LAST EDITED ON Mar-31-08 AT 11:04AM (MST)[p]We have a cabin in 36 near Nogal Peak. Have hunted horseback in the unit and "too rough for horses" is not true. Of course with any steep, rugged country there are places you can't get a horse into, but if its that steep you can get a downed, quartered elk to the bottom pretty easy. There is a commerical riding stable in Nogal Canyon that takes clients into some damn good elk country (and rugged) and alot of these guys look like they have never seen a horse. He does use several mules however.
I would not hesitate to hunt 36 alone, but having a packer lined out is a real good idea.
Another thing to note is that alot of the best elk country in 36 is Wilderness so if you don't want to lug him out on you back you need a horse or mule.
Good luck. Jay
Take a kid hunting. You will enjoy it more than they do!