Weekend Itinerary for Winter Adventure in Flaming Gorge Country

Top Ways to Experience the Season

Blessed with abundant natural beauty, like vast, tranquil waters and striking red-rock formations, Flaming Gorge Country is an outdoor lover’s paradise. In summer, it’s a hot spot for hiking, biking, boating, camping and world-class fishing. And when the reservoir waters ice over and snow blankets the buttes, this high-desert landscape completely transforms into a winter playground where adventure awaits.

Experience it all for yourself with this two-day winter-weekend itinerary in Flaming Gorge Country, complete with a scenic drive, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and, of course, ice fishing!

Friday Night: Settle In

The best places to set up your base are in Rock Springs or Green River, the closest towns in Wyoming to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. They offer a range of lodging and dining options, along with spots for you to pick up any supplies, like fishing gear or travel snacks.

Arrive in town early for the chance to explore the downtown areas and sample some of the local culture. Explore the boutique shops, walk through town to spot the vibrant murals, enjoy an ice-hockey game, watch a show at The Broadway theater or stop for drinks during happy hour.

Saturday Morning: Take a Scenic Cruise

Your Flaming Gorge Country weekend begins with a coffee stop and a scenic morning drive along the western side of the gorge to the Flaming Gorge Resort. Along the way, you can soak in the views at some of the region’s most stunning places.

Be sure to make pit stops at Lucerne Valley Marina, Sheep Creek Overlook, Dowd Mountain Overlook, Red Canyon Visitor Center (arguably the most beautiful locale on the entire route) and Little Fire Hole Canyon. 

This 75-mile drive takes about 3 hours if you drive straight or all morning if you spend some time at these breathtaking vistas. Be on the lookout for wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, foxes, coyotes, eagles and hawks, all commonly seen along these highways.

There are plenty of year-round scenic drives around Sweetwater County and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, just be sure to check road conditions before setting out to explore. If possible, opt for a vehicle with four-wheel drive, stock extra supplies and tell someone when you plan to return.

Directions:

From Green River, take WY-530 South to UT-44 East and then drive north on US-191 to Rock Springs.

Saturday Afternoon: Romp in the Snow (H2)

The afternoon is all about playing in the snow. When you arrive at Flaming Gorge Resort, enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading to the on-site store for cross-country ski rentals. Once you’re all geared up, it’s time to hit the trails. Consider the Bear Canyon Bootleg Trail, a 3.2-mile trek that goes to the Bear Canyon Overlook and back, or try one of the many other local cross-country ski/snowshoeing trails. Snowmobile owners can bring their sleds and ride along snowy trails.

After you’ve had your fun in the snow, you should still have time to see the spectacular Flaming Gorge Dam (just 4 miles east of Flaming Gorge Resort) before the sun sets. Then continue along US-191 to Interstate 80 and return to Rock Springs or Green River for dinner and perhaps a drink.

If you have your own cross-country skis or snowshoes, head back to the Wyoming side of the reservoir for the most secluded trails and the best opportunities to encounter wildlife.

Sunday: Catch the Big One

Now that you’ve taken in the views and tromped through the snow, you’re ready for the weekend’s main attraction: ice fishing. From mid-December to mid-March, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers some of the best ice fishing anywhere. You’ll find record-breaking lake trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass, as well as burbot in the lake.

For the best fishing on the reservoir, we recommend three places:

1. On the Green River arm of the gorge, set up your gear near Firehole Canyon Campground, reachable from the end of FR-106 off US-191.
2. On the Blacks Fork arm, fish Halfway Hollow at the end of FR-050 off WY-530.
3. In the Confluence area, at the end of FR-012, also off WY-530.

Plan to spend a chilly, yet relaxing day on the lake punctuated by the thrill of reeling in some potentially big catches. To make the most of your adventure, read our guide to world-class ice fishing in Sweetwater County.

Be safe! Dress warm, bring water and supplies, and always tell someone where you're fishing. Be sure to check out the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website for local ice-fishing regulations before you go.

When the sun sets and you’ve taken stock of the day’s catch, it’s time to head home or back to your hotel. Or you can keep the fun going with some night fishing. Burbot are most active for the first few hours after dark. Either way, you should have some Flaming Gorge fishing stories and memories from the weekend to last you until your next visit.

More Winter Fun

Check out our calendar of events before your next visit to see if you can compete in one of our local ice-fishing contests or find other exciting winter activities happening during your trip.