Highlights of Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway

One of the most beautiful sights as you drive Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway is to watch the sun as it reflects off the water of the 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The most famous scenic view of the gorge, however, is of Red Canyon just below the Flaming Gorge Dam. The canyon walls on both sides of the water create an image of a lake clinging to the mountainsides.

Half of the byway follows Flaming Gorge as it curves into the Green River. The red plateaus sloping into Sheep Creek Bay look like abandoned sinking ships as the water laps at the edges.

The mountains that surround the gorge itself are densely forested. Traveling through Ashley National Forest, the Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway gives you an excellent opportunity to enjoy the eastern edge of the Uintas mountain range, which is the only major east-west range in the United States.

scene of flaming gorge-uintas scenic byway
©Byways.org
Utah's mountian ranges are visible from Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway.

As Utah's tallest mountain range, the Uintas are an inviting sight as the peaks tower to the sky. The forest is home to wildlife and beautiful scenery consisting of red rocky mountains and majestic peaks. The crags and geological formations along the drive add immensely to the unique views that make Flaming Gorge memorable.

While visiting the Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway, you can take the following self-guided tour.

Utah Field House of Natural History and Dinosaur Gardens: Driving on the byway from Vernal, you don't want to miss the Utah Field House of Natural History and Dinosaur Gardens on the north side of Main Street near Vernal. See life-size dinosaurs and Fremont and Ute Indian artifacts.

Dinosaur National Monument: If you have the time, take a side trip, following U.S. 40 and traveling 20 miles east of Vernal to visit the Dinosaur National Monument.

Flaming Gorge Dam: If you're making a quick trip, continue on U.S. 191 to the Flaming Gorge Dam, six miles from the Greendale Junction (U.S. 191 and UT 44). There you'll find picnic sites and other visitor facilities. Be sure to take the guided tour through the dam.

Swett Ranch: Make a U-turn back on U.S. 191 to travel west on UT 44. If you have time for a longer visit, you could stop at the Swett Ranch and partake of pioneer history.

Red Canyon Overlook and Visitor's Center: Continue on your way to the Red Canyon Overlook and Visitor's Center in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, about five miles off of UT 44. The caves and ledges of this scenic wonder offer glimpses into the ancient history of this area.

Sheep Creek Loop Drive: If you have some extra time, continue on UT 44 and turn left onto the Sheep Creek Loop Drive to the Ute Tower.

The Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway is sure to please your entire carload, thanks to a visit to the real Jurassic Park and views of today's beasts, such as elk, moose, and antelopes.

Find more useful information related to Utah's Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway:

  • Utah Scenic Drives: Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway is just one of the scenic byways in Utah. Check out the others.
  • Vernal: Find out what there is to do in this city along Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway.
  • Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Utah? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
  • How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.