Zone 5 is located in the San Gorgonio Mountains northwest of Palm Springs. California has some great Desert Bighorn Sheep. The areas that they inhabit are remote and desolate, just the way a sheep hunt should be.

The terrain in this zone isn’t your typical desert sheep hunt in California. The higher elevations of the San Gorgonio Mountains fall off into steep long canyons. The middle elevations are steep canyon country that adds to difficulty of hunting sheep in this country.

The main access for this zone are Interstate 40 to the south, Highway 62 that runs along the east, and Highway 38 that winds along the west and north sides. There are a few roads that branch off of the main roads to give access to the interior of the zone. Vehicle access is extremely limited, plan on hiking a lot to find animals.

Part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains, this area's topography rapidly changes from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. These mountains include Mount San Gorgonio and several other peaks over 10,000 feet. Because of this elevation gradient, the area reflects a transition between desert, coastal and mountain environments, including the different types of vegetation representative of each elevation

There are several cities and towns that are found near the zone and the area has a wide variety of camping options. The majority of the camping in the sheep zone will be remote and primitive. Horseback or backpack style camps will be the norm.

For areas where dispersed camping is allowed, you need to obtain a California Campfire Permit for the use of any open flame (including gas stoves, lanterns, wood fires, charcoal fires, or smoking). These permits can be obtained at no cost from any Inyo National Forest Ranger Station and BLM office. Open flame of any kind may be restricted during times of high fire danger.