Park County resident and outdoor writer John Rankin has spent lots of time exploring some of the lesser-known areas in the county, so when we had the opportunity to join him for an area hike, we jumped at the chance.
Along with a few other locals, Rankin led us for a pleasant sojourn up Sheep Mountain, a 12,818 feet peak in the Mosquito Range. Sheep Mountain is located on a spur east of the main range and overlooks both the Fourmile Creek canyon and South Park. From the summit there are excellent views of Mount Sherman, Horseshoe Mountain and many of the other neighboring peaks.
We accessed the peak via the Browns Pass four-wheel- drive road, narrow and steep but drivable by most SUVs. Parking at the start of the four-wheel-drive road and walking the rest of the way adds 2.5 miles each way and 1,250 feet of elevation gain.
If you’re looking for a relatively easy, off-trail hike to an uncrowded, scenic summit, give this local favorite a try.
Hike description
From the summit of Brown’s Pass, hike generally northwest up the gentle ridge, initially through open forest, eventually joining a hiking trail that wanders up the scree slopes to the summit. Stay clear of the mines located sporadically along the ridge. Reach the top of Sheep Mountain after hiking 1.8 miles and gaining just under 1,500 feet of elevation.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Snow Climbs: A Guide for All Seasons.”
The Details
Getting to the trailhead: From the traffic light in the town of Fairplay, drive south on U.S. 285 for 3.6 miles. Turn right (west) onto Park County Road 20 (shown on the map as County Road 658) and drive 3.2 miles to the junction with the four-wheel-drive road (Forest Service Road 176). Turn right (northwest) and follow this rough, winding road for 2.5 miles to Brown’s Pass. Park off the road in the small parking area. Signs to Brown’s Pass help navigate the roads.
Hike statistics: From Brown’s Pass to the summit of Sheep Mountain is 1.8 miles each way, with an elevation gain of 1,470 feet. Hiking the four-wheel-drive road adds 2.5 miles each way and 1,250 feet of elevation gain.
Difficulty: An easy off-trail hike to a scenic summit.
USGS Quads: Fairplay West, CO. A Pike National Forest map is useful for the road access.
Note: John Rankin shares his hiking stories in The Flume (theflume ). A collection of John’s hikes is also available at Out-Ya-Go Mountain Gear in Alma.
