Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

At a glance

Visual character

“The Green River cuts a dramatic red canyon through the Uinta Mountains — Flaming Gorge Reservoir reflects the fiery red cliffs. A classic Western canyon-lake combination with motorboat access and remote canyon arms.”

About

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area straddles the Utah-Wyoming border where the Green River has carved dramatic red canyon walls through the Uinta Mountains. The reservoir's blue water reflects the fiery red and orange canyon walls that give the area its name — creating a color contrast of remarkable cinematic intensity. Red Canyon Overlook, accessible by paved road, delivers one of the most dramatic canyon-reservoir panoramas in the American West without requiring a single mile of hiking. The reservoir's sinuous canyon arms, accessible by motorboat, provide isolated filming environments with towering vertical walls. The area is primarily managed by Ashley National Forest (US Forest Service) with some BLM jurisdiction. Commercial filming permits are required from the Forest Service. Dutch John and Green River, Wyoming provide modest lodging options. Vernal, Utah (40 miles) has more substantial services. An excellent Wyoming-Utah border location with varied canyon and water aesthetics.

Where you'll be