Manila UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Manila, Utah.
1. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
SPECTACULAR RED ROCK RESERVOIR
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers visitors breathtaking views of red rock canyons surrounding a vast reservoir. Visitors can enjoy world-class fishing, boating, hiking, and camping in this stunning landscape. The area is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty that changes dramatically with the seasons.
2. Sheep Creek Geological Loop
DRAMATIC ROCK FORMATIONS DRIVE
Sheep Creek Geological Loop is a scenic drive showcasing millions of years of Earth's history through dramatic rock formations. The drive features colorful rock layers, unusual geological features, and opportunities to spot wildlife including bighorn sheep. Interpretive signs along the route help visitors understand the significant geological history of the area.
3. Lucerne Valley Marina
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Lucerne Valley Marina serves as the primary gateway to water activities on Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The marina offers boat rentals, fishing supplies, and launch facilities for visitors looking to explore the reservoir. It also features amenities including a restaurant and nearby camping options for extended stays.
4. Manilasaurus
LOCAL DINOSAUR ATTRACTION
Manilasaurus provides visitors with a glimpse into the prehistoric past of the region. This local attraction celebrates the rich paleontological history of the area with dinosaur displays and information. It serves as an educational stop for families exploring Manila and the surrounding Flaming Gorge Country.
5. Daggett Heritage PRCA Rodeo
AUTHENTIC WESTERN EXPERIENCE
The Daggett Heritage PRCA Rodeo brings the excitement of professional rodeo competition to Manila. Located just a quarter-mile from the local KOA campground, this rodeo showcases traditional events like bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping. Visitors can experience authentic Western culture and the cowboy way of life at this community celebration.
6. Red Canyon
VIBRANT SANDSTONE VISTAS
Red Canyon offers some of the most spectacular views in the Flaming Gorge area with its vibrant red sandstone formations. The canyon features an interpretive center and multiple viewpoints overlooking the dramatic landscape. Visitors can enjoy short hiking trails that provide different perspectives of the colorful rock formations and the reservoir below.
7. Dowd Mountain Overlook
PANORAMIC GORGE VIEWS
Dowd Mountain Overlook provides visitors with panoramic views of Flaming Gorge and the surrounding landscape. From this elevated vantage point, guests can see miles of red rock canyons, blue waters, and forested mountains. The overlook includes interpretive displays explaining the geology, wildlife, and history of this remarkable area.
8. Spirit Lake Scenic Backway
HIGH-ELEVATION MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Spirit Lake Scenic Backway takes visitors on a breathtaking drive to an alpine lake at over 10,000 feet elevation. The journey offers opportunities to spot wildlife and admire seasonal wildflower displays along the route. Upon reaching Spirit Lake, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and the serene beauty of this high mountain setting.
9. Moose Ponds
WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA
Moose Ponds offers visitors one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Flaming Gorge region. This natural area is known for frequent moose sightings, particularly during early morning and evening hours. Visitors can observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat while enjoying the peaceful wetland environment.
10. Green River
LEGENDARY FISHING WATERS
The Green River flows through the heart of Flaming Gorge Country, offering world-class fishing and rafting opportunities. The clear, cold waters below Flaming Gorge Dam create ideal conditions for trophy trout fishing that attracts anglers from around the world. The river also has historical significance as it flows through Browns Park, once a hideout for outlaws including Butch Cassidy.
11. John Jarvie Historic Ranch
OLD WEST TRADING POST
John Jarvie Historic Ranch preserves a 19th-century trading post and ranch that played a significant role in the history of Browns Park. Visitors can explore several historic buildings and learn about the area's colorful past, including its association with outlaws. The ranch offers a glimpse into frontier life and the challenges faced by early settlers in this remote region.
12. Dinosaur National Monument
FAMOUS WALL OF BONES
Dinosaur National Monument, located just over an hour from Manila, features the famous 'Wall of Bones' where visitors can view hundreds of dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock. The monument includes a modern visitor center built around the fossil quarry, allowing guests to see paleontologists at work. Beyond the fossils, the monument offers river rafting, hiking trails, and ancient petroglyphs.
13. Swett Ranch
PRESERVED PIONEER HOMESTEAD
Swett Ranch offers visitors a well-preserved glimpse into the life of early settlers in the American West. This historic homestead includes multiple original buildings that showcase the self-sufficient lifestyle of pioneer families. Visitors can stroll through the property and imagine the challenges and rewards of frontier living in this remote mountain setting.
14. Browns Park
HISTORIC OUTLAW REFUGE
Browns Park once served as a remote hideout for outlaws, including the notorious Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch gang. This secluded valley along the Green River features rugged terrain and natural beauty that made it ideal for those avoiding the law. Today, visitors can explore the area's rich history while enjoying outdoor activities in this unspoiled landscape.
15. Ashley National Forest
VAST MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Ashley National Forest encompasses over a million acres of diverse terrain surrounding the Flaming Gorge area. The forest offers numerous recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing across varying elevations and ecosystems. Visitors can experience everything from high alpine meadows to desert canyons within the boundaries of this expansive national forest.