You don’t have to travel deep into the mountains to see Colorado wildlife. Waterton Canyon offers one of the best chances to spot Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep near Denver.
The wide dirt trail follows the South Platte River through a rugged canyon. You can walk a few miles or continue 6.2 miles to Strontia Springs Dam. It’s an easy hike on a flat trail with a big wildlife sighting pay-off.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. However, the canyon is home to an established bighorn herd, and I saw plenty during my hike. The bighorn sheep in Waterton Canyon might seem like they are used to people and will most likely leave you alone, remember they are wild animals….with horns.
Getting To Waterton Canyon
The Waterton Canyon Trailhead is in Littleton and is about 30 minutes from downtown Denver.
The parking area sits on the east side of Waterton Road. Flashing crosswalk signals help visitors safely reach the trail entrance.
Parking can fill on weekends. An early start also helps you avoid the strongest afternoon heat.
Trail Stats
- Distance: Choose your own out-and-back distance
- Difficulty: Easy, although longer routes require endurance
- Trail surface: Wide dirt and gravel road
- Best seasons: Year-round, weather permitting
Waterton Canyon also marks the eastern start of the nearly 500-mile Colorado Trail between Denver and Durango.
The first bighorn sheep area is at just under 2.5 miles (5 miles round trip). It’s 6.5 miles (13 miles round trip) if you want to hike all the way to Strontia Springs Dam. It’s a gentle dirt road that parallels the South Platte River. Bikes are allowed but to protect the bighorn sheep and other wildlife, pets are not allowed.
Starting Along the South Platte River
I hiked the first few miles while sending off two friends beginning their Colorado Trail trek.
The route starts gently and follows a dirt service road beside the South Platte River. We began around 10:30 a.m. The temperature rose quickly because most of the trail is exposed.
Sun protection and plenty of water are essential, even if you only plan to walk a few miles. Starting earlier would have been much cooler. There’s nothing subtle about the Colorado sun.
In one of the first shady areas, we spotted a mule deer resting near the river.
Looking for Bighorn Sheep
Near the 2.5-mile point, a sign alerts you to watch for bighorn sheep. Start scanning the cliffs, rocky slopes and riverbanks. We saw a large group, including several lambs.
I continued to approximately the three-mile mark before turning around. Clouds were building, and a brief shower cooled the canyon.
After saying goodbye to my friends, I returned to the bighorn viewing area. I planned to stop for a few minutes. That turned into nearly half an hour.
I watched lambs interact with their mothers and juveniles play on the slopes. Several sheep descended from the cliffs to drink from the river.
Three curious bighorns wandered toward another photographer. He stayed quiet and allowed them to choose their path.
That is exactly what visitors should do. Never approach, follow or feed wildlife. If a sheep moves toward you, stay calm and give it plenty of room. We’re in their space, not the other way around.
Hiking Back Out
Wanting to stay and observe longer, I forced myself to continue hiking back. I did stop at a viewpoint spot, about a mile from the trailhead.
Getting buzzed by a monarch butterfly and enjoying the lovely sound of rushing water in the South Platte River makes for a delightful break on the hike back out.
The bighorn sheep were the highlight, but the peaceful walk along the river made the entire hike worthwhile.
Know Before You Go
Waterton Canyon is generally open year-round from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Denver Water typically closes the canyon for annual road maintenance in early June.
Dogs and other pets are prohibited to protect the bighorn sheep. The restriction also applies to hikers entering from the Colorado Trail.
Swimming, wading, paddling, camping, fires and drones are not allowed. Overnight parking is also prohibited.
The trail is shared by hikers, cyclists and horses. Stay to the right and listen for cyclists approaching from behind.
Check Denver Water’s Waterton Canyon page for closures and current conditions before visiting.
For another fairly flat hike along the Front Range, try Flatiron Vista and for a more challenging hike Arthur’s Rock in Fort Collins or a Sunrise Hike in the Flatirons.
