Sheep Lakes, Horseshoe Park
Sheep Lakes
Small ponds in the meadows of Horseshoe Park. In spring and summer, bighorn sheep herds come down to lick minerals here, making it the park's top spot for seeing them.
Sheep Lakes lies in Horseshoe Park, just after the park entrance along Highway 34. From late spring through summer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep come down the hillsides to the lake to lick mineral-rich soil. They usually appear in the morning, and park rangers may temporarily halt traffic when the sheep cross the road. Elk are also common in the meadows, and autumn is just as lively. There is a roadside viewing lot with interpretive signs. Bring binoculars, and do not approach or feed the animals.
Opening hours
Open all day (early morning and morning are best)
Nearby sights
- Alluvial Fan
- Moraine Park
- Sprague Lake
- Forest Canyon Overlook
- Bear Lake
- Old Fall River Road
- Downtown Estes Park & Riverwalk
- Alberta Falls