Quick Tips
- Be in sheep shape
- Be bear aware around campsite
- Use base and spike camp
- Filter drinking water
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
East of Grand Junction, south of De Beque and north of Collbran are Grand Mesa and the White River National Forest home to Battlement Mesa with a herd estimate of roughly 60 Rocky Mountain bighorns.
The terrain and access will be very physically challenging. There were many legal rams seen during population survey flights. Be prepared for a tough hunt in rugged terrain. Be aware of bears around campsites.
Terrain
Horse Thief Mountain, Castle Peak, Housetop and Horse Mountain make up the Battlement Mesa area. While these are not 14,000-foot peaks, they are still hard peaks to reach. Lugans Basin sits at 6,200 feet and reaches to over 8,000 in less than 1.5 miles. Moderate peaks are surrounded by steep slopes, long sharp ridges and deep rugged drainages and gulches.
Roughly 975 square miles
54% public land
Elevations from 4,892-11,123 feet
Vegetation
In lower elevations sagebrush, rabbit bush, pinyon/juniper, saltbrush, desert grasses, hedgehog cactus, prickly pear cactus, greasewood, serviceberry and yucca are found on flats and slopes. Some irrigated farmland north of Collbran and south of Parachute and De Beque. Higher up on southern mountain sides are dense areas of pinyon/juniper. Pine, spruce, fir and oak brush can be found on north facing slopes of ridges and peaks.
Access
Grand Mesa National Forest, White River National Forest and BLM land offer a lot of acres of public land. Colorado Route 330 and Interstate 70 connect to County Roads V (Sunnyside Road) and 45 ½ (De Beque Cutoff Road). Verify any travel restrictions on oil and gas exploration tracts.
Camping and Lodging
No National Forest improved campgrounds. Dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest and BLM lands. Collbran offers a limited number of motels and cabins. Gas and diesel is available 24/7. De Beque offers a couple of options for food, gas and diesel. Parachute provides motels, restaurants, gas and diesel fuel. Grand Junction, is the largest population center on the Western Slope. A regional airport and hospital can meet any travel or medical needs.
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