Sheep’s Rock

The exploration of the underworld was not enough for us (Alyssa and I), so we continued out hwy. 97 towards another volcanic formation: Sheep Rock. Apparently the rocky prominence used to be occupied by herds of wild big horned sheep. This has been documented in numerous accounts by pioneers that traveled to northern California via the Applegate trail, a southerly alternative to the Oregon Trail.

The turn off for the trailhead is located on the left side of the 97 across from Military Pass Rd. The Yreka Trail that we travel on in order to get to the base of Sheep Rock was established in 1851 as a shoot off of the Applegate trail. Both of these roads, the Yreka Trail as well as Military Pass Rd., were originally Indian trails that were later used by the Hudson’s Bay Company trappers. The Military began accompanying the wagon trains along this road to protect them from the Modoc Indians, which is where the name Military Pass Road comes from. (source, first link)

Our ascent towards the top of Sheep Rock was stopped many times by the sheer rock cliffs. The manner in which the rock projects from the earth made it difficult to find a clear path to the top. Often we would hike around one pinnacle, only to find that we were on the edge of another cliff, or up against a rock wall again. Unfortunately I didn’t bring my GPS, otherwise I would be able to post a map that chronicled our zigzag—back tracing progress to the top. Our slow progress did however allow us the time to enjoy the scenery around us. We also found some bones. They were quite sun bleached, and growing lichen, perhaps it was the last sheep on Sheep Rock.

Indian Paintbrush

Radius and Metacarpus

Rare Baker Cypress

Mt. Shasta does an effective job at blocking the storms that primarily approach from the southwest. The effect of this leaves the northeast lands in its rain shadow creating a high desert climate despite the location's higher elevation than that of Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta, and Weed. The hot dry land made us wish for the cool dim caves just a few miles away.

Northface with views of the Bolom and Hotlum glaciers 

The peak provided us with a spectacular view of the mountain from almost due north, as well as the dry grasslands lands around Sheep Rock. It was pretty neat being surrounded by undeveloped wilderness in an area that has not changed much at all in the last few hundred years.

Stone arch about half way up

The entrance to our decent in this gorge