Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway - Route Description

Route Description

The south end of this route starts out in Vernal, Uintah County at the intersection of US-40 and US-191. From there, it travels north on US-191, enters Ashley National Forest, and passes Steinaker State Park and Red Fleet State Park as it starts to climb into the Uinta Mountains. It continues north on its climb, encountering several switchbacks before topping out close to 8,400 feet (2,600 m) in elevation. As it gradually starts to descend it enters Daggett County before it enters Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Just inside the recreation area boundaries, the route splits in two.

Taking the right branch continues on US-191 to the northeast, passing over an inlet to Flaming Gorge Reservoir via a suspension bridge, before crossing Flaming Gorge Dam, and passing by the town of Dutch John. From here the route curves back around the southwest portion of Flaming Gorge reservoir, travelling northwest to Dutch John Gap, turning north through the gap, and turning to the northeast again after exiting Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, continuing until the Wyoming state border.

Taking the left branch, the route follows SR-44 westward, which forms the southern boundary of the recreation area in this area, roughly following the southern rim of Flaming Gorge, passing a turnoff to the Red Canyon Overlook and Visitors Center. As SR-44 approaches the western edge of the recreation area, it starts to turn in a northerly direction overall, descending in a series of turns as it approaches the southwestern tip of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and passes through Sheep Creek Gap. From this point, the route turns north, exits the recreation area, and continues a few miles further before it ends at the intersection of SR-43 in Manila.