Sightseeing at Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge Dam

Take the guided tour of the 502-foot high Flaming Gorge Dam . Flaming Gorge Dam is located on the Green River in northeastern Utah. Construction of the dam was completed in 1964, and full operation of the dam and reservoir began in 1967. The powerplant began commercial operation in 1963. Reclamation operates the powerplant located at the base of the dam, and the Western Area Power Administration (Western) markets the power. Reservoir releases through the powerplant currently range from 800 to 4,700 cubic feet per second.

Tours take between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Winter tours are offered Friday through Monday every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Summer tours are offered every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are required to pass through metal detectors, and large bags or packages are not allowed in the visitor center or on the tours.

The Flaming Gorge - Uintas Scenic Byway is accessible from the north. Its two northernmost points are in either Manila or the Utah/Wyoming border on the east side of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. A 66.5-mile road that descends 3,000 feet into Vernal, Utah and curves alongside Flaming Gorge Reservoir, offering magnificent views and a one of a kind opportunity to see dozens of geologic formations. You will see the billion-year-old exposed core of the Uinta Mountains near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Theme "Wildlife Through the Ages," this byway features 4 nature trails. Throughout the byway, interpretive pullouts and geological signs explain the evolution of the area's geology and wildlife, both past and present. Enjoy the spectacular view from Red Canyon Overlook . Whatever you do, bring your camera!

Red Canyon is a fantastic gorge carved over the years by the mighty Green River. In 1964, the floodgates of Flaming Gorge Dam were created from the waters of the Green River. The color contrast between the red walls of Red Canyon and the green/blue color of the lake is indeed photo worthy.

The sheer silent cliffs of Red Canyon may seem oblivious to the passage of time, but scattered along its ledges, in its caves and along its upper reaches are traces of a long and amazing tale. Its geologic story covers eons of time. More than 10,000 years ago individuals hunted now extinct large mammals in the grasslands just north of Red Canyon and may have camped on the edges of the canyon.

Steep cliffs 1,350 feet high offer spectacular views of the lake. Visitor Center is open daily during the summer 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 435-889-3713.

Oscar Swett Historic Ranch Restoration offers a glimpse of local pioneer life. In 1909, Oscar and Emma Swett filed a homestead claim and started a cattle ranch and later a sawmill near present-day Greendale, Utah. From 1909 to 1970, Oscar and Emma Swett lived on their ranch until Oscar's death in 1968, and Emma moved to Vernal in the fall of 1970.