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Top 5 Things To Do Flaming Gorge Recreation Area

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Top 5 Things to do when visiting Flaming Gorge

A beautiful place that is a must visit in the Uintah Basin is the one and only Flaming Gorge. This beautiful natural environment gives you so many different and unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are activities for every personality to enjoy, from the most outdoorsy person to the home body. Narrowing down all that the hardest part of visiting the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area. Here are the top rated adventures of Flaming Gorge.

  1. Boating on Flaming Gorge Reservoir

There are many boating sports activities that can be done on the reservoir. These activities include water skiing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking and many more. The lake itself is a great place for family gatherings or solo adventures.

  1. Visiting Red Canyon Lodge

Red Canyon Lodge is a very popular place for many tourists as well as the locals. It is a great place for a day away from the city or a camping trip. The lodge hosts many activities such as horseback riding, private lake for trout fishing and riding the rental paddle boats. There are also cabins for rent perfect for large or small groups. The Alpine Cabins are open to rent through the Spring and Fall seasons and the Ponderosa Cabins are available for rent any night of the year. 

  1. River Rafting

Another top pick for visiting Flaming Gorge is a one day guided rafting trip down the Green River. Dinosaur River Expeditions provides a single day scenic rafting trip perfect for people looking for a life changing experience. It is an astounding scenic trip with a few super fun class II rapids thrown in this trip is one of Utah’s top single day rafting tours. Dinosaur River also offers 2 or 3 day rafting trips in the Flaming Gorge area for groups of 6 or more. This section of the Green River also provides world renowned fly fishing for trout. There are several excellent fly fishing guide services in the area, it is highly recommended to hire a guide these trout can be tricky to catch. 

Flaming Gorge Green River rafting
Vernal, Utah One Day River Rafting Trip
  1. Flaming Gorge Dam Tour

Learning about the history of Flaming Gorge Dam is very simple thanks to the tour the visitor center provides. This tour is open daily from April 15 to October 15 and the cost is free. During this tour, a movie, a 3-D display, and a walk through are provided for free. The walking tour starts at the dam’s visitor center and takes you down through the internal workings of this massive concrete structure to the base of the dam where the Green River pours out of its inner plumbing. Many great views and excellent information are provided by the Flaming Gorge Dam Tour.

Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center

  1. Hiking

Countless hikes surround the area of Flaming Gorge. The trails all provide a different experience with the widely diverse trail routes and abundance of wildlife. There is a trail for every one of all levels of experience and age. Some of the more popular hikes are the Little Hole Trail, Moonshine Arch, and Bear Canyon. If you don’t want to hike, there are options for biking as well. In the wintertime, many people also use the trails for cross country skiing as well as snow shoeing. For information on hiking the Ashley National Forest can provide you with directions, maps and information to get you to the trail head. 

Flaming Gorge is an amazing place full of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. It is a place for anyone and everyone to enjoy and discover through adventure. Either if it is through hiking, river rafting or any of the other activities, the visit to Flaming Gorge will be worth it.

5 Great Restaurants After Your Utah Rafting Trip

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So you just came off an excursion down one of Utah’s gorgeous rivers. You’ve had camp meals for the past several days. Or maybe just a deli lunch on a day float. Maybe even just a granola bar and some trail mix. Yes, you may have been exposed to sun, wind, possibly even rain I could imagine. You’ve packed and unpacked a boat numerous times, even if it was just this morning and just this evening. Anyway you cut it, you’ve likely worked up an appetite – and not an appetite to do more work. You’re returning to civilization, and while that may be hard it certainly comes with some perks. Perks like near limitless meal options, and someone else preparing the food for you to boot. The only hard part of this equation is where to eat?

 

Dinosaur Brewhaus

If you’re coming out of Dinosaur National Monument after a 4 or 5 day trip on the Green River Gates of Lodore or Yampa River, Vernal Utah boasts several great spots to sate your hunger. One simply shouldn’t leave Vernal without trying out the Dinosaur Brewhaus. It’s simple pub fair, but has a down-home and delicious taste, with complimentary peanuts while you wait, and a variety of Utah beers on hand. They’re used to their fare share of river runners, so come in whatever condition you leave the boat ramp in! 

 

Sabaku Sushi

Say you’re enjoying the day float in Moab, or coming off the monstrous waves of Cataract canyon, Moab is well equipped to meet your gastronomic desires. The unbeatable Sabaku Sushi serves up incredible options from our river running friend and amazing chef Alex Borichevsky. Not only does he know great river running he serves up delectable fresh sushi offerings. This is a Moab favorite.

 

Vernal Brewing Company

Maybe you just finished up a classic Utah 1 day Flaming Gorge Green River trip and are looking for a little more flare to your evening meal. For more variety and atmosphere, the Vernal Brewing Company is top notch. They boast a wide selection of entrees and of course have their locally brewed beer on tap. Try the Little Hole Lager or the local favorite the 50 Caliber IPA, and other craft and domestic beers as well. The brewing operation is a sight to behold, but if you’re hoping for a tour I’d recommend cleaning up a tad before asking about a table.

 

Ray’s Tavern

Coming off of a Desolation Canyon/Grays river trip, you end up in the small town of Green River Utah. Good bang for your buck is Ray’s Tavern, a quaint little eatery that’s got its roots in the river running community. Enjoy burgers and sandwiches all the while marveling at some amazing shots of whitewater from the sports’ long and storied history.

 

Taggart’s Grill

Paddling out of Park City will likely put you on the Weber River, a calm stretch of water that runs along train tracks and highway 84. Raft, kayak, or tube this river (pick up your trash!) and enjoy the Taggart’s Grill at the take out. Taggart’s Grill offers exquisitely crafted sandwiches, soups, and pizzas. They’re in house desserts – like their carrot cake – are out of this world, and their beer selection isn’t too bad to boot. Just remember, no shirt, no shoes, no service.

