Wildlife in the Wild: Spotting Bighorn Sheep at Hemenway Park

Hemenway Park is the perfect place to spot Bighorn Sheep in Las Vegas.

Looking for a unique (and completely free) adventure just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip? Put down the poker chips and head toward Boulder City. While many people visit the area for the Hoover Dam, the real "stars" of the show are often found grazing on the lush green grass of Hemenway Park.

This 10-acre park is famous for its resident herd of wild Desert Bighorn Sheep. These majestic animals regularly descend from the rugged mountains to enjoy the park's vegetation and views of Lake Mead. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see these creatures in a suburban setting, often just a few feet away from the playground.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

• Timing is Everything: The sheep are most active during the cooler parts of the day. Plan to arrive in the early morning (just after sunrise) or the late afternoon. From April through October, they are known to visit like clockwork to escape the mountain heat.

  
  

• Check the "Ram Cam": Before you make the 30-minute drive from Vegas, check the Boulder City online "Ram Cam." It’s a live feed that lets you see if the herd is currently hanging out on the grass.

  
  

• Keep Your Distance: While the sheep are accustomed to humans, they are still wild animals. Local ordinances (and common sense) require you to keep a respectful distance. Use a zoom lens for those perfect "up-close" shots instead of approaching them.

  
  

• Leave Fido at Home: Dogs are strictly prohibited in the park to protect the sheep. If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll need to sit this one out or have someone stay with the pup in the car.

  
  

• Pack a Picnic: The park features covered gazebos, picnic tables, and clean restrooms. Since it's a free public space, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a stunning backdrop of Lake Mead and wandering wildlife.

  
  

LAS Discounts Budget Note: There is no admission fee to enter Hemenway Park or to view the sheep, making this one of the best "zero-dollar" excursions in Southern Nevada.

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