Ascending Sheep Panel is one of those panels that is often talked about in reverent tones. The panel is small, but one of the most intricate and interesting panels I have visited in the San Rafael Swell. The 30+ sheep that ascend up to what seems to be a sheep god are individually painted with fascinating detail and a keen eye.

This can be a tricky panel to visit. If starting from the paved road and going cross country, a good bit of route finding is required. Many, without a GPS, have come up short trying to find the panel. Alternatively, with a high clearance 4x4 capable of a bit of rock crawling, the panel is practically a roadside attraction. If walking the jeep road, the hike becomes a somewhat monotonous 6 mile round trip affair, but with a high likelihood of success.

This description follows the road to an overlook and excellent camping, then visits the panel. With a stock Grand Cherokee, the road proved a little challenging in a couple of spots, but not particularly difficult. The road would be a great ATV road and a so-so mountain bike ride due to quite a bit of sand. If you do drive, there are many great primitive campsites along the way, especially at the overlook that is the end of the main road.

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