Being an OG Boise girl, I’ve always known about the Trailing of the Sheep. Every fall in Ketchum, they celebrate Idaho’s ranching heritage with a parade unlike any other—one where thousands of sheep take over Main Street! But for the sheep, it’s just another part of life.
Twice a year, these woolly travelers move to new pastures—headed to higher elevations in the summer and returning before winter. While most modern ranchers use trucks to transport livestock, some still do it the old-fashioned way. For nearly a century, Harry Soulen and his crew have herded sheep on foot, covering 600 miles annually in a journey that’s both grueling and awe-inspiring.
Their trek begins in the Snake River Birds of Prey area, winding north through Idaho’s rugged landscapes. One of the most iconic moments? Watching the sheep cross Caldwell’s historic Red Train Bridge—an image that photographers and onlookers eagerly anticipate each year. From there, they travel up to Letha for shearing, Crane Creek for lambing, and finally reach McCall for summer grazing.
Alongside the herders, the real unsung heroes of this journey are the working dogs. These loyal and intelligent sheepdogs—often border collies or Great Pyrenees—work tirelessly to guide, protect, and keep the flock moving. They fend off predators, keep stragglers in line, and ensure the herd stays on course. The shepherds, who dedicate their lives to this way of life, know their flock well and care for them with patience and wisdom. It’s hard not to think of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Just as these shepherds protect and lead their sheep, God lovingly guides us, providing for our needs and keeping us safe even in life’s toughest terrain.
If you ever find yourself near one of these migration routes, stop and take it in. It’s not just a spectacle—it’s Idaho history in motion, a beautiful reminder of hard work, faith, and the unbreakable bond between shepherd and sheep.
