Sheep Rock, National Natural Landmark overlook in the Payette National Forest, Idaho, US
Sheep Rock is a 2,089-metre overlook of Hells Canyon in the Payette National Forest, about 45 miles northwest of Council, Idaho. Its face exposes two contrasting series of layers from the Columbia River Basalt Group, separated by an unconformity that is visible from the rim.
Sheep Rock was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976 for its geology: two contrasting series of layers from the Columbia River Basalt Group, separated by an unconformity. The name comes from the bighorn sheep that used to inhabit the area. Nearby, about 1.5 miles south off the road, is Kinney Point, an old lookout site over Hells Canyon where the Forest Service keeps an interpretive site.
The name Sheep Rock refers to the bighorn sheep that once lived in the area. The mile-long interpretive trail maintained by the National Forest leads to the canyon overlook halfway around the loop, where walkers can read about the geology and wildlife.
A mile-long interpretive trail from the trailhead campground with vault toilet leads to the canyon overlook halfway around the loop. Kinney Point, an old lookout site with an interpretive site, lies just off the road about 1.5 miles south. The summit stands at 2,089 metres.
Sheep Rock is not a climbing summit but an overlook of Hells Canyon reached by a mile-long interpretive trail maintained by the National Forest; the loop brings walkers to the canyon rim about halfway around. The trailhead also has a campground with a vault toilet.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,861 contributors worldwide.