This new sheep unit was introduced in 2010 and can be found South of Breckenridge and north of Hartsel with thousands of acres of the Pike National Forest and BLM lands. Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates the herd to be close 80 Rocky Mountain bighorns.

Peaks ranging from 11,000 to 13,000 feet like Mount Silverheels, Palmer Peak and Hoosier Pass can be found within this area. Beaver Creek, Trout Creek and Tarryall Creek have their headwaters near the slopes of Mount Silverheels. Hoosier Ridge runs along the Continental Divide between Hoosier Pass and Boreas Mountain. Steep slopes, rocky gulches and deep drainages make travel into sheep country a challenge.

Pike National Forest located north of U.S. Highway 285 and BLM lands found south of the U.S. Highway account for thousands of acres of public lands. Colorado Route 9 heading north of Fairplay connects with a number of county roads. Consider using Trout Creek, Tilly and Beaver Creek Lane. BLM lands south of Red Hill Pass are near County Road 7 south of U.S. Highway 285. Just north of Fairplay there is BLM access point across from Colorado Parks and Wildlife service area.

Alpine tundra with hundreds of acres of wildflowers, rock outcrops covered with moss and lichens and barren ground willow near water sources can be found above timberline. Slopes of Mount Silverheels and Palmer peak are heavily forested with spruce, fir and pine. The surrounding ridges have aspen, ponderosa and lodgepole pine, mountain mahogany and oak brush. Open grassy parks are scattered across the mountain sides. Drainages have groves of aspen, willows and oak brush. Sagebrush, cottonwoods, buffalo and blue grama grass cover the lower elevations.

Consider using Pike National Forest campgrounds at Selkirk and Beaver Creek. BLM allows camping on dispersed (undeveloped campsites) sites. Community of Fairplay is along U.S. Highway 285 and offers motels, café and restaurants, limited medical facilities and gas and diesel fuel. Buena Vista is some 40 miles to the west, has a variety of motels, café and restaurants, a regional medical facility and gas and diesel fuels. In Fairplay try Millonzi’s, for a great Italian meal. Breckenridge in the northern portion has numerous accommodation options consisting of motels, cabin rentals, hotels and bed and breakfast. Many café and restaurants are available to fit any budget. Regional Hospital facility is manned with world class doctors. 24/7 fuel options for gas or diesel.