Gates of Lodore Trail Stop 14

Big Horn Sheep can be found across the vast rugged canyon cliffs.

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Today, the rugged walls along the Green River are a haunt of the bighorn sheep. These sure footed climbers were probably abundant here in the past based on the number of images of them that appear in the thousand year old rock art of the Fremont People. As the west became more settled with the arrival of Europeans, the bighorn sheep began to die out from a combination of over hunting, disease, and competition from domestic livestock. The last native bighorn sheep seen in Dinosaur was reported in 1944. In 1952 a new herd of animals from elsewhere in Colorado were transplanted into the area. Their population has increased significantly to the point where bighorn sheep are now a common sight along the river corridors. Due to their unique padded hooves, bighorn are able to climb the steep, rocky canyon walls with speed and agility, making them well adapted to life in Dinosaur.