Bighorn Sheep On A Hike Above Palm Springs: Photos Of The Week

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Wow. That's about all we could say when we first spotted these amazing images recently shared with us by a Patch reader.

Gabe Ewing was out for a hike in the Coachella Valley after some recent storms dumped snow on low elevations, and says he brought along his camera to get some shots for his Facebook group 'What's Happening Coachella Valley?' And what incredible shots he got — and shared with Palm Desert Patch here.

We asked him for a bit about how he ended up on a large herd of bighorn sheep, which he details below:

"I was out to take pictures of the snow in the mountains and clouds. I came across the South Lykken Trailhead in Palm Springs. I decided to hike the trail for a photo at Simonetta Kennet Vista Point.

I was talking to some other hikers who asked me if I had seen the Big Horn. As I told [them] no, [I] thought I heard some walking around; I spotted the Big Horn on the rock just feet away. I took my breath for a quick moment and showed the other hikers. Fortunately, I had my camera to capture this moment.

We all left and as we were climbing down, the Big Horn seemed to be following and watching us. At one point one of the Big Horns was actually on the trail walking towards another hiker. I had to shout out to warn the of the oncoming Big Horn.

This isn't the first time I have came across wildlife, every time the experience is surreal and you just have to enjoy the moment nature reveals itself too you."

Thanks for sharing, Gabe!

If you have an awesome photo of nature, breath-taking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we'd love to feature it on Patch.

We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty that is Riverside County, and that show off your unique talents. Post it for free in our bulletin board section on the site or email it to renee.schiavone@patch.com.

Images courtesy: Gabe Ewing