Experience truly wild country just a few hours from a major metropolitan area. Unspoiled and lacking the crowds of most recreation areas, Flaming Gorge Country is an outdoor wonderland. Year-round recreational opportunities are centered on the 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the famed Green River. There is a wide range of active pursuits to fill your days, or you can just sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery and watch the abundant wildlife.

Halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonland National Parks, the lake, river and surrounding area in southern Wyoming and Northeastern Utah are designated National Recreation Areas. A rewarding stop along your tour of the natural wonders of the West, it provides the contrast in scenery for which the West is famous, from the rugged Uinta Mountains to the expansive Wyoming deserts. This spectacular combination serves as home to a variety of big-game animals, including moose, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep.

Rich in Western lore, Flaming Gorge Country was home to mountain men, pioneers, outlaws and Native Americans. John C. Fremont and John Wesley Powell were early visitors during their scientific explorations of the West. In his 1869 journey down the Green River, Powell named many local landmarks: Flaming Gorge, Horseshoe Canyon, Red Canyon, the Gates of Lodore – names that attest to the dramatic scenery that still impresses visitors today. The legends of Butch Cassidy, Jim Bridger and Queen Anne Bassett were forged in this country. Historic Swett Ranch, Brown's Park, Fort Bridger, and the Oregon Trail all offer carefully preserved glimpses of the early days of the Western frontier.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Flaming Gorge Country may have no equal. From an exciting raft trip to a leisurely scenic drive - the choices are endless. Boating, rafting and fishing are only some of the ways to enjoy our Flaming Gorge Country. Hiking, biking and camping reward visitors with an intimate encounter with the splendid backcountry.

Scenic drives are an easy way to experience Flaming Gorge's beauty. In fact, one of the best ways to see our famous wild horses is to look right out your car window! Our premier tour is the recently completed Flaming Gorge-Unitas National Scenic Byway, offering many roadside exhibits and short nature trails. Most of the other highways are designated state scenic byways. Side trips, like the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop Tour, offer exciting views of bighorn sheep.

The fun doesn't end with the warm weather. Winter is a magical time of year here in Flaming Gorge Country. Whether on cross-country skis or snowmobiles, there are miles of trails to explore. Come share the winter solitude with our spectacular wildlife. Enjoy year-round fishing or a cozy sleigh ride.

Of course, there is fishing in Flaming Gorge Country. From enormous Macs in the lake to big browns, cuts and bows in the river, renowned world-class fishing is found here. The scenic lake waters are the prime habitat for a variety of trophy fish, including hefty Mackinaw (lake) trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and delicious Kokanee salmon. In fact, many world-record fish have come from our lake! The Green River, below Flaming Gorge Dam, is regarded as one of the finest tailwater fisheries in the world. It is a prime fly-fishing destination, offering abundant populations of huge rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is managed by the USDA Forest Service, Ashley National Forest, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Over 600 camping and picnic units (including boat-in and floating camps), two visitor centers, over a hundred miles of trails, and many other visitor facilities offer you a wide range of recreational opportunities. The Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center is open year-round. Some facilities are fully handicap accessible, including camp sites, picnic sites, and fishing platforms.

If you are looking for the undiscovered, untrammeled wilderness of the past you need look no further. Flaming Gorge Country is truly the adventure next door. Ask our knowledgeable staff at Red Canyon Lodge to help you with any of your activities during your visit to Flaming Gorge Country.

NOTE: FLAMING GORGE HAS A RECREATION FEE PROGRAM. Click here to go to Information on Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Fees.