Beaver Creek near Penrose is rugged canyon country with bighorn sheep

Northeast of Cañon City, the east and west branches of Beaver Creek cut deep, granite-walled canyons with falls and pools, and it is one of the better places near here to catch sight of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in dramatic terrain. The canyons also hold mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, and raptors. Part of this country is a Bureau of Land Management wilderness study area, and nearby is the Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area near Penrose.

Good to know before you go: a State Wildlife Area is not a public park. These lands are bought and managed mainly for wildlife and for hunting and fishing, and access often requires a valid hunting or fishing license or a state pass, with rules that can differ from a state park. It is worth checking the posted and online rules before you enter, since they change.

The terrain rewards people who come prepared. These are steep, remote canyons with rough footing, boulder-choked creeks, and little signage, so plan for a real backcountry day rather than a stroll. People come here to hike, climb, hunt, and fish; pack accordingly, watch the weather, and give bighorn sheep and other wildlife plenty of space.

For current access rules and what a license or pass requires, check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife page for the Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area and the BLM’s wilderness study area page.