Sunset At Flaming Gorge

00:00     Title
00:15     Flaming Gorge Sunset
03:00     Jug Hollow
06:35     Mustang Ridge
09:25     Red Canyon
18:40     Wyoming Scenic Byway 530
21:33     Fin
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The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located on the border of Utah and Wyoming. The Utah side is heavily forested and red rock outcrops dominate the mountain landscape. The topography of this region was first documented by the John Wesley Powell during the Green River Expedition back in the late 1860s. Powell noted that he was mesmerized by the bright reflection of sunlight in the red canyons along this stretch of the Green River and appropriately named it Flaming Gorge.

For those who have never been to northeast Utah, the terrain does vary greatly in this region. Part of the landscape is composed of the continuation of the red rock Canyonlands terrain, while rolling hills with green forests are more frequently seen. There are plenty of mountain lakes, rivers and deep canyons in northeast Utah, so a sunset cruise in this area is guaranteed to be thrilling.

There are many hills and valleys around Flaming Gorge, so several different dramatic sunsets can be viewed while leisurely touring a 20 mile stretch of road. Because of the deep canyons and gorges, it can be pitch black dark for a few miles, then bright as day in the next section of road. Folks that live in the mountains are used to all this, but for a neophyte the experience will likely overwhelm the senses.

The main attraction at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is the Green River Reservoir Lake that runs north into Wyoming. The main body of this navigable lake is located on the Utah side of the state line and this is where the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center can be found. The Flaming Gorge Dam is the best choice for watching the final sunset of the day after cruising through the surrounding mountains, since the views extend into the western horizon and the glow of the setting sun will fill the sky with bright colors.

The deep navigable water in Flaming Gorge makes this reservoir lake a boaters paradise. This reservoir lake is also a dream come true for sport fisherman. Flaming Gorge is the home of trophy size Lake Trout which can weigh over 40 pounds, so be prepared for an extreme tug of war when doing some fly fishing! Boating on the Green River has been a popular pastime ever since the days of John Wesley Powell and there is nothing like a relaxing lazy day of floating in cool water while enjoying some spectacular red rock scenery. As far as finding relief from the extreme summer heat is concerned, it simply does not get any better than Flaming Gorge!