Bighorn sheep numbers have been decreasing steadily over the past decade in this area, which contains Pikes Peak and is near Colorado Springs, Woodland Park and Canon City.

Disease carried by domestic livestock has been blamed on a reduction in sheep numbers here. Hunters can still see rams that average about eight years old and carry three-quarter-curl horns.

This alpine terrain has bedrock, scree, tundra and some small, marshy meadows. Big basins and gradual slopes are on the upper parts of Pikes Peak. Water is scattered throughout the high country. Hiking downhill often takes longer than expected because the terrain is rugged and steep.

Tundra and alpine meadows with marshy spots are above timberline. From 10,500-11,500 feet are forests of spruces, firs, bristlecone pines, lodgepole pines and aspens. Land between 7,000 and 10,500 feet is dominated by aspens and ponderosa pines. Pinyon/juniper forests and some wet meadows are scattered below 7,000 feet.

Hunters can reach some hunting areas by driving on a few roads that require four-wheel-drive vehicles or ATVs. Hunters can drive to high elevations, but should expect to hike to reach sheep. Hunters can use high-power optics to glass from main roads. A few good ATV trails provide access on the south slope.

Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek and Woodland park offer lodging, food and gas with places to buy extra gear. Hunters may camp on Pike National Forest no more than 14 days in one spot.