Here are the top 10 places in the United States to spot bighorn sheep (including both Rocky Mountain and desert subspecies), based on reliability of sightings, accessibility, and frequency of mentions in wildlife viewing guides, national park resources, and conservation reports. These iconic animals thrive in rugged, rocky terrain, so bring binoculars and scan cliffs and slopes—early morning or late afternoon is often best.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places in the United States to see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The Sheep Lakes area in Horseshoe Park offers some of the most reliable sightings, especially during spring and early summer when herds gather at mineral licks. Drive Trail Ridge Road for stunning high-elevation views, and scan rocky slopes with binoculars—early morning or late afternoon is prime time. With its dramatic alpine scenery and easy roadside access, this national park is a must-visit for wildlife photographers and bighorn sheep enthusiasts.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/
Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Just outside Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak area is a top destination for spotting bighorn sheep without leaving city limits. The famous herd often roams the red-rock trails of Garden of the Gods and can be seen grazing near the park’s boundaries or along the winding road to the summit of Pikes Peak. Visitors frequently photograph these majestic sheep against dramatic rock formations, making this accessible location one of Colorado’s easiest and most scenic bighorn sheep viewing spots.
Website: https://gardenofgods.com/
Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area, Colorado
The Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area along I-70 near Georgetown, Colorado, is a roadside wildlife hotspot that attracts hundreds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, especially in late fall and winter. Park at the designated pullout, grab your binoculars, and watch herds climb the steep slopes above Georgetown Lake. This free, family-friendly stop is perfect for travelers heading to or from the mountains and offers some of the highest-odds bighorn sheep sightings in the state.
Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California is one of the premier locations to see desert bighorn sheep in the wild. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail and nearby water sources draw herds year-round, with peak sightings during cooler months. Hike desert washes or drive the park’s scenic roads to spot these agile sheep scaling rocky cliffs. With its vast open terrain and dramatic desert scenery, Anza-Borrego remains a bucket-list destination for bighorn sheep watchers.
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is a fantastic place to see desert bighorn sheep among its iconic rock formations and Joshua trees. Look for them on rocky hillsides, especially near water holes and canyons in the park’s western areas. Early morning and late afternoon hikes along trails like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam often yield close-up views. This unique desert park combines stunning landscapes with reliable bighorn sheep sightings, making it a top choice for California wildlife travelers.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park offers some of the most spectacular Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep viewing in the country. Sheep are frequently spotted around Logan Pass, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and high alpine meadows, especially near natural mineral licks. Summer visitors driving the iconic road or hiking trails like Hidden Lake often see herds on cliffs and ridges. With its breathtaking glacier-carved scenery, Glacier is a dream destination for bighorn sheep photography.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park in South Dakota is home to a healthy and highly visible population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. These animals are commonly seen on rocky outcrops and buttes along the park’s scenic loop road, often grazing or resting in the open. With fewer predators and wide-open vistas, sightings are frequent and relaxed. The dramatic eroded landscape makes Badlands one of the most photogenic places to watch bighorn sheep in the United States.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/badl/
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a premier spot for viewing desert bighorn sheep in the Southwest. These sure-footed animals roam the park’s red-rock canyons and are often visible from popular trails like Canyon Overlook, Angels Landing, or even roadside pullouts along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Spring and fall are especially good for sightings. Zion’s dramatic cliffs and lush river corridor provide an unforgettable backdrop for bighorn sheep watching.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/
Colorado National Monument, Colorado
Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction is an underrated gem for desert bighorn sheep viewing. Drive the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive and scan the canyon rims and rocky slopes—desert bighorn are frequently spotted along the edges and in the lower canyons. The park’s dramatic overlooks and quiet trails make it a peaceful, accessible spot for wildlife enthusiasts seeking bighorn sheep in western Colorado.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/colm/
Valley of Fire State Park & Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park and the nearby Lake Mead area in Nevada are excellent destinations for spotting desert bighorn sheep. In Valley of Fire, look for them on the park’s fiery red sandstone formations and along trails like White Domes. The Hemenway Park area near Boulder City is another reliable roadside spot with frequent sightings. These locations combine striking desert scenery with some of the best odds of seeing desert bighorn sheep in the Southwest.
Website: https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire (Valley of Fire)
https://www.bcnv.org/facilities/facility/details/hemenwayvalleypark-10 (Hemenway Park)