Download Hints

Get quick and convenient access to just the hints you need for Nancy Drew and the Secret of Shadow Ranch, without staying on our website. Just download a free trial version of our UHS Reader software and a copy of these hints. You will get the same gradual hints you see here -- unlike ordinary cheats or a walkthrough that can spoil your game.

You can also buy the full version of the UHS Reader for Windows or macOS. For just $14.95, you get full access to hints for hundreds of games and 1 year of free updates. You can also search, decode, or print an entire game's worth of hints at once.

Ask the Author

If you have questions about a puzzle that aren't answered anywhere in these hints, you may contact the author.

Nancy Drew and the Secret of Shadow Ranch Hints

I've marked all the petroglyphs. What does this message mean?

  • 1 of 11: It says, "Cappy's keys Pappy's name please!" (If it doesn't, you don't have the glyphs in the right place. Double check your locations.)
  • 2 of 11: You've seen a reference to Cappy's elsewhere.
  • 3 of 11: At least, you have if you explored the pump house back at the ranch thoroughly.
  • 4 of 11: From what Dirk said in his letter, Cappy's must be a food establishment of some sort.
  • 5 of 11: If it was around in the 1880's, it's probably not around now.
  • 6 of 11: So your best bet is a ghost town.
  • 7 of 11: Did Dave tell you how to get to Dry Creek yet?
  • 8 of 11: "Pappy" is an old word for father.
  • 9 of 11: Who would know the name of Dirk's father?
  • 10 of 11: How about your friendly neighborhood historical romance writer?
  • 11 of 11: Call Charleena and ask her about Dirk's pappy.