Description - Flaming Gorge Dam, Reservoir, and Powerplant, features of the Colorado River Storage Project, are on the Green River in northeastern Utah about 32 miles downstream from the Utah-Wyoming border. After the Bureau of Reclamation built Flaming Gorge in the early 1960s, a National Recreation Area was established and recreation management was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service, Ashley National Forest, 435-789-1181.For information on current reservoir levels: reservoir levels The reservoir is located in both Utah and Wyoming. Situated 20 miles north of Vernal, Utah, at 6,040-foot elevation in a partial timber setting with 42,000 acres of surface area. Managed recreation season varies by campground location. Use high on holidays and weekends. Available fish species include rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Many U.S. Geological Service maps cover the area. Reservations accepted at certain sites. Fees charged.
Attractions
- The reservoir has 42,000 acres of surface area for boating, fishing and water sports. Free guided tours of the dam and power plant are conducted year-round by the Flaming Gorge Natural History Association. The 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 take place every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are two visitor centers within the National Recreation Area, the Red Canyon Visitor Center and the Flaming Forge Dam Visitor Center. Red Canyon is open from mid-May until after Labor Day. Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center is open from April through October with limited tours the rest of the year. For more information, contact the Intermoutain Natural History Association at (435) 885-3305. Historic sites open to the public within the National Recreation Area include a homestead ranch (Swett Ranch) and fire lookout tower (Ute Mountain Lookout Tower).
Recreation - Managed recreation season varies by campground location. Use high on holidays and seekends. Preferred activities include sightseeing, camping, and motorboating. Available species include rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Many U.S. Geological Service maps cover the area. Barrier-free interpretive trails and fishing opportunities available at various locations around the reservoir. Reservations accepted at certain sites. Fees charged. The Green River below the dam offers high quality fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout. Fishing guides and boats available. Climate - The climate of Utah varies with the terrain. Visitors to the mountains will experience cool summer nights and passing storms that can alter a sunny day very quickly. Be prepared with layers when recreating in the mountains.
The deserts and canyons of Utah can be dangerous places. Summer temperatures often reach above 100 degrees F, so be sure to carry water on all adventures. Flash floods in the canyons are also a threat. It is difficult to predict incoming weather when deep within a canyon so check reports before venturing into any narrow canyon areas.
Location -
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is situated 20 miles north of Vernal, Utah on the Utah/Wyoming border. All-weather access over State Rd. 44 and 260.
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