Magnesia Falls Trail, Mine and Bighorn Sheep

[halhiker]

I went on a little exploratory trip into Magnesia Falls Canyon in Rancho Mirage and found a trail, a mine and a Bighorn. I saw the trail on my last trip up there, I'd been to the mine before and came across a Bighorn ram during my hike--my fifth Bighorn sighting of the year.

Anyone know anything about the trail or mine?

http://hikeeveryday.blogspot.com/2009/1 ... sheep.html

[magikwalt]

I was totally ready to call bullshit on the "seen a Bighorn" until you produced some great shots. Five in one year. I'm going on 5 years without one. Come on Hal, take me out and show me the Bighorns haven't joined the Unicorns.

[halhiker]

Since I've hiked over 350 straight days that's about a 70-1 hike ratio to Bighorn sighting. Every one of my sightings came while going cross country in Bighorn country.

I can tell you where you might go to have your best chance to spot one of these guys but there's never a guarantee unless you go to the Living Desert. I've been there three or four times this year and seen Bighorn but those don't count.

[KathyW]

Hal: Congrats - 350 days straight is great. I was checking out your posts from hikes up Magnesia Falls Canyon - that looks like a great canyon - I'm going to go check it out soon.

I was in that area on Thursday - I did a little run along the Art Smith Trail and was lucky enough to see a herd of Big Horn Sheep. Some pics:

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/Trail-Running/Art-Smith-Trail-12-mile-out/10754075_V3ZAc#749535175_Szuh4

[halhiker]

Kathy,
Thank you for the tip. I went up the Art Smith this afternoon and saw NINE Bighorn. There may have actually been ten but I got a picture with nine in it. The previous high that I'd seen at one time was four.

Walt should try this area if he wants to see some sheep in the wild.

I'll get pictures up later but they won't be as good as Kathy's. I need a new camera.

(Pictures are up)

http://hikeeveryday.blogspot.com/2009/1 ... oasis.html

[KathyW]

You're pictures are great Hal - you got a good shot of the leader.