Fremont Canyon was named after General John Charles Fremont, who explored the canyon in 1842 while he was a Lieutenant in the Army. Pathfinder Dam, located three miles upstream, was also named for the explorer known as the "Pathfinder," who was instrumental in mapping the West. On August 24, 1842, Fremont attempted to navigate this canyon by boat, but the attempt failed and the boat and all provisions were lost. The vertical cliffs at this site near the canyon entrance are over 200 feet high and exceed 500 feet in some areas. This scenic canyon is popular with rock climbers, eagles, and a variety of wildlife.