Eastern Sierra

Big Horn sheep in California, have you seen them? Wildlife believers say these horned mountaineers are super stealth, and very elusive. The nay sayers, however, believe the surefooted sheep simply cannot be seen any more, and call into question their presence in the California mountains. One thing is for certain, if you see one, you are among the very fortunate, and fall into a rare classification of hiker. This is the story of believers, Granite Chief Ski and Mtn Shop owners, Treas and Herb Manning.

It is mid May, and finally the 2016-17 winter is behind us. The Sierra snow pack is visually in retreat, and with it comes the gradual opening of mountain passes and hiking trails. The snow melt also brings the Big Horn sheep downward, to dine on a banquet of sprouting color, coaxed out of hibernation. (Needless to add, vegetation is not the only backcountry consideration appearing from months of hibernation.) For Treas and Herb,  it was time to throw a few things into the back of the Jeep, and head south on CA State highway 395. Treas had her mind (and soon to be eyes) set on seeing Big Horn sheep.

Big Horn Sheep - The Where and What to Bring

Destination - the Sawmill Pass / Division Creek region, off highway 395,  roughly 16 miles south of Big Pine, and 8 miles north of Independence. Two options presented themselves, take the Division Creek road as far as you can (4wd recommended), or opt for the USFS trail that heads into the John Muir Wilderness.  The latter offers 6,700 feet of elevation gain, should you wish to reach the Sierra Crest.  Herb's thought, "let's opted for the road, and then venture cross country by foot ...  Big Horn don't always stick to the trails :-)".

Pending the length one wishes to hike, stamina is not the only attribute you'll need with you.  As Treas learned years ago during such outings, sharp eyes need to be paired with binoculars, or a scope. Up the Division Creek road they "jeeped", until downed trees literally brought them to their feet.  Onward and upward was the call, and then onto a faint trail, established through the years by fellow backcountry explorers.  Soon it was cross country hiking, and time for the binoculars to play their role.  Treas formulated her first grid search - box 1, check, hold, study, next box, check, hold, study, and repeat. One mountain side covered, move up the terrain and into a new perspective ... Patience, patience ... The latter was hardest on Ansel, their ball loving red retriever, but even he has learned there is a time and a place.

In the end, no Big Horn sighting, though Treas, Herb, and Ansel may very well have been spotted themselves ("have you ever had that feeling", Treas asked). Disappointment - some.  Enjoyment - absolutely.  High desert, giving way to beautifully rugged mountains, the fresh smell of sage, lush lupin, and the Sierra outdoors.  It is good to get out, and always to believe.