Red Canyon Rim Road

Red Canyon Rim Road cuts a lonely track across southwestern Wyoming’s high desert, following the edge of dramatic red sandstone cliffs that drop hundreds of feet into hidden gorges. Starting near Manila, Utah, this route heads northeast through BLM land where wild mustang herds still run free, and the views stretch clear to the Uinta Mountains. The road passes several unmarked spurs that lead to rim overlooks, including the spectacular viewpoint above Sheep Creek Canyon where bighorn sheep navigate impossible cliff faces.

Easy to moderate difficulty for any high-clearance vehicle, though washouts after spring snowmelt can create deeper ruts. Best driven May through October when snow doesn’t block the higher elevations around 7,500 feet. No permits needed and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, though water sources are nonexistent — pack everything you need. This route delivers classic Wyoming solitude and big sky country views that remind you why the state’s called “Forever West.” Watch for afternoon winds that can kick up dust storms across the exposed plateaus.