River otters, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, beavers, Bald Eagles, Magpies, and Brown Trout in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation area.
Scenic drive, awesome overlook with picnic sites & restrooms, great hiking/biking loop trail and a source of outlaw tales…
The mountain also features one of the best intermediate hiking/mountain biking loop trails in Flaming Gorge. The 11 mile trail is a mixture of single and double-track with an exciting roller coaster downhill finish.
The mountain is named for Cleophas Dowd, one of the earliest settlers in the then very remote area of Flaming Gorge. While written history on Dowd is difficult to find, he is reported to have moved to the area to escape a shady past and carried a gun with several notches on it. He raised the finest horses in the area, on the mountain that now bears his name. In fact, these horses were so good, that they were reputed to be the stead of choice for Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch Gang. (Outlaws always seek a faster horse than the posse!) Dowd’s Ranch is said to be a secret part of the Outlaw Trail and some stories have the Sundance Kid working for a time on Dowd’s Ranch. Known as a hard man, he was murdered by his own ranchhand in 1898. It is said that the Sundance Kid wanted to ride in revenge but Butch talked him out of it. His grave site is located along the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop, near his former ranch.
Experience an overnight rafting/fishing adventure!
The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is justly famous for world-class flyfishing, rafting & daily guided fishing trips, but there is more to offer for those who seek adventure. 19 river campsites exist starting from about 1 mile below Little Hole to 1 mile below Red Creek. Six of these sites are available for reservations on the National Campground Reservation System ( www.recreation.gov), while the remainder are on a first-come first-serve basis (there is a sign-up board at Little Hole for these sites). These sites include a table, firepit, and tent pads. Packing in a port-o-potty is required. Most anglers never get to see the wonderful evening caddis hatches on the river that are common in the summer months. Most of our fishing guide outfitters offer such a guided overnight fishing adventure.
Waterfowl Birding Area, Picnic Site & Trail...
Red Canyon Lodge Lakes ...
Red Canyon Lodge offers more than just scenic lodging and dining to Flaming Gorge visitors. They also have a host of on-site recreation, including free fishing for all visitors! Right in front of the restaurant is a Free Kid’s Fishing Pond, available to any children 12 and under. Across the road from the Lodge is West Greens Lake, a scenic byway interpretive site with paved parking, picnic sites and a short nature trail. This private lake is managed by Red Canyon Lodge and is privately stocked with feisty Brook & Tiger Trout. In 2003, the Lodge worked with the Utah DWR Habitat Council to install a fully accessible fishing pier into the lake. Since West Greens Lake and Kids Pond are private waters, no state fishing license is required! The Lodge offers these -catch and release only- stocked lakes to all visitors at no charge. (Note: East Greens Lake in front of the Lodge Cabins is also well stocked with large Kamloops Rainbow Trout and is catch & release only, but is $5/day for non-cabin guests)
Good backpacking with no crowds…
Brilliant Red Salmon at a highway bridge...
Beginning around mid-August and continuing through October is an annual spawning run of Kokanee Salmon out of Lake Flaming Gorge. Visitors can easily stop and view these magnificent huge salmon at the Sheep Creek viewing area, just a few miles south of Manila on UT Hwy 44. Large adult salmon, turned fiery red, return to Sheep Creek (where they were born) each fall, to spawn and die. A paved parking area with restrooms, signs and viewing bridge is a featured fall stop along the Flaming Gorge – Uintas National Scenic Byway. Call the US Forest Service NRA headquarters office in Manila for information on when the spawning run has begun each year. (435) 784-3445
Yes, carp are ugly but great flyfishing...
A new flyfishing trend has been emerging in recent years. Stalking lake shorelines for cruising carp may seem odd, but can be a real fishing adventure. Carp are large and hard-fighting prey that many compare to saltwater flats gamefish (ok, a poor man’s version…). Areas like Jug Hollow, north of Dutch John, are a good place to start. Carp like cruising the shallow waters of weedy estuaries and bays in Lake Flaming Gorge. Warning: these can be high-powered fish and a 7 to 8 weight flyrod is recommended.
Big Game Haven...
