Flaming Gorge Reservoir
4.8(241)google
BoatingFishingLakeScenic Lookout
Overview
Flaming Gorge Reservoir spans the border of Wyoming and Utah, offering a massive wonderland of red rock canyons, brilliant green-blue waters, and endless water recreation. Highly regarded for its world-class trout fishing, the reservoir is also incredibly popular for boating, waterskiing, and houseboating. Spectacular viewpoints like Red Canyon Rim offer stunning panoramic vistas of the colorful geologic formations below.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 0.5-1 day
Best TimeJune to September is top season for water sports, camping, and trophy trout fishing. In the late afternoon, the setting sun illuminates the red canyon walls against the emerald water, best captured from the Red Canyon Rim Overlook.
Getting ThereStraddles the Wyoming-Utah border. From Rock Springs, Wyoming, drive south along US Route 191 (US-191) for about 45 minutes to access the northern loop of the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway.
Travel Tips
- The reservoir spans Wyoming and Utah, and fishing licenses are state-specific. If boat fishing across state lines, you must purchase a Flaming Gorge Reciprocal Stamp to avoid heavy fines from wildlife law enforcement.
- The reservoir is massive and prone to sudden afternoon high winds and rough waves. Check water safety alerts at Lucerne Valley or Cedar Springs marinas; USCG laws strictly require life jackets for all children and water sports participants.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The premier overlook is the Red Canyon Rim Trail, which features high altitude and steep, unfenced drop-offs; keep children close. The access roads are susceptible to rockfalls immediately following heavy rainstorms.
Reviews
Positive
- The red canyon cliffs create a stunning color contrast against the deep blue water, offering unforgettable visuals.
- It is a premier destination for fishing, boating, and water sports, boasting pristine water and almost no commercial noise.
- The free guided tour provided at the dam's visitor center is top-notch, with staff explaining the dam's history thoroughly.
- The surrounding campgrounds and marina facilities are excellent, with clean restrooms and showers, all at budget-friendly rates.
Heads up
- The area is vast, requiring long drives between overlooks and marinas, with a lack of compact, walkable touring zones.
- Renting boats and water sports equipment is very pricey, and the surrounding dining choices are few and have short hours.
- Some roads leading to remote lakeside overlooks are bumpy, unpaved dirt tracks, making driving very difficult for low-clearance sedans.
- Winds can be fierce during spring and early summer, creating large waves on the lake that frequently force kayak and boat trips to cancel.