Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route13 midifficulty: easy

Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway — overland route near Manila, Utah, Utah
RuggyBearLA — CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
13mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
Any passenger vehicle in dry conditions; the road is graded gravel with mild grades.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty.
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Sheep Creek Geological Loop is a 13-mile gravel scenic backway through the Sheep Creek Geologic Area, an exposed segment of the Uinta Fault that displays sedimentary rock from the Cambrian through the Cretaceous in a single drive. The loop branches off SR-44 near Manila, Utah, and is part of the Flaming Gorge–Uintas Scenic Byway corridor.

The surface is graded gravel suitable for any passenger vehicle in dry conditions. The route is short, accessible, and one of the few drive-up geology lessons in the western US.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closure. Closes with snow in winter.
  • Cliff overlooks. Use designated pullouts.
  • Limited shade. Bring water in summer.
  • Cell service. Spotty.

Location

13 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 40.970, -109.559

Current conditions

Live weather

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townManila, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/ashley/recreation/epic-adventures/scenic-byways-and-backways
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb
Approx. location40.970, -109.559

Getting there

Directions

From Manila. Take SR-44 south from town; the Sheep Creek Loop turnoff is signed on the right side of the road. The loop returns to SR-44 a few miles further south.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The loop sits at the northern end of Ashley National Forest near Manila and the Wyoming border, immediately west of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Forest Road 218 is the route number. Interpretive signs along the loop walk visitors through the rock layers exposed by the Uinta Fault.

Trail Overview

Thirteen miles, gravel, loop. Total drive time is one to two hours including stops. The road has mild grades, no technical obstacles, and is suitable for any passenger vehicle in dry conditions. Several pullouts allow short hikes into the geology.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed on Ashley NF land off the main loop. Manila has private campgrounds and motels. Multiple developed USFS campgrounds sit nearby on the Flaming Gorge–Uintas Byway.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Allow time for the interpretive stops. The geology is the point of the drive.
  • Combine with the Flaming Gorge–Uintas Byway for a half-day loop.
  • The loop closes seasonally with snow but reopens earlier than higher routes.
  • Cell service is spotty.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway?
Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway is rated easy. The route runs 13 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway?
Any passenger vehicle in dry conditions; the road is graded gravel with mild grades.
When is the best time to visit Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb.
Is there cell service at Sheep Creek Geological Loop Scenic Backway?
Spotty.