On May 1, 1961 the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep was designated as the official Colorado State Animal. This animal is found only in the Rockies, usually in very rugged terrain. This animal is named for the large curved horns found on the males. The male, or ram, can have horns that reach up to 50 inches in length and can weigh 30 pounds. The female ewes also have horns although they are much smaller.

The Rocky Mountain is the largest of the Bighorn Sheep family. Males can exceed 500 pounds and females have weighed in at over 200 pounds! These animals are known for their agility and balance. It is not unusual to see one bounding across rocky terrain at break neck speeds.

Another familiar characteristic of the Big Horn Sheep is the dramatic horn clashing during the rut. The rut is a term used for the mating season. Prior to the rut, the Rams, are busy trying to establish their individual dominance in the herd. The majority of horn clashing scenes take place during the time just prior to the rut. Males will crash horns over and over until the dominant male is established. Visable damage often occurs from this yearly ritual.

The rut itself normally ends around the middle of November and the ewes give birth to the lambs in May. Ewes retreat to more secluded areas during gestation and may remain there until the the lamb is weaned. Weaning takes place within 4 to 6 months. An interesting fact about the lambs agility, they can climb and get around as well as their mother by the end of the first day, amazing!

Where can I go to see some Bighorn Sheep?

• Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Station – Take I-70 west from Denver to the Georgetown exit (#288). Turn left on Alvarado Road and follow the brown and white binocular signs until you reach the viewing station near Georgetown lake.
• Mount Evans – Take I-70 to exit 256. Turn on exit 256 toward Lookout Mountain. Turn left on S Grapevine Rd. Slight left at CO Rd 45. Another slight left at Mt Evans Rd. You won’t generally see any Bighorn Sheep between August and Mid-September. During that time of year they tend to move back into the Mount Evans Wilderness Area.
• Rocky Mountain National Park – You can find Bighorns throughout the park, however, one of the largest herds can be found in the western portion of the park in the Never Summer area.

To find more viewing locations, we suggest you consult the Colorado Department of Wildlife’s Bighorn Sheep Management Plan, page 6