# Flaming Gorge–Uintas Scenic Byway

> This byway follows the eastern edge of the Uinta Mountains and the southern rim of Flaming Gorge Reservoir for about 150 miles. It starts in Vernal and runs o

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/flaming-gorge-uintas-byway/

This byway follows the eastern edge of the Uinta Mountains and the southern rim of Flaming Gorge Reservoir for about 150 miles. It starts in Vernal and runs on paved roads with light traffic.

- **State:** Utah
- **Length:** 150 mi (241 km)
- **Suggested time:** At least 5 hours with stops
- **Road:** US 191 and Utah Highway 44
- **Best season:** Summer; some roads close in winter

No toll roads expected for a car.

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

- 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.

## FAQs

**How long does the Flaming Gorge–Uintas byway take?**
Plan at least five hours with stops for the roughly 150 miles (about 241 km). With Sheep Creek Canyon, the dam and a dinosaur museum, a full day is more realistic.

**Is the byway open in winter?**
The main roads stay paved, but snow and ice can affect travel and some roads close in winter. Back roads vary, so check conditions with the Ashley National Forest office in Vernal.

**Is the byway suitable for a large motorhome?**
The main paved roads suit all vehicles. Some side roads do not: the Swett Ranch access may not suit large RVs and the Ute Tower road is rough. Check the Ashley National Forest before leaving pavement.

## Places to see

- [Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-dinosaur-quarry/)
- [Red Canyon Overlook](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-red-canyon-overlook/)
- [Flaming Gorge Dam](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-flaming-gorge-dam/)
- [Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-sheep-creek/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Utah](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/utah/)
- [All campsites in Wyoming](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/wyoming/)