At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Good optics can be helpful
- Foot and horseback only
- Good fly fishing in South Platte River
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 155"+ |
Terrain
Access
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 155"+ |
High
Low
North of Cripple Creek lies Dome Rock State Wildlife Area. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are known to be here all year. Some of the trails are closed from December-July to protect the lambing ewes.
The 10,780-foot Rhyolite Mountain is in the southern portion. Dome and Sheep Rock are prominent outcroppings of granite. Four Mile and Oil Creek help drain this area. Steep mountains, broad mesas, large parks and many creeks create a challenging landscape.
State lands consist of Dome Rock, reached by heading south of US Highway 24 at Divide on Colorado Route 67. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. BLM lands join Dome Rock on the eastern boundary and ends just west of Colorado Route 67. From the different roads, there is a good trail system that can be used to access the more remote parts of the unit. Sheep hunting can be physically demanding with sheep typically staying in harder to reach areas.
Ponderosa pine, cottonwoods, willows, oak brush, mountain mahogany, some aspen, grasses and limited areas of sagebrush cover the landscape here.
No camping on state lands. Dispersed camping on BLM land. Cripple Creek located south of Dome Rock on Colorado Route 67 is a booming legal gambling community providing hotels, motels, restaurants, gas and limited medical care. Woodland Park northeast of Dome Rock has motels, cafes, fuel and a regional hospital. The community of Divide provides limited gas and food.
Roughly 96 square miles
38.9% public land
Elevations from 8,200-10,780 feet