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Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area wilderness guide
National Recreation Area · UT, WY

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers a spectacular blend of rugged canyon scenery and thrilling water sports, drawing outdoor enthusiasts to its shimmering reservoir and surrounding landscapes.

National Recreation Area207,3634+ Trails

Designation

National Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

207,363

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers a spectacular blend of rugged canyon scenery and thrilling water sports, drawing outdoor enthusiasts to its shimmering reservoir and surrounding landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area straddles the border of Utah and Wyoming, encompassing the impressive Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which was created by the construction of the Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River. Covering approximately 207,363 acres, the area presents a stunning backdrop of red rock cliffs and expansive waters. The reservoir stretches over 91 miles, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The area's unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species. Historically, the area was explored by John Wesley Powell in 1869, and today it remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic enjoyment. Visitors can embark on numerous hiking and biking trails, explore the abundant wildlife, and visit the vibrant Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center, which offers insights into the area's natural and cultural history.

Field Guide · National Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Fishing in the Green River near Moab★ 7.8⌖ 0 miFly Fishing
Spillway Boat Launch Road

Fishing in the Green River near Moab

Enjoy fishing in the clear waters of the Green River near Moab, Utah. A great spot for fly fishing, this area offers opportunities to catch trout in a scenic landscape. Suitable for families with great access points and best visited in spring or fall.

Fly FishingView Details→
Majestic Waters at Green River★ 8.8⌖ 6 miRafting
Green River

Majestic Waters at Green River

Explore the Green River's majestic scenery with thrilling rafting and superb fishing opportunities. Located near Green River, Utah, it's a water lover's paradise best enjoyed in spring.

Flaming Gorge's Majestic Wonder★ 8.7⌖ 13 miBoating
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge's Majestic Wonder

Explore Flaming Gorge's breathtaking landscapes, ideal for fishing, boating, and hiking. Enjoy panoramic views from Red Canyon Rim Trail and thrilling rafting on the Green River. This area in Manila, UT is a must-visit for adventure seekers.

Aspen Nature Trail: Vernal's Green Haven★ 6.8⌖ 13 miHiking
Aspen Nature Trail

Aspen Nature Trail: Vernal's Green Haven

Explore the peaceful Aspen Nature Trail near Vernal, UT. This easy trail meanders through vibrant aspen groves and offers wildlife viewing opportunities. It's popular for its accessibility and is especially beautiful in the fall.

Majestic Landscapes: Ashley National Forest★ 8.7⌖ 41 miHiking
Ashley National Forest

Majestic Landscapes: Ashley National Forest

Explore Ashley National Forest near Vernal, Utah, encompassing over 1.3 million acres of diverse landscapes. Popular for hiking, kayaking, and trout fishing. Best visited in spring and fall. Watch for elk, deer, and black bears.

Majestic Castle Rock in Wyoming★ 7.5⌖ 43 miViewing
Castle Rock

Majestic Castle Rock in Wyoming

Castle Rock in Green River, WY offers a serene spot for photographers and history enthusiasts. Known for its layered sandstone, this landmark provides sweeping views and quiet exploration opportunities, best in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The breathtaking Red Canyon Overlook provides panoramic views of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.✦ Spotting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in their natural habitat along the cliffs.✦ Embark on a scenic float trip down the Green River from below the Flaming Gorge Dam.✦ The lesser-known Clay Basin offers remote camping and hiking opportunities.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee, but some activities require permits or fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Red Canyon Campground

Located near the Red Canyon Rim, offering instant access to scenic trails and stunning canyon views.

Firefighters Memorial Campground

A family-friendly site near the reservoir, well-suited for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Dutch John
⌖ 1.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dutch John, Utah

A rugged gateway town offering direct access to wild rivers, desert canyons, and high desert plateaus for adventurous souls seeking both solitude and adrenaline.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Manila
⌖ 16.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Manila, Utah

A quiet town offering easy access to the natural splendor of the Flaming Gorge and Uintas, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring to FallExplore Town
Vernal
⌖ 32.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Vernal, Utah

A vibrant town offering a gateway to Utah's breathtaking landscapes, perfect for explorers seeking a blend of outdoor action and scenic splendor.

Spring to FallExplore Town
Jensen
⌖ 37.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jensen, Utah

A rugged gateway town sitting on the edge of the Colorado River, Jensen offers raw desert landscapes and authentic access to world-class river trips and canyon adventures.

Spring through early FallExplore Town
Lapoint
⌖ 40.40 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lapoint, Utah

A quiet desert gateway offering rugged, backcountry experiences with access to desert hiking, mountain biking, paddling nearby, and winter snow adventures in the Uinta Mountains.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Rock Springs
⌖ 47.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rock Springs, Wyoming

A rugged high-desert town with wide open landscapes perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

One-Day Green River | Rafting in Jensen, UtahJensen, Utah · 23.90 mi away
On the Water· Adrift Adventures Dinosaur National Monument

One-Day Green River | Rafting in Jensen, Utah

Discover the thrill of rafting on Utah's Green River with a guided full-day trip in Jensen. Experience exciting rapids, stunning canyon scenery, and wildlife encounters—perfect for adventurers of all levels. Keep reading to find out what makes this trip a must-do outdoor adventure.

8 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.