Quick Tips
- Lathrop State Park
- Tiger Muskies in Horseshoe lake
- Travel on the Highway of Legends
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 155"-165" | 175"+ |
On The Ground
The 11,569-foot Mount Mestas is west of Walsenburg and frequented by a number of bighorn rams. Over 14,000 of acres of BLM land provide enough space to spot and stalk. Rams typically favor private ranches in the area.
Pressure will move rams to private ranches, which may create a sanctuary situation. If you draw a tag, it is important to invest some effort in gaining private land access.
Terrain
Steep granite mountains along La Vetta Pass can be challenging. A number of drainages, deep canyons and gulches lead to rolling hills and wide open prairie. Mount Mestas, Silver and Rough Mountain, North Abeyta Creek, Dog Springs Arroyo, Chavez Arroyo and Sheep Mountain are some distinctive landmarks.
Roughly 320 square miles
16.4% public land
Elevations from 6,200-11,569 feet
Vegetation
Aspens, spruce, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and open grassy parks can be found in the higher elevations. Cottonwoods and willows along drainages are also in this area. Oakbrush, pinyon/juniper, mountain mahogany, rabbitbrush, bitterbrush, sagebrush, buffalo and blue grama grasses grow throughout the lower elevations to the foothills.
Access
BLM provides over 14,000 acres, and many bighorn can be found here. County Road 530, 532, 542 and 560 all lead to BLM land.There are a couple of state lands that allow hunting at Guillermo Ranch and Little Sheep Mountain. From the different roads, there is a good trail system that can be used to access the more remote parts of the unit. Sheep hunting can be physically demanding with sheep typically staying in harder to reach areas.
Four-wheel drive recommended
ATVs are helpful but not necessary
Camping and Lodging
Walsenburg to the east offers a limited number of motels, restaurants, medical care, gas and diesel. Trinidad along Interstate 25 is 35 miles to the southeast is a larger community providing hotels, restaurants, medical facilities, gas and diesel fuel.
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