Sheep Lakes

Sheep Lakes is a wildlife viewing destination inside Rocky Mountain National Park, located along Fall River Road just outside Estes Park in Larimer County. The shallow lakes and surrounding meadow draw bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mule deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys throughout the year, making this one of the most reliable spots in the park to observe animals in their natural habitat. If you are visiting RMNP and want a low-effort wildlife encounter, Sheep Lakes should be on your list.

The lakes sit in an open meadow visible from a roadside pulloff, so no hiking is required. Visitors can watch animals from a safe distance right near their vehicles. Park rangers and volunteers are often stationed at the site with interpretive displays, including bighorn sheep horns and antlers available for hands-on viewing. A log board tracks recent animal sightings with species and times, helping visitors plan their next visit for peak activity.

Timing matters at Sheep Lakes. Moose tend to appear at dawn and dusk, often wading into the water to feed on aquatic plants. Bighorn sheep, including rams, ewes, and lambs, are more commonly spotted in the afternoons and evenings, though their visits can be unpredictable, with gaps of several days between appearances. Elk are the most reliably seen animals, frequently grazing in the meadow. Coyotes have also been observed hunting near the lakes.

The scenery at Sheep Lakes is striking even without wildlife present. The open meadow is framed by mountain ridges, and the setting is notably calm and quiet compared to more crowded areas of the park. Visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful, with the sound of wind and water creating a meditative quality. The lakes themselves are shallow and modest in size, so those expecting a large alpine lake should adjust their expectations.

Plan to spend at least an hour at Sheep Lakes for the best chance of seeing wildlife. Early morning visits around 7 AM and evening visits near sunset are the most productive times. A valid Rocky Mountain National Park entrance pass is required. The site is accessible year-round, though wildlife activity varies by season. Sheep Lakes is an ideal stop for families, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience Colorado wildlife without a strenuous hike.