Almont in Gunnison County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Big Horn Sheep
| — | West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 22, 2025
1. Big Horn Sheep Marker
You might be surprised to see bighorn sheep grazing the hillsides near the Almont Post Office in the wintertime. The Taylor River bighorn population is considered native to the Almont Triangle, with reports of bighorns dating back to the 1930's.
Records indicate that since 1970, at least 15 different transplant projects have used the Taylor River herd as a source. A total of 281 bighorn sheep have been relocated throughout Colorado and neighboring western states.
This herd has recently been in decline. The Colorado Division of Wildlife is studying the possible reasons for the herds decline. The area is currently closed to bighorn sheep hunting.
The bighorn hoof is adapted to its rocky habitat. The back part of the hoof is shaped like a rubbery pad and conforms to the rock surfaces, while the two-towed front part can grip onto rocks almost like pinchers.
The bighorn sheep was designated the Colorado state animal in 1961.
During the fall breeding season, each ram tries to keep its herd of ewes together, and chasing out competing rams.
During hard winters, the Taylor River herd will move to low elevations in the southwest
this page online
The ewes move to secluded areas to give birth. Watch for ewe and lambs scampering along rocky cliffs.
Small groups of ewes and lambs are regularly seen at mid-elevations. Rams spend the summer separate from the ewes and young in “bachelor” groups.
Erected by America's Byways & West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 38° 42.146′ N, 106° 50.988′ W. Marker is in Almont, Colorado, in Gunnison County. It is on State Highway 135 at milepost 13, 2.8 miles north of County Road 742, on the left when traveling north. The marker is in a pull-out and river access parking area on the west side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Almont CO 81210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 22, 2025
2. Big Horn Sheep Marker
Looking west from Colorado Highway 135. This marker is the rightmost of two interpretive panels at the river access trailhead.
Also see . . .
1. Bighorn Sheep (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Bighorn sheep were among the most admired animals of the Apsaalooka (Crow) people, and what is today called the Bighorn Mountain Range was central to the Apsaalooka tribal lands. The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is the provincial mammal of Alberta and the state animal of Colorado and, as such, is incorporated into the symbol for the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.(Submitted on August 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. List of Colorado State Symbols (Wikipedia).
Excerpt:(Submitted on August 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Mammal: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis)
May 1, 1961
SB 294-1961
CRS 24-80-911
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
