Sheep Lakes Lookout
Sheep Lakes Lookout at Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back universally-accessible pathway that features breathtaking views of the Sheep Lakes and a popular longhorn sheep viewing area.This is not a hike but rather a short roadside stop with a walk along a universally-accessible sidewalk to take-in the views of this stunning montane meadow to view the Sheep Lakes. This area is also a tract for wild longhorn sheep to graze in the meadow or drink water from the lakes - hence, the name Sheep Lakes. Due to this pathway's altitude, at 8,500-feet above sea level, it's a great place for visitors to take-in the natural beauty while also taking short walks to acclimatize.
Wildlife Viewing
This trail is great for viewing wildlife, especially deer, elk, moose, and especially longhorn sheep due to the open spaces for grazing and finding food in addition to the lake's water source for drinking. If you wish to spot wildlife, your best chances are in the early morning or in the early evening. Always keep a safe distance while viewing - approx. 75-feet for elk and longhorn sheep; 120-feet for bear and moose.
Universal Access
This sidewalk pathway is universally accessible with minimal or no elevation change.
Pets
Dogs are only allowed in parking lots but not on any defined trails. Do not bring your dog outside of the parking lot or sidewalk and always clean up after them.
Parking
Hikers will find a medium-sized parking lot at the coordinates provided along Fall River Road. The lot is large enough to fit just over a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Timed-Entry Reservations
Between the months of late May through early October you must purchase a timed-entry pass to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. If you wish to visitor and hike anything off of the Bear Lake Road, you must purchase a dedicated Bear Lake timed-entry pass. You can find more information about timed entry on the park's website.
Warnings
Elevation sickness: This trail brings hikers through terrain at 8,500-feet above sea level. Around the 7,000-foot mark above sea level, hikers may start to experience symptoms of elevation sickness including headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, among other warning signs. In order to avoid elevation sickness it's recommended to ascend to higher elevations and take short walks to acclimate over the course of several days before taking a long or physically-demanding hike. At any time you feel elevation sickness kicking in, that's the time to turn back and head for lower altitude or the parking lot.
