Quick Tips
- Carry extra water, fuel and food
- Quality optics a must
- Watch for a winter storm, conditions can make travel impossible
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
The Apishapa River Canyon can be found northeast of Trinidad and southeast of La Junta. Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides almost 10,000 acres of bighorn range with an estimated herd of 30 bighorns.
Hunting Rocky Mountain bighorns during the breeding season provides better chances for a successful hunt. This area has endured severe drought conditions for a number of years. The vast canyon lands make spotting rams very difficult.
Terrain
A landscape that is semi-arid, dusty and rocky with steep slopes of shale, rim rock ridges, vast rolling prairie and walled canyons are all part of the Apishapa River and Canyon region. One canyon leads to another and connects with the Apishapa River. A number of stark Buttes dot the area. A number outlines of Playa lakes are visible but are typically dry during the fall.
Roughly 1,336 square miles
17.5% public land
Elevations from 4,102-6,584 feet
Vegetation
Expansive areas of rolling blue grama grass and buffalo grass prairie meet with canyon slopes covered with pinyon/juniper, soapweed, yucca and prickly pear cactus. Clumps of willows and grasses line the river bottoms.
Access
Major roads that connect to a good county road system are U. S. Highway 350 out of Trinidad and Colorado Route 10 heads northeast from Walsenburg.
State land is made up of the 7,935 acre Apishapa State Wildlife area. To access the north part of this area take Highway 10 near Walsenburg. The Apishapa North State Trust lands includes 1,880 acres.
Restrictions apply to motor vehicle use on state lands
Secondary roads can become muddy and slick during wet conditions
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Camping and Lodging
Camping on state land is only allowed in designated areas. The communities of Walsenburg, Rocky Ford, La Junta and Trinidad provide motels, cafes, restaurants, medical care facilities and gas or diesel fuels. La Junta and Trinidad are large population centers with more services.
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