Find Nearby Peaks

Climbing and access information for this peak is on Page 339 of the book. Published January 2023

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Sheep Mountain is located on a high ridgeline that sits above the Sheep Creek drainage. It can be climbed directly from the Sheep Creek Trail or in combination with Sheep Creek Peak (9,950 feet) in a lengthy, up-and-down, ridge traverse. USGS Thompson Peak

Access

Same as for Sheep Creek Peak. This is the final leg of a 5-peak adventure that includes Sheep Creek Peak (9,950 feet), Peak 9940, Peak 9726, Peak 9602, and Sheep Mountain (9,700 feet).

Northeast Shoulder/East Ridge, Class 3

The Climb

The 9,300-foot connecting saddle with Peak 9602 is a wonderful, forested saddle. From the saddle, scramble southwest up a steep slope of scrub and loose scree/gravel to reach the crest of the narrow, rocky east ridge. Climb the ridge crest (or close to it) of the crumbly hoodoos to reach easier terrain higher up and finish off the summit. The summit of Sheep Mountain has a large cairn and a magnificent view of Palisades Reservoir.

South Gully, Class 3

The Descent

From the summit, descend the east ridge briefly then drop right/south into a prominent gully that cuts the south face of Sheep Mountain. This gully leads directly down to the Sheep Creek Trail/FST-096. The top section of this gully is steep and loose with cliff bands to downclimb (Class 3). The rock is tedious due to its extraordinary instability. Lower down in the gully, there is some veg but this gully is mostly a talus/scree endeavor. Stay in the middle of the gully for the best footing.  Near the bottom of the gully, willows and aspens enter the scene, so move left/east into forest on a shoulder of sorts (which is also thick with veg) and make your way down to the valley floor and the trail. Follow Sheep Creek Trail for 1.5 miles back down to the trailhead.