Overview
Sheep Creek Canyon is one of the more unusual geological features accessible from Ashley National Forest. A National Natural Landmark, the canyon cuts through a monocline where rock layers that normally run horizontal have been tilted nearly vertical by ancient faulting. Walking through the canyon means walking alongside rock faces that display hundreds of millions of years of Earth's history standing on end, the layers color-coded from red Precambrian sandstone through gray limestone packed with Devonian-era sea fossils.
The 4-mile loop combines trail sections with a stretch of the canyon road, which is closed to vehicle traffic during the hiking season on designated loop days. The canyon is narrow in places, with walls that block direct sunlight in mid-morning and cast dramatic shadow patterns across the tilted formations. Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted on the upper ledges, and the creek running through the lower section supports willows, cottonwood, and a surprising variety of songbirds given the arid surroundings.
This trail is appropriate for most hikers and can work well for families with older children interested in geology or wildlife. It pairs naturally with the nearby Flaming Gorge Rim Trail for a full day in the Flaming Gorge area.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.5: Canyon Entrance to Fossil Section. The loop begins at the lower canyon entrance pullout and follows the canyon floor upstream along Sheep Creek. The creek is intermittent in dry years but typically running in spring and fall. The first mile passes through willows and box elder trees with canyon walls rising steeply on both sides. Look for fossil impressions in the limestone walls beginning around mile 1, where small coral and brachiopod fossils from ancient sea floors are embedded in the gray stone.
Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Fossil Section to Upper Canyon. The canyon narrows above the fossil zone and the tilted strata become more pronounced. The red and orange Triassic layers contrast with the gray and tan Paleozoic formations below them. A small slot section at roughly mile 2 is the visual highlight of the canyon: walls close to within 20 feet and the color-banded rock faces are close enough to touch. Stay on the trail and avoid touching the fossil-bearing surfaces.
Miles 2.5 to 4: Upper Canyon to Loop Return. The trail climbs out of the main canyon and connects with the canyon road for the return segment. This upper section offers views down into the canyon from the rim. The road walk back to the starting pullout is approximately 1.5 miles along a low-traffic surface.
When to Visit
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) are the best seasons. The geology is most dramatic in low-angle morning or afternoon light. Summer midday heat in the canyon can be significant, especially in the narrow slot section where air circulation is limited. The canyon road is typically open from late April through October; check with the Flaming Gorge Ranger District for current access status.
Spring high water in Sheep Creek is usually manageable on this route but can complicate the lower sections in May after heavy snowmelt years.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for the Sheep Creek loop:
- Sun protection (the upper sections are exposed)
- A field guide to geology or fossils (the canyon rewards curious visitors)
- Water (no treated water source on trail; the creek is not safe to drink untreated)
- Light layers (the canyon floor can be cool even on warm days)
- Camera or binoculars (bighorn sheep and canyon birds are worthwhile subjects)
Practical Details
No permit is required for this trail (as of 2026). The Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area is part of Ashley National Forest managed by the Flaming Gorge Ranger District. The canyon road section of the loop may be open to vehicle traffic on non-designated days; check with the ranger district for current road schedules.
Collecting fossils or rock samples from National Natural Landmarks is prohibited. The canyon is a preserved geological site and removing material, even small pieces, is illegal and diminishes the resource for future visitors.
Getting There
From Manila, Utah, take Utah Highway 44 east toward the Flaming Gorge area. The Sheep Creek Canyon road junction is well-signed, approximately 8 miles east of Manila. Turn south on the canyon road and follow it to the lower parking pullouts. The drive from Vernal, Utah takes approximately 45 minutes. From the visitor center at Dutch John, the canyon is about 25 miles west on US-191 and UT-44. Download an offline map before arriving; cell service is unreliable throughout this area.
For broader context on Ashley National Forest's trail options, see the forest guide. For trip planning resources including current conditions, see checking conditions before you go.