Colorado · Hiking · Near Telluride

Sheep Mountain

Sheep MountainPhoto: kalestews, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
24.6 mi
round trip
8,916 ft
climb
13,176 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Sheep Mountain open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Sheep Mountain, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Sheep Mountain is a high-elevation out-and-back hike in Colorado's Gunnison Ranger District, part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The route runs about 24.6 miles and gains and loses a total of 8,916 feet over the course of the trip, which makes it a serious commitment. The high point on the route is 13,176 feet. The climb is rated expert, and the trip is estimated to take about 12.5 hours. The route starts and ends in the same place, so there is no need for a return trip. Silver Mountain and Uncompahgre Peak both sit about a tenth of a mile away, and Nellie Creek Campground is about 3 miles off. The Creamy Salmon Wall climbing area is about 3.7 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Nellie Creek

    Campground

    Campground · 3.0 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Smuggler Union Tramhouse

    Attraction

    On your way back · 21 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Telluride

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

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Route details

Distance
24.6 mi round trip
Climbing
About 8,916 ft
Starts at
Nellie Creek Trailhead
Summit
13,169 ft
Difficulty
Expert

Questions about this route

How long is the Sheep Mountain on Sheep Mountain?

About 24.6 mi round trip from Nellie Creek Trailhead.

How much elevation gain is on the Sheep Mountain?

About 8,916 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Sheep Mountain?

It is rated expert.

Where does the Sheep Mountain start?

Nellie Creek Trailhead.

Conditions and forecast on Sheep Mountain

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.

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