By Natali Zollinger

The most anticipated animal to see on the Green and Yampa Rivers through Dinosaur National Monument is the Desert Bighorn Sheep. Believed to have gone extinct in the region, for unknown reasons we find them flourishing back to reclaim their once dominated territory.

Bighorn Sheep are a vital resource because they provided food, clothing and tools to the natives of Utah both past and present. Due to the growth of the domestic sheep, bighorns began to die off resulting from a serious disease epidemic. Scientists were forced to believe that the Bighorn had completely been lost from Utah due to no sightings of them for several years. But in the 60’s, river rats began to see bighorns along the Colorado River system and its corridors. The current population in Utah is estimated at around 5,000 sheep, representing two genetic species—the desert bighorn and the Rocky Mountain bighorn. Mountain sheep are nearly twice the size of desert bighorn, and rams can weigh up to 300 pounds. Ewes of both species are about 40 percent smaller in size and weight.
 
Bighorns are amazing creatures. Floating downstream on the Green River, one may see a whole herd lightly prancing down the Cliffside without a worry in the world. One may ask, why are they so good on their feet? Their balance aiding split hooves with rough bottoms are the perfect natural Vibram sole. Imagine going to your local tire shop and checking out the most rugged off-road tire they sell. The reasons tires can handle so much wear and tear is because of the way they are designed to act when wrapped around sharp objects like rocks and trees. Some trail running and outdoor apparel companies are starting to use this design for their tread of the sole. It’s an amazing concept when you see it you understand why the bighorn can float across rugged obstacles with such grace and ease.

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Written by Natali Zollinger

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Visit WeJustGotBack.com for a chance to win a 4-day family rafting trip in Colorado. The winning family will raft through Dinosaur National Monument with O.A.R.S., paddle through fun, splashy rapids; hike along rippling creeks to side canyon waterfalls; camp on big, sandy beaches; enjoy hearty, healthy meals; explore petroglyphs and fossilized remains of dinosaurs preserved in ancient rock walls; and view a night sky like you’ve never experienced before.

The New York Times called one of our Twitter buddies, We Just Got Back, “an authoritative voice in family trip-planning,” and Forbes considers our friends "the tell-it-like-it-is family travel website." They were selected as a 2009 Gold Magellan Award Winner by Travel Weekly magazine, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. We Just Got Back covers topics from national parks to cruises to how and what to pack and how to plan a vacation with preschool children and just about everything in between.

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Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Gentlemen… Are you fed up and ready to make a change, but just don’t know where to start? Are you worried about your drinking habits or making the mortgage payment? Are you wondering how you are going to come up with your child’s college tuition? Dealing with stress and uncertainty in uncertain times is a problem many men are facing these days. How do other guys handle these problems?

Don Hatch River Expeditions, part of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies, is hosting a special men-only whitewater rafting expedition through Dinosaur National Monument on August 20, 2009. The four-day rafting, hiking and camping trip, open to males over the age of 18, encourages participants to address their fears or problems while in a wilderness setting. No previous camping, rafting or outdoors experience is necessary in this unstructured men’s retreat. The only ground rules? The expedition is alcohol and tobacco free.

Don Hatch River Expeditions has been guiding people downstream for 80 years. Their Green River rafting trip through Dinosaur National Monument offers a Colorado rafting journey set in an abbreviated version of the Grand Canyon. Complementing the days spent in a raft are endless exploratory side hikes in river canyons, quiet beach camps and moderate whitewater.

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Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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