Quick Tips
- Low elevation hunt
- Dress in layers
- Can be a less physical sheep hunt
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-165" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
Along the Colorado River, east of Grand Junction is the Main Canyon herd of roughly 40 Rocky Mountain bighorns. Nearly all land is on BLM.
This unit was largely burned during the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire. Hunters should be aware that the landscape will be vastly different in areas and animal movements and habits may have changed. A full curl ram and a few other legal rams are reported to be in this herd by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The low elevation makes it an accessible hunt for any age and most physical conditions. While the canyons, ridges and plateaus have steep walls and slopes, the valleys are flat and open.
Terrain
The southwest portion has rugged plateaus with steep slopes, open flats, intermittent creeks, long ridges and is dissected by four major canyons, Main, Coal, Cottonwood and Spring. Notable flats and ridges in the southwest portion are Whittaker Flats, Deer Park, Wagon Track, Bunkwater and Pine Ridges. The Colorado River flows along the southern boundary. In the central and northern portions of the unit, long drainages and steep-sided ridges take up most of the landscape.
Roughly 975 square miles
57.2% public land
Elevations from 5,013-8,845 feet
Vegetation
Lower areas have a lot of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, saltbrush, willow, cottonwood and pinyon/juniper. Higher elevations have spruce, fir, ponderosa and lodgepole pine, aspen, oak brush and mountain mahogany.
Access
BLM land gives access to a ton of public land. County Roads that reach identified bighorn areas are 35 Road west off of V 2/10 Road, west of De Beque and Canal Road along the Colorado River. There are two routes to access the Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area. From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to the Cameo exit, cross the Colorado River and drive past the Public Service power plant.
Camping and Lodging
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park – Island Acres improved campground is at Exit 47 off Interstate 70. Limited lodging, Cafes, gas and diesel is available at De Beque and Palisades. Grand Junction is the largest city on the Western Slope. A wide variety of hotels, motels and restaurants are available along with a regional airport and medical center. Gas and diesel are available 24/7.
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