonresidents must hunt with a licensed outfitter or resident guide. This is remote, rugged, horseback-and-backpack elk country of deep narrow valleys and towering volcanic peaks, part of the Cody elk herd. Bull hunting includes a coveted late-season migration hunt where winter can push big branch-antlered bulls out of the high country. It is serious grizzly country demanding real precautions.
Terrain
Deep, narrow river valleys rising to towering volcanic Absaroka peaks. Terrain is rugged and remote, with heavy timber on mid-slopes, subalpine meadows, open rocky faces and alpine basins up high.
Cover: Willow and grass riparian bottoms along the South Fork, dense lodgepole and spruce-fir timber on the slopes, subalpine meadows and rock at the top.
Landmarks: South Fork Shoshone River · Washakie Wilderness · Ishawooa Creek · Boulder Basin · Shoshone National Forest
Access
Almost entirely public Shoshone National Forest, with private ranch inholdings along the South Fork road and river bottom. More than half the unit is designated Washakie Wilderness, so nonresidents must be accompanied by a licensed outfitter or a resident guide to hunt it. No checkerboard. Access is via the South Fork Road to trailheads, then horseback or backpack deep into the wilderness — this is not a road-hunting unit.
Managers: USFS Shoshone NF, private ranch
Access points: South Fork Road (Wyoming 291) to end-of-road trailheads · Ishawooa Creek trailhead · Forest Service pack trails into the Washakie Wilderness
Species notes
Rocky Mountain Elk
common trophyThe marquee quarry and the reason to draw this unit. Part of the Cody elk herd, with a general early opportunity and a prized late-season Type 1 hunt: November snow can push branch-antlered bulls, some 340-plus, out of the rugged high country into more huntable terrain.
- →Plan a backcountry horseback or backpack hunt deep off the South Fork Road
- →For the late hunt, time it to migration snow that moves bulls down
- →Glass high open faces and meadow edges at first and last light, then still-hunt timber
- →Consider an outfitter — required for nonresidents in the wilderness and invaluable for logistics
Mule Deer
common opportunityMule deer use the sage benches, timber pockets and high basins of the South Fork drainage, a good backcountry opportunity alongside elk.
- →Glass high open faces and subalpine meadows morning and evening
- →Look for bucks in high basins before season snow
- →Still-hunt timbered slopes mid-day
Bighorn Sheep
limited trophyThe high Absaroka rock of the Washakie holds bighorn sheep. A rare, coveted limited-quota tag with strong trophy quality for those who draw.
- →Glass high cliffs, rock faces and alpine benches
- →Commit to a horse-supported deep backcountry effort
- →Scout escape terrain and feeding basins ahead of season
Moose
limited qualityShiras moose work the willow bottoms and riparian drainages of the South Fork. A limited-quota, special-draw tag when available.
- →Hunt willow flats and beaver-pond bottoms along the river
- →Glass riparian drainages at dawn and dusk
- →Still-hunt slowly through the thick willows
Pro tips
- →The late-season migration hunt is the prize — time it to snow that moves bulls down
- →Plan on horses or a hard backpack; this is deep wilderness, not road hunting
- →Nonresidents must have a licensed outfitter or resident guide for the wilderness
- →Carry bear spray and practice strict grizzly-country food and carcass hygiene
- →Build weather contingency into your plan — high passes get dangerous fast in snow
Watch out for
- !Active grizzly country — bear spray and careful meat handling are essential
- !Wilderness accompaniment rule: nonresidents need an outfitter or resident guide
- !Private ranch inholdings along the South Fork road and river bottom
- !Severe, fast-changing high-elevation weather and early heavy snow
- !Remote, rugged terrain — pack-out logistics and injury risk are serious
Logistics
Cody is the full-service hub with lodging, fuel, groceries, restaurants and sporting goods, to the northeast of the unit. From there the South Fork Road leads to the trailheads. Most hunting requires horses or a serious backpack, and many nonresidents rely on outfitters both by requirement and for wilderness logistics. Weather at elevation changes fast.
Nearest towns: Cody, Wapiti, Meeteetse
Seasons & regulations
This page carries no season dates or regulations. Get current rules from the official Wyoming sources:
Research sources: GOHUNT Wyoming Elk Unit 59 - Boulder Basin · HuntScore Wyoming Hunt Area 59 - Boulder Basin · RuggedMaps Elk Hunt Area 59 - Boulder Basin
FAQ
- How big is Unit 59 in Wyoming?
- Unit 59 (Boulder Basin (Area 59)) covers about 393 square miles, ranging from roughly 6,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation. Area is computed from the unit boundary polygon.
- How much public land is in Unit 59?
- Approximately 90% of the unit is public land. Primary managers: USFS Shoshone NF, private ranch. Always verify ownership boundaries on the ground.
- What species does the catalog list for Unit 59?
- Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Moose. For seasons, tags, and regulations, use the official Wyoming agency resources linked on this page — this page carries no regulatory information.
Put Unit 59 on your map.
Boundary lines, public/private ownership, topo, and offline maps for this unit — in Baseline Maps, free for 14 days.