Bighorn Sheep Viewing - Sheep Lakes [Suggest Edits]

Description

At particular times during the summer, the bighorn sheep come down to Sheep Lakes. Bighorn sheep move to low elevations in late spring and early summer when they descend from the Mummy Range to Sheep Lakes in Horseshoe Park. Here, they graze and eat soil to obtain minerals not found in their high mountain habitat. The minerals are essential in restoring nutrient levels depleted by the stresses of lambing and a poor quality winter diet.

Bighorn sheep visits to Sheep Lakes are hit-and-miss, but generally occur between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Groups between one and sixty sheep move from the ridge on the north side of the valley, across the road and stay up to two or three hours before reversing the trip back to the high country.

On the Road: Drive west, out of Estes Park on Trail Ridge Rd. (US 34) to Horseshoe Park and the Sheep Lakes Parking area.

Gem Type: Viewpoint