Unit 4AN (Kaibab / House Rock – Unit 4A North)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Elk

Unit 4AN covers the northernmost portion of GMU 4A along the Arizona-Utah border, encompassing the Kaibab Plateau's north end, House Rock Valley, and the BLM-managed terrain transitioning to the Paria Plateau. Elk here occupy ponderosa and mixed-conifer forest on the plateau edge while making seasonal movements into the PJ woodland and sagebrush desert below. The combination of high plateau habitat and expansive lower desert creates a unique elk hunt where animals at multiple elevation bands are in play. Tags are highly limited and this is a quality over quantity draw.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 4AN

Where to Find Elk in Unit 4AN

Elk in Unit 4AN move between the ponderosa-forested plateau edge and the lower BLM desert country in House Rock Valley, following forage and water on a seasonal basis.

Kaibab Plateau Edge (7,000–8,500 ft)

Ponderosa parklands and meadow openings on the plateau's northwest end hold elk through summer and into the early rut. Glass from the rim edges looking into the openings at first and last light.

House Rock Valley and BLM Desert (4,500–6,500 ft)

During late-season rifle hunts, elk push into the lower PJ woodland and sagebrush flats of House Rock Valley. These animals can be spotted from long distances in the open desert — use a spotting scope and glass systematically.

Water Developments

BLM and AZGFD water developments in House Rock Valley concentrate elk during the dry late summer and early fall. These are key archery-season scouting anchors.

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How to Hunt Elk in Unit 4AN

Unit 4AN offers a two-habitat elk hunt: plateau forest and open desert country. Strategy differs significantly by season and elevation.

Plateau Archery — Rut Calling

Access the plateau via the Forest Service road network north of Jacob Lake. Set up bugling and cow-calling sequences at first light near meadow edges. The rut in late September brings bulls into the open on the plateau and provides screaming bugle encounters in the timber.

Desert Rifle — Spot-and-Stalk

Late-season hunters find elk pushed into House Rock Valley. Drive BLM roads in the early morning and glass systematically from elevated positions. Once a group is located, plan a stalk using washes and terrain features to close distance. The desert is unforgiving — approach downwind and prioritize cover over speed.

Vehicle Access and Glassing

House Rock Valley is accessible via House Rock Valley Road off US-89A. Drive slowly at first and last light, covering ground efficiently before committing to a stalk.

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Elk Success Rates

Unit 4AN produces consistent success for hunters who understand the plateau-to-desert elk migration. Rifle success in the 40–65% range is typical, with archery lower but rewarding. The open House Rock Valley terrain is particularly productive for rifle hunters who can cover ground efficiently on BLM roads and make long stalks.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	25	1	0.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 4AN elk tags are limited and competitive. Arizona's weighted bonus-point system gives consistent applicants a real advantage over time. The north subdivision of 4A is often less applied-for than the primary 3A and 3C North Kaibab units, which can make 4AN a relatively more obtainable Kaibab-adjacent elk hunt. Apply consistently, accumulate points, and pursue the Hunter Education bonus.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

No developed RV sites in the unit. Jacob Lake (30 min south) has limited services. Fredonia and Kanab, UT for RV parks.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed BLM camping throughout House Rock Valley. Kaibab NF dispersed camping on the plateau. No hookups.

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Trailer Access

US-89A and House Rock Valley Road are paved and manageable. Forest roads on the plateau require high-clearance; trailers not practical beyond the main road.

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Water

Fill in Fredonia or Kanab, UT. BLM water developments in the valley — map these but don't rely on them as the sole source.

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Road Conditions

US-89A paved. House Rock Valley Road paved. BLM and NF spur roads are rough gravel and two-track requiring 4WD in places.

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Terrain Difficulty

Varies — flat desert and open plateau are moderate; canyon-rim and transition terrain is strenuous. Overall more manageable than steep mountain units.

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Hunting Pressure

Low. The remote Arizona Strip location and small tag count mean minimal other hunter presence.

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Weather

September archery: 65–85°F desert days, cool plateau nights. October rifle: 40–65°F, cold nights. November: possible snow on the plateau.

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Cell Service

Very limited. Spotty near US-89A. None in the interior. Satellite communicator strongly recommended.

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Nearest Town

Fredonia, AZ (full services, 30–45 min south). Kanab, UT (full services).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about Arizona Unit 4AN elk hunting?

Unit 4AN offers a rare two-habitat elk hunt — ponderosa plateau forest and open BLM desert in the same unit. Elk migrate between these zones seasonally, giving hunters distinct tactics for archery (plateau rut hunting) and rifle (open desert spot-and-stalk).

How does Unit 4AN compare to Unit 3A for Arizona elk?

Both are quality North Kaibab area elk hunts. Unit 3A is the central plateau with slightly higher elk density and tighter ponderosa forest. Unit 4AN adds the House Rock Valley desert component, which can be advantageous for rifle hunters who prefer open terrain. Draw competition for 4AN may be slightly lower than core 3A tags.

Is House Rock Valley accessible for elk hunting in Unit 4AN?

Yes. House Rock Valley Road off US-89A provides paved access to the valley floor. BLM roads extend into the unit from this main road. Most of the valley is accessible with a high-clearance 2WD vehicle in dry conditions; 4WD is recommended for exploring spur roads.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

GMU 4A — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 4A boundary and subdivisions, Elk habitat overview, House Rock Valley management · accessed 2026-04-18
AZGFD Draw Portal — Hunt Drawing Information — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 4AN draw odds, Bonus-point system, Historical applicant data · accessed 2026-04-18
BLM Kanab Field Office — Arizona Strip — Bureau of Land Management · supports: BLM land access in House Rock Valley, Road conditions and travel management · accessed 2026-04-18