Hiking – Sheep Mountain

Trip

Hiking – Sheep Mountain

Starting from the North Fork Trailhead, this off-trail hike to Sheep Mountain in Pike National Forest climbs steeply through dense forest and rugged terrain. Navigating faint game trails and open meadows, we are rewarded with solitude and expansive views of the Lost Creek Wilderness. The summit offers a quiet vantage point rarely visited, with sweeping panoramas of granite domes and distant peaks.

  • Tue, Jun 3, 2025
  • Bobcats Section
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Moderate - off-trail
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 7,947 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH

 Beginning at the North Fork Trailhead, this off-trail hike to Sheep Mountain in Pike National Forest offers a rugged and rewarding backcountry experience. The route ascends steeply through mixed pine forest, occasionally opening into meadows and rocky outcrops. As we gain elevation, the terrain becomes more exposed, revealing sweeping views of the Lost Creek Wilderness and surrounding granite formations. Upon reaching the broad, open summit, we can choose to retrace their ascent route or descend via a southern ridge that drops into a drainage leading back toward the North Fork Trail, provided conditions allow for safe navigation. We'll stop near/at Sheep Mountain summit for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall, ~5 miles and 2100 ft elevation gain. (Sheep Mountain - CalTopo)

The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long. Our trips tend to be faster-paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops. We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenge, discovery, and camaraderie. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 285 & Twin Forks PnR at 8:00AM, for a 8:15AM departure (Us 285 & Twin Forks PNR - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the North Fork Trail Parking Lot (North Fork Trail Parking Lot - Google Maps)

Route/Place

North Fork Trailhead


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.

Trip Reports