Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Image credit: picture by SJQuinney licenced under Attribution-NoDerivs License.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. It is situated approximately 32 miles northeast of Vernal, Utah, and spans over 207,363 acres. The area was established in 1968 and is managed by both the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

The name "Flaming Gorge" is derived from the vibrant colors of the towering red cliffs that surround the deep blue waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. These cliffs were formed by the erosion of the Uinta Mountain Range over millions of years. The area is rich in geological history, with ancient rock formations, fossils, and dinosaur tracks.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. Boating and fishing are popular on the reservoir, which is home to numerous fish species, including trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. The reservoir's calm waters are also perfect for canoeing, paddleboarding, and water skiing. Anglers can find solitude on the secluded Green River, known for its world-class fly fishing.

Hiking and camping enthusiasts can explore the diverse landscapes of Flaming Gorge. There are scenic trails that wind through canyons, forests, and open meadows, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Wildlife is abundant in the area, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.

For those interested in history, the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center offers insights into the construction and impact of the dam, which created the reservoir. Visitors can learn about the area's Native American history and the significance of the Green River to various indigenous tribes.

Nearby attractions include the Red Canyon Rim Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and surrounding areas. The adjacent Ashley National Forest offers additional recreational activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-roading.

Overall, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a picturesque destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and rich historical background. Whether enjoying water sports, fishing, hiking, or simply taking in the beauty of the landscape, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience in this unique and captivating area.

Location

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is nestled within the scenic northeastern region of the state of Wyoming in the United States. Spanning across the borders of Wyoming and Utah, it is uniquely situated where the Green River abruptly cuts through the towering and rugged Uinta Mountains. The Recreation Area encompasses a vast expanse of breathtaking landscapes, encompassing deep canyons, dense forests, and striking red cliffs, all surrounding the expansive Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This remote and picturesque location offers visitors a rare chance to immerse themselves in an untouched natural paradise and explore the diverse array of outdoor activities on offer.

Address & Contact

Sorry we don't have an address for this park on file yet.
Phone: NULL
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area for pleasant weather and outdoor activities is during the months of June to September. During this timeframe, the average maximum temperatures range from 81°F to 87°F, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 46°F to 53°F. The average monthly precipitation is also relatively low, ranging from 0.8 inches to 1.8 inches. This period offers warm temperatures and lower chances of precipitation, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities in the area.

Amenities

Campsites within or near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Antelope Flat - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 8.7 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-late aug.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 46
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Canyon Rim - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 8.3 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Cedar Springs - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 3 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 21
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Deer Run - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 2.7 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid apr-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 13
Toilets: NULL
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Dripping Springs - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 2 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open all year.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 23
Toilets: NULL
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

East Park

The campground is located 22.5 mi from Vernal, UT and is open mid jun-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 21
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Firefighters Memorial - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 3.6 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 94
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Greendale - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 4.3 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-late aug.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: NULL
Showers: No
Potable Water: No

Greens Lake - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 8.1 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 20
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Indian Crossing

The campground is located 35.5 mi from Vernal, UT.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 13
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Lodgepole

The campground is located 8.4 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-late aug.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 35
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Lucerne

The campground is located 6.9 mi from Manila, UT and is open early may-late sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 143
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Mustang Ridge - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 2.4 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 70
Toilets: Flush Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Red Canyon - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 8.8 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Skull Creek - Flaming Gorge

The campground is located 7.8 mi from Dutch John, UT and is open mid may-mid sep.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 17
Toilets: Vault Toilets
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes

Bridge Hollow

The campground is located 35.5 mi from Vernal, UT.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: NULL
Toilets: NULL
Showers: No
Potable Water: Yes