Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

National Treasure Visited #20 on Shea’s Ultimate American Quest
First Experienced During Quest On: May 29, 2024

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a breathtaking destination known for its vivid red canyon walls and the expansive waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Designated as a national recreation area to protect its natural beauty and support public enjoyment, Flaming Gorge is a playground for boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Anglers are drawn from around the country to fish its legendary trout waters, while scenic byways and overlooks offer spectacular canyon views and distant Uinta Mountains.

Flaming Gorge also holds geological and paleontological significance, with layers of rock dating back over 100 million years and occasional dinosaur fossil discoveries. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs, scenic overlooks, and varied ecosystems from alpine forests to arid plateaus. The Flaming Gorge Dam is essential in the Colorado River Storage Project, which is responsible for storing and distributing water from the upper Colorado River Basin.

A serene landscape features a clear blue sky above towering, layered rock formations. These cliffs are beautifully reflected in a still, reflective body of water. The foreground displays a sandy, pebble-covered shore. The scene exudes tranquility and natural beauty.

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries Tagged with Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Sign for Firehole Canyon Recreation Complex in the foreground, with boat launch and camping details. Expansive desert landscape and flat-topped mesas under a clear blue sky stretch across Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Sparse vegetation and a paved road lead into the area.
Firehole Canyon in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Having camped at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area a few years ago, I wanted to return and check out one of the more isolated areas, and Firehole Canyon was perfect.
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Vast landscape with rugged terrain and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. The foreground features dense green shrubs and grasses, while the background shows rolling hills with stratified rock layers, creating a contrast with the bright sky. Distant mountains meet the horizon.
A serene lake reflects the clear blue sky, surrounded by gently sloping hills under bright sunlight. A dirt path runs alongside the water, curving into the distance. The landscape is tranquil and open, with no visible vegetation or people.
A solitary antelope stands amid grass and shrubs in a vast, open landscape. Dirt paths lead through the scene, with rolling hills and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky. Sparse greenery indicates a dry, rugged terrain.
A vast desert landscape showcases a rugged terrain with sparse shrubs and grasses. Rolling hills and mesas rise in the background under a clear blue sky. The scene exudes a sense of arid wilderness and open space, suggesting a remote and natural environment.
A vast, shallow part of the Green River reflects a rugged desert landscape under a clear blue sky. The arid terrain features layered mesas and plateaus with reddish and beige hues. Sparse vegetation dots the shoreline, while the water mirrors the cliffs and open sky, creating a tranquil scene.
A serene lake with clear, greenish water in the foreground, leading to a rocky shoreline. In the background, a flat-topped mountain with layers of red and brown rock rises under a clear blue sky. Sparse vegetation lines the shore.
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