June 11, 2026 (Thu.) – Flaming Gorge, Red Canyon & Sheep Creek.

The plan for the day was to ride through Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (FGNRA) and check out Flaming Gorge Dam, Red Canyon Overlook, and a few other scenic routes. Today was forecasted to be the coolest day of the week—perfect riding weather.

The morning started early… very early. Lynn was up at the ungodly hour of 0430 for reasons unknown (most likely from oversleeping yesterday in her Benadryl coma). She didn’t even get up that early when she was working. Thankfully, she could always nap later if needed. Her morning walk was chilly at 53°F, but she powered through. Kirk was up by 0915, and we were out the door by 1030.

Our first destination was the Flaming Gorge Dam & Reservoir, but we hit a traffic snag almost immediately—a one‑lane road closure that delayed us about 15 minutes. At least it wasn’t hot. Once we cleared that, the ride opened up beautifully: smooth roads, scenic views, and perfect temperatures.

At 11:30 a.m., we stopped at the Flaming Gorge Visitor Center and Dam. We wandered around, took a few photos, and then continued toward Red Canyon.

By 12:10 p.m., we reached Red Canyon Lodge and stopped for lunch before heading to the overlook. We sat on the patio so Lynn could thaw out in the sun—it was a chilly 58°F at 7,000–8,000 feet. Lynn’s turkey avocado sandwich was excellent, and Kirk’s fish & chips were pretty good too. Our server was friendly and gave us great recommendations, including the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, a 10‑mile scenic drive inside the FGNRA that showcases the Uinta Fault and dramatic rock formations. Definitely our kind of stop and we added it to our agenda.

We reached the Red Canyon Overlook around 1:10 p.m. As we walked toward the Visitor Center, Lynn heard a loud clicking sound coming from the trees overhead. Kirk, meanwhile, was chatting with someone in the parking lot about motorcycles (of course). The guy told Lynn to ask the ranger inside—“he’ll know what it is.” Kirk couldn’t hear the clicking at all, which baffled Lynn because it was so loud and went on for a few hundred yards all the way from the parking lot to the Visitors Center.

Inside, the ranger confirmed the noise: male cicadas making their mating calls. These annual cicadas are different from the Midwest varieties—they emerge from underground, shed their skins, click loudly to attract mates, mate, and die. A short but noisy life. There must have been thousands of them. Finally, as we were leaving, Kirk could finally hear them…Lynn was not going crazy and hearing things! LOL.

Cicadas aside, the Red Canyon Overlook was stunning—peaceful, colorful, and absolutely beautiful. The water below is the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, filling the deep red‑walled canyon carved by the Green River. Photos simply can’t capture how gorgeous it is.

By 2:10 p.m., we were riding the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, and it did not disappoint. The rock formations were dramatic and unique. We even saw a sheep running along the road beside us—fun to watch but slightly nerve‑wracking on a motorcycle. We were worried he’d bolt out in front of us and cause a crash. Between Fantasy Canyon and Sheep Creek, we’ve seen some incredible geology on this trip. Kirk doesn’t always get to enjoy the scenery as much since he’s focused on the road, so we may come back in the truck to take it all in again. As we reached the end of the loop, a decision needed to be made…North of South?? We couldn’t remember! We both agreed North. But a few minutes in, we both second guessed ourselves and realized we needed to go South! Classic Kirk & Lynn…but at least it was a scenic detour. Once back on the South bound highway, we stopped at Sheep Creek Overlook. Another beautiful sight and pictures don’t do it justice.

By 3:40 p.m., we were ready to head home after a long day in the saddle. To avoid the earlier lane closure, we tried a different route—Red Cloud Loop. This loop would bypass the construction on the highway we experienced this morning. It was quiet, beautifully paved, and completely empty… until it turned to dirt about 10 minutes in. With nearly an hour left to go and no idea how long the dirt section lasted, we turned around. Another scenic detour. If we’d been on the BMW/GSA, no problem. But not on the Indian. Fortunately, by the time we got back to the highway, the road work had wrapped up for the day.

We arrived back at the RV around 4:40 p.m. to find the campground suddenly full of tents, cabins, and Jeeps. Turns out the Vernal Rock Rally was happening this weekend, and many participants were staying at our campground. With tent campers literally five feet behind us, we put up our patio screen to give them some privacy. It would’ve been awkward to sit outside staring directly at them.

The rest of the evening was spent relaxing while Lynn sorted through a mountain of photos. As always, no matter how many pictures we take, they never quite capture the beauty of seeing these places in person. Pictures can’t pick up the depth, textures and colors like the naked eye.

Weather – High 74*, Low 44*. Wind 14-16 mph with 32 mph gusts. No rain, no humidity.

Traffic – Slight delay due to lane closures.

Food – Red Canyon Lodge

Notable –  Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Red Canyon, Sheep Creek Geological Loop.