Sheep Lake Shortcut Trail

The Sheep Lake Shortcut Trail is a leg-burner of a hike, but man is the scenery worth it. This beautiful alpine adventure escapes into the craggy ridges of the Seven Devils Mountains, which are adorned with towering pines and lush montane meadows abundant with wildflowers. Much of the path is rocky, uneven, and incredibly steep, so a pair of footwear with good traction and ankle support is needed! Don’t forget to dress in layers as insurance against varying conditions. Note the scramble along the ridges is unmarked, so consider using the trail GPS or simply follow the path of least resistance.

Embark on your adventure along the Sheep Lake Shortcut from the trailhead in the Seven Devils Campground. Before you even begin your trek, you will be granted impressive views of the soaring crests. Begin your hike along the Sheep Lake Climbers Route, immediately ascending into the alpine. Passing Seven Devils Lake, you will soon begin a vertiginous climb up a rocky ridge. Mind your footing here; the drop-offs are dangerous.

After some trekking, the path will steeply descend into the granite basin where Sheep Lake sits. Admire the beauty of the crystalline lake and the hemming crests, which include the Tower of Babel, She Devil, He Devil, and Devil’s Tooth. When you are rested and rehydrated, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.