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This geocache is part of Colorado's South Park GeoTour, which means you can win prizes by finding 20 or more caches. Visit our website for more information and to download your GeoTour Passport!
Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Not recommended
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Sheep Mountain lies along Fourmile creek, towering above the former townsites of Horseshoe, East Leadville, and Leavick and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and South Park. Historical records show three mills once existed along the northern edge of the mountain, including the Mudsill and the Only Chance Mills. The Denver, South Park, and Hilltop Railroad serviced the many mines in this drainage, reaching as far as Leavick along what is today County Road 18. Mining claims on Sheep Mountain featured hopeful names such as Gold Dipper, Gold Coin, Gold Wizzard, Gold Blizzard, Bullion King, and Gold Slope.
Leavick in 1929, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives
Take Fourmile Road (County Road 18) west from Highway 285 to the Horseshoe Campground. Park at the designated trailhead parking area then walk to Forest Road 691, being sure that you don't get on the Limber Grove Trail instead. Hike up the old mining road to the cache and enjoy the views! Please note that there is a considerable amount of elevation gain to reach this cache.
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