On a recent hike in Icehouse Canyon near Mt. Baldy, a pair of adventurers, myself and my friend Bob, were startled by the sound of tumbling rocks. As we scanned the rocky canyon walls, our curiosity piqued. Bob wondered if we were witnessing deer or perhaps mountain goats. I questioned if we were lucky enough to have spotted bighorn sheep.
Although our conversation was filled with uncertainty about what we were observing, it highlighted a shared desire to connect more deeply with California’s natural beauty. Our current hiking policy about binoculars was once again under scrutiny, a situation many outdoor enthusiasts face. Sadly, our resolution to remember them has yet to be kept.
After reviewing shaky video footage we shot that day, I became convinced that we had indeed encountered the elusive bighorn sheep. This marked the first time—and possibly the last—many hikers, like myself, have had the opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. To learn more about how hikers can increase their chances of spotting bighorn sheep, I consulted John D. Wehausen, a noted applied population ecologist with over 51 years of experience studying these animals.
During our conversation, Wehausen asked, “How many populations of bighorn sheep do you think we have in California?” I guessed seven, only to be surprised when he replied that the state hosts around 60 populations of desert bighorns alone, with several additional populations residing in the Sierra Nevada. He underscored the challenge of spotting these creatures despite their significant numbers, which was a validation of my own frustrations as an outdoor observer.
California is home to two subspecies of bighorn sheep: the desert bighorn and the Sierra Nevada bighorn. Geographic and environmental factors facilitated the divergence between these subspecies around 600,000 years ago, leading Sierra bighorns to adapt to life above the tree line in alpine habitats. Wehausen highlighted that bighorn sheep have a long historical presence in California, surviving through millennia in various terrains.
One fascinating fact I learned during our talk was about the resilience of these creatures, including a recently discovered population that was thought to be extinct after harsh winter conditions in 2022-23 killed many members of the species. Wehausen’s niece, also a scientist, revealed that these previously believed-extinct sheep were still alive in the Great Western Divide, showcasing their remarkable endurance.
Contrary to the iconic representation of mountain goats in Southern California’s ecosystems, it’s important to note that native mountain goats do not inhabit the area. After speaking with Wehausen, I gained a newfound respect for bighorn sheep, inspiring me to delve deeper into methods that enhance our chances of spotting them while hiking.
Understanding where bighorn sheep live is critical for anyone looking to catch a glimpse of these animals. Desert bighorns typically reside below the lowest tree line, whereas their Sierra counterparts can often be found above the highest tree line. This habitat choice allows them to detect predators, including mountain lions, in the more open environments.
In the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, bighorn sheep sometimes inhabit tree-dense areas, yet they rely on wildfires to clear the thick brush, creating safer spaces to avoid predation. Specific local hotspots known for sheep sightings include Icehouse Canyon and Mt. Baldy, while areas around Piru, the Pacific Crest Trail near Little Jimmy Trail Camp, and Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area also hold promise for eager hikers.
To successfully spot these sheep, one must remain quiet. Wehausen pointed out that bighorns possess extraordinary eyesight, akin to human vision but with added clarity afforded by binoculars. In many cases, a group of bighorn sheep will have already noticed your presence before you even spot them, peering curiously down from their elevated perches.
Water sources are another key component to consider when on the lookout for desert bighorn sheep. The best time to see them is in the summer, particularly near those water sources. Wehausen suggested hikers endure the heat to find a comfortable spot overlooking these vital water sources; with patience, one could witness a parade of sheep coming and going to drink.
An example of a successful area is Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where visitors frequently encounter bighorns. Similarly, Lytle Creek, positioned to the east of Mt. Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains, was once a highly predictable location for spotting these animals. Though the population dynamics have shifted in recent years, reports on platforms like iNaturalist indicate that bighorns have been spotted nearer to the Bonita Falls Trail not too long ago.
When looking for bighorns, don’t forget to scan for shady spots. During the heat of the day, desert bighorns tend to seek refuge beneath trees, making them much easier to spot in those areas, as they rest and gather strength. Wehausen humorously related that even he looks for shade during his fieldwork in similarly hot conditions.
To further refine spotting techniques, Wehausen often teaches hikers how to use binoculars effectively during field seminars. He emphasizes the importance of first locating the sheep with binoculars, guiding participants to subsequently set up spotting scopes for optimal viewing. He encouraged fostering a “search image”—a mental note of what bighorns look like—so that after recognizing their features through magnified lenses, one can start spotting them with the naked eye.
When looking, the bright white patches on their rumps and their unique horn shapes are critical cues to identify them among rocky terrains. According to Wehausen, seasoned observers can indeed spot bighorn sheep without binoculars; he shared anecdotes of driving across desert landscapes and casually spotting them on mountain ranges along highways.
While Sierra bighorn sheep are somewhat quieter, they do vocalize during specific times, especially in spring when lambs are present. Desert ewes and their lambs communicate significantly in these periods, as they recognize their respective vocalizations. Wehausen suggested that if hikers hear rockfalls or subtle movements in rocky areas, they might be in proximity to bighorns—indicative of their unique behaviors.
These insights shared by Wehausen provide essential knowledge for anyone determined to observe California’s bighorn sheep. They offer appreciation for the species while emphasizing the need for respectful observation. If you manage to spot these incredible animals, I would encourage you to capture photos and share them, as the community would love to see.
For those eager to engage in other outdoor events, here are three suggestions:
1. Celebrate the L.A. River on Sunday at RiverFest, organized by Friends of the L.A. River. The event runs from 2 to 8 p.m. at L.A. State Historic Park, featuring local artists, live performances, educational activities, and food vendors. Visitors are encouraged to register for a free ticket at folar.org.
2. Join the effort to restore wetlands habitat in Los Angeles by volunteering this Saturday. From 9:30 a.m. to noon, participants can help clean the Ballona Wetlands freshwater marsh by removing invasive plants. Those who arrive early will be treated to coffee and snacks, courtesy of Breathe Southern California. Interested volunteers can register at ballonafriends.org.
3. Attend a screening of “Giants Rising,” a film about redwoods, at the California Botanic Garden on August 7 at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy native plant popcorn and pre-film crafts and trivia, contributing to an entertaining evening. Most tickets are available at calbg.org, with pricing accommodating adults, students, seniors, and children.
Lastly, for those frustrated with campsite accessibility due to lengthy booking processes, there’s good news. The California State Parks system is now updated to display campground availability in near real-time, improving the overall experience for outdoors enthusiasts. Additionally, a new campground lottery system will commence this month in Malibu Creek State Park, with expansion to Morro Bay State Park and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park occurring this summer. These changes hope to enhance the outdoor experience and allow more Californians to enjoy the incredible sites and memories California has to offer.
image source from：latimes
