Hiking in Flaming Gorge Country
Wide Open Spaces, Without the Crowds
Looking to explore wide open spaces without fighting the crowds? Flaming Gorge Country is the perfect place for you discover on foot. The terrain throughout Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area ranges from high deserts in Sweetwater County, Wyoming to forested mountain slopes and high cliffs overlooking the reservoir in Utah. With hundreds of miles of diverse trails offering amazing scenery and abundant wildlife, the only question is where you should start.
Start With a Stroll
Stay close to the water and take in some amazing views of Lake Flaming Gorge and Red Canyon on the three-mile Bear Canyon Bootleg trail. The views from the end of this walk are especially breathtaking at sunset.
Looking for something you can’t get anywhere else? Try Fantasy Canyon, a less-than-one-mile walk through one of the most fragile and unique geological places in the world. Marvel at the interesting and fantastical geological features in this secluded area.
Take A Nice Hike
Take an 11-mile hike through the single and double track Dowd Mountain Trails. From this loop, see wildlife and scenery including a view that extends from the Utah side of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir into Wyoming. Think about packing a lunch to eat at one of the stunning overlooks.
For a shorter, but still moderate, hike, try Tamarack Lake. This trail is one of the best places to spot moose in Flaming Gorge Country. While the trail is a short 2.8 miles, the trailhead is at 10,429 feet, so hikers are advised to pace themselves!
Conquer An Epic Climb
Looking for a steep climb that is challenging but will reward you with unforgettable vistas? Try the Basset Springs Loop for a four-mile trek through groves of aspen and conifer forests with beautiful views. This loop is especially spectacular in the fall.
Avoid the desert heat, and follow the cool, mountain air into Ashley National Forest on the Elk Park trail. There are plenty of trout streams that follow the 18-mile loop, and the route offers outstanding Uinta Mountain and Flaming Gorge vistas.
Regardless of where in Flaming Gorge Country you choose to start, you can experience the most stunning views and spectacular wildlife in the area. For more trails, visit FlamingGorgeCountry.com.
If you still have energy after hiking in Flaming Gorge Country, check out our in-town trail systems.