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Little Sheep Mountain Spring flows at 68 degrees Fahrenheit at 3,712 feet elevation on Bureau of Land Management land, emerging 540 meters from the nearest access route. The moderate temperature runs just 20 degrees above the 48.3-degree ambient in Wyoming's driest thermal spring environment.
The spring sits in high desert sagebrush terrain receiving only 11 inches of annual precipitation and 24 inches of snow. The feature occupies the rain shadow east of the Absaroka Range near the Bighorn Basin floor, surrounded by exposed rock formations and sparse vegetation adapted to arid conditions.
History of Little Sheep Mountain Spring
The name references Little Sheep Mountain, a nearby prominence in this ranching and resource-extraction landscape. Historical documentation remains limited, with the area seeing scattered homesteader and livestock use rather than concentrated thermal development under BLM's multiple-use management framework.
April through October provides the most favorable access window. The half-mile walk crosses uneven terrain without established trail. Cottonwood Creek Campground, 16.2 kilometers distant, offers basic facilities including horse corrals. Carry water, as the surrounding desert environment provides limited resources.
Is Little Sheep Mountain Spring worth visiting?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring is well suited for overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 11.1 in
Annual Snow: 24.0 in
February
Air 24°F · Water 68°F · +44° contrast
December
Air 24°F · Water 68°F · +44° contrast
January
Air 25°F · Water 68°F · +43° contrast
February offers 53°F more contrast than July
The Cottonwood Creek Trailhead/Campground features an interpretive kiosk, five campsites with fire rings, picnic tables toilet facility, four horse corrals, a horse watering trough and food storage boxes.
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Cottonwood Creek Trailhead/Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
USGS Quad: (SPENCE 7.5) · PP 492: 98.0 · NOAA: 1.0 · AMS Map: CODY
What is the water temperature at Little Sheep Mountain Spring?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring has a water temperature of 68°F (20°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Little Sheep Mountain Spring located?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring is located in Big Horn County, Wyoming at 3,712 feet elevation, near Lovell. Coordinates: 44.7490°N, 108.1880°W.
How do I get to Little Sheep Mountain Spring?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Little Sheep Mountain Spring free to visit?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Little Sheep Mountain Spring?
Yes, Cottonwood Creek Trailhead/Campground is located nearby (10.1 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Little Sheep Mountain Spring?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Little Sheep Mountain Spring crowded?
Little Sheep Mountain Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Little Sheep Mountain Spring?
Essentials for Little Sheep Mountain Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.