Flaming Gorge–Uintas Scenic Byway

What should you know before visiting Flaming Gorge–Uintas Scenic Byway?

No toll roads expected for a car.

• The main roads are paved and suitable for all vehicles. Snow and ice can affect winter travel and some roads close, so ask the Ashley National Forest office in Vernal about conditions.
• Full services are in Vernal and Manila. Red Canyon, Flaming Gorge Lodge and Dutch John offer limited services, so top up fuel and supplies in the towns.
• The dirt access road to Swett Ranch may not suit large RVs, and the Ute Tower lookout needs about 1.5 miles of rough unpaved road. Skip them with a big rig.

The drive

From Vernal, drive north on US 191 to Greendale Junction, then west on Utah Highway 44 to Manila. A side trip continues north on US 191 to Dutch John. Stops include the Quarry Exhibit Hall with about 1,500 embedded dinosaur bones, the Red Canyon Overlook about 1,700 feet above the reservoir, the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Loop (roughly 13 to 15 miles, depending on the source) and Flaming Gorge Dam with its visitor center.

Camping

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has many Forest Service campgrounds, bookable through Recreation.gov or first come, first served depending on the site. Steinaker and Red Fleet State Parks near Vernal also offer camping. Dispersed camping is generally possible in many national forest areas, but each forest sets its own stay limits, and some areas are restricted. Read the Ashley National Forest camping pages or ask the Vernal office before you camp outside a campground.

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