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Ashley National Forest |
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Recreational Activities - Scenic Byways and BackwaysScenic Byways and Backways offer a unique combination of recreational adventures, cultural attractions, and varied landscapes. There are numerous routes throughout Utah to choose from. The Ashley National Forest has two Scenic Byways and two Scenic Backways. All offer spectacular views and experiences off of the Interstate Highway system.
"Wildlife Through The Ages," is the theme and vision of the Flaming Gorge - Uintas National Scenic Byway. This Byway offers a unique opportunity to interpret wildlife and wildlife habitats both past and present. Visitors will explore wildlife and its diversity; discover the habitats animals prefer; experience seasonal and daily changes; and learn when, where, and how to view and photograph wildlife as they travel along a route passing through one of the richest areas for wildlife and fossils in the West.
The journey begins north of Vernal among the ancient habitats of the Frontier, Morrison, and Chinel formations. Dinosaur bones and tracks, sharks teeth, fish scales, and seashells common to these formations can be viewed at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park in Vernal, the Dinosaur Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument, and in the rocks near Steinaker and Red Fleet State Parks. More modern records of wildlife are found in the rock art and trails left by Indians that used Brush Creek as a travel corridor on their way to better hunting grounds.
As the journey nears it northern end, bighorn sheep can be seen among the rocky outcrops above Sheep Creek, and the cottonwoods and willows above the stream harbor more species of migrating song birds than any other spot in Utah. The journey ends in Mancos or Hilliard Shale formations near Manila and Antelope Flat. Here the antelope and jackrabbits wander through the remains of an ancient sea.
RED CLOUD LOOP SCENIC BACKWAY can be accessed from Highway 131 in the Vernal area or at the junction of the Backway and the Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway located 15 miles north of Vernal. The Backway travels through majestic sandstone canyons, mixed conifer and aspen forests, and large meadow areas. Backway travelers are provided breathtaking views of the High Uintas mountains. The majority of this Backway is over unpaved roads.
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US Forest Service - Ashley National Forest |