59°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

Flaming Gorge offers plentiful outdoor activities

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area isn’t among the most famous outdoor destinations, but perhaps it should be. Certainly, if you plan a northern trip to Wyoming’s Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks, consider a side trip to Flaming Gorge. Located in a remote area of northeast Utah and southwest Wyoming, this is an outdoorsman’s paradise. The most popular activities are fishing, boating, rafting, hiking and camping.

When Maj. John Wesley Powell and his men traveled down the Green River in 1869, beginning his exploration of the Green and Colorado rivers, he named it Flaming Gorge for the brilliant colors of the red rocks.

Summer temperatures are very pleasant here, thanks to the high elevations. The reservoir, for example, is about 6,000 feet above sea level, yet the Red Canyon Campground area is at 7,400. You can expect daily highs in the 80s at the lower elevations and much cooler in the surrounding mountains.

The main reason people visit is to take advantage of the 42,000-acre Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This lake was created after the Flaming Gorge Dam was completed in 1964, impounding the Green River upstream and creating 360 miles of shoreline.

So much shoreline offers practically unlimited boating, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. There are numerous marinas throughout the reservoir, giving many options where to launch your craft.

If you are an angler, you won’t be disappointed; it’s no stretch to call the fishing world-class. Every key species here is a favorite: lake trout (Mackinaw), brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass and channel catfish.

Below the dam, the Green River flows hundreds of miles farther until it reaches the Colorado River, which then empties into Lake Powell. The section directly below Flaming Gorge Dam is popular for rafting and kayaking. Most visitors launch a rented boat from one of the local outfitters or resorts, travel down to Little Hole, and take the craft out. That is about a 7-mile trip and has a few easy to moderate sections of rapids, rated class I and II, depending on water release from the dam. Through local outfitters, rafting trips can also be extended into adventurous multiday excursions downstream.

This section of the river is also one of the best trout-fishing areas in the West, and you’ll find fly fishermen lining up along the banks or in the water, casting for a rainbow trout. If you fish here, be prepared for cold water; the flow from the dam is measured at 55 degrees or colder.

If you spend a night or longer here, you’ll find plenty of choices for camping and lodging. There are 43 campgrounds that have more than 700 campsites, located throughout the park. Dispersed camping is allowed on forest service land and is practically unlimited. Many other campsites can be accessed from the water. Furthermore, there is an unusual quantity of lodging, ranging from basic rooms with beds to full-service resorts. Most lodgings and services are at Dutch John, Utah, surrounding the dam.

For guided fishing, raft or scenic trips, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 435-784-3445 for information on the current permit holders. You can rent a kayak or raft from several businesses in the Dutch John area. They include Flaming Gorge Lodge, at 435-889-3773 or flaminggorgeresort.com, and Green River Outfitters, at 435-885-3338. For tours of the Flaming Gorge Dam call 435-885-3135.

Many of Deborah Wall’s columns have been compiled into books about hiking in the Southwest. She is also the author of “Great Hikes, a Cerca Country Guide” and a co-author of the book “Access For All, Seeing the Southwest With Limited Mobility.” Wall can be reached at Deborabus@aol.com.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Lady Eagles dominant so far in softball

Currently riding a three-game winning streak, Boulder City High School softball is on a roll, having not allowed a run yet in 3A play.

Oeland signs dotted line to play soccer

Boulder City High School girls soccer star Natasha Oeland will continue her journey at the next level, signing to play at local junior college College of Southern Nevada.

Sports Roundup: Volleyball squad moves to 5-3 early on

Starting league play off strong, Boulder City High School boys volleyball picked up a pair of dominant victories. Routing both Sloan Canyon and SLAM Academy 3-0, the Eagles advanced to 5-3 on the season.

Golfers look to improve upon last year’s mark

Coming off of a sixth-place finish at state last season, Boulder City High School boys golf has aspirations of competing at a high level.

Eagles poised for a repeat?

Fresh off a 3A state championship, Boulder City High School boys swimming is primed for a repeat season, behind a strong returning core.

Softball squad ready for league action

Starting the season off with a 2-3 record, Boulder City High School softball is eager to get into league play.

Young baseball squad has high expectations

Featuring a young and inexperienced team, Boulder City High School baseball will look to compete for a postseason berth this season.

Cook expected to again lead softball squad

Fresh off a 3A state tournament appearance, Boulder City High School softball will look to make a return trip, behind a talented roster.

Eagles look to keep volleyball streak alive

Looking to claim their fourth consecutive 3A state championship, Boulder City High School boys volleyball starts the season off with high expectations.

Girls track looking for greater success; boys lose top hurdler

Returning multiple key athletes who made an impact at the 3A state meet last season, Boulder City High School girls track and field could be a force to be reckoned with this season.