Ranger Tales
The Sheep Came Back

The Sheep Came Back

The story

Desert bighorn sheep work the ledges along the southern end of the Scenic Drive, though they're never guaranteed. Once common here, they disappeared in the twentieth century and returned through a series of releases. Early morning and late evening offer the best chance, seen from the car.

Eyes up, along the ledges above the sheer red wall. Watch for bighorn here, early morning and late evening, on footholds sometimes only two inches wide. Sometimes seen, never promised. If you see one, stay in the car.

Photo: NPS / E. Van Ness · Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Good to know
Where is The Sheep Came Back?
The Sheep Came Back. Desert bighorn sheep work the ledges along the southern end of the Scenic Drive, though they're never guaranteed. Once common here, they disappeared in the twentieth century and returned through a series of releases. Ea…
Is there an audio tour of The Sheep Came Back?
Yes — The Sheep Came Back is a stop on the Capitol Reef National Park: The Waterpocket Fold self-guided audio tour. The story plays automatically by GPS as you drive there, and works offline. Get the free Ranger Tales app on iPhone or Android.
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Hear The Sheep Came Back's story on the drive

Download the tour, leave your phone in your pocket, and let it play itself as you go. Works offline.

Buy the self-guided tour, or get it in the app.