 

 

High Water River Rafting

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If you live anywhere around the mountain west, or you have been following the news then you’ve probably had your eye on the weather forecast this winter. Jackson Hole broke records this year for snowfall in February, Utah is breaking snowfall records in April. Ski enthusiast or not, the snowfall this year has been exciting. It’s some much needed drought relief for one and for those who aren’t the biggest fans of winter, it means a green spring and summer. Lots of snow becomes lots of water flow. Creeks will be swollen to bank full, rare stretches of river – like the Dolores – will have enough water to float down.

A big snow pack means a great rafting season. High water, depending on the stretch of river means big hits in big waves. Current will be strong as long as cfs (cubic feet per second) remain high. So how do you define “high” water? That’s entirely dependent on the stretch of river you’re looking at. Let’s take a look at the Yampa. The Yampa River is a good gauge of what high water looks like for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is un-dammed. It’s not something we think of often, as most of the major dam building projects in this country happened in the 1950’s. However, there are some rivers that still flow wild and free. No dam means no one has their hand on the faucet, so to speak. This means spring runoff and snow melt run down the head waters and through the river unchecked by reservoirs. Typical high-water season on the Yampa River occurs mid-May to early June and is anywhere from 12,000 – 16,000 cfs through Dinosaur National Monument. After the spring peak, the flows steadily decrease until they hover anywhere from 600 to 12 cfs – too low to raft. This year the river basin that feeds the Yampa is reporting 119% of a thirty-year median. So, what does this mean? Typically, depending on how quickly things warm up as we move into spring and summer, the spring peak will come later and will be more sustained. A more sustained peak means a longer running season generally.

So why all the buzz? Other than the big hits in big white water, the additional water for irrigation and storage in the reservoirs downstream, it’s a huge boon for the environment at large. The native species of the Yampa and by extension the Green and Colorado rivers are dependent on high seasonal floods for spawning purposes. More water brings more nutrient and more sediment downstream, restoring the beaches we love to camp along and feeding the animals we love observing. And while the Yampa may be emblematic of what high water looks like, it is by no means the only river where the water will rage this summer. All across the west snow pack’s are well above their average. Even with dams, side creeks will swell and fill their mother rivers. And reservoirs can only get so full and that water must go somewhere and that somewhere is downstream.

Excited? Good, you should be. I would be remiss in my duties as a whitewater enthusiast if I didn’t urge a touch of caution. When looking to get on the water this year prepare yourself appropriately. This means selecting river runs that are suitable for your ability. Like checking the avalanche forecast, check flows before you go and what they are forecast to do. Make sure you and your team have the necessary equipment to enjoy the whitewater safely. And for any stretches you feel you can’t do on your own, there are experienced and reliable outfitters who are there to ferry you safe and sound down the river. Stay safe and stay excited! It’s our collective passion for these places that keeps them pristine for generations to come.

Utah Adventure’s

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Utah boasts the greatest snow on Earth, home to incredible national parks, amazing hiking, mountain biking and river rafting. For skiers the powder snow is light and airy, and the mountains have available terrain for skiers of all ability levels. Indeed, there’s good reason the winter games came to our humble little capital in 2002. Salt Lake City – or Small Lake City, as some call it – is within a 30 to 45 minute drive of eight mountain resorts, including Park City, Snowbasin which hosted the men and women’s downhill, and the famous (or infamous) Snowbird and Alta (skiers only). And it’s no secret. During the winter holidays rental shops and hotels are inundated with travelers from all over the county, even the world. But, in this writer’s opinion, they are missing some of the best Utah has to offer.

Something magical happens come March’s end. Slowly but surely the temperature begins to rise, and all that wonderful snow becomes something the desert West needs so desperately. Water. As spring progresses the snow recedes, a color change to give autumn a run for its money occurs. The foothills and mountains bloom into yellows, purples, and greens. In the lowlands incredible flowers start to bloom. The red Indian paintbrush makes an appearance alongside claret cup cactus and the state flower the brilliant white Sego lily making for a spectacular wildflower show. Starting in May before the heat takes hold, checkout Arches and Zion national parks. The smooth rock makes for easy hiking and incredibly mountain biking.

By June most of the mountain trails are dry. Grab a pair of hiking boots and a water bottle and you can easily enjoy the stunning vistas along the Wasatch. Around Salt Lake, there is easy access to any number of trails of differing difficulty. The Bonneville Shoreline trail – so named as it is the ancient shoreline of a great inland sea – is a mellow and planar trail that spans a great distance. As the summer heats up in July and August, head into the Uintas. Speckled with lakes and covered in pines, its a wonderful place to escape the heat. The lakes and creeks support trout, and the surrounding woodland are home to deer, elk, and moose.

The tried and true best way to beat the heat of summer is to grab a paddle and get wet. While your’e in the Uinta mountains, check out Dutch John, Utah and the Green River. Starting just below the Flaming Gorge dam is a gorgeous section of the Green River. This seven-mile section is perfect for the avid fisherman and those wanting to enjoy a scenic one day float trip. Those with a bigger adventure in mind should continue downstream to Lodore Canyon on the Green River through Dinosaur National Monument. Typically undertaken as a four day trip, this section is chock full of side hikes, beautiful sand beaches, and terrific whitewater. For a similar must do adventure, one should take the five day trip down Colorado’s Yampa River also flowing through Dinosaur National Monument. This beautiful sandstone canyon houses the last un-dammed tributary of the Colorado and Green river systems. Here you can see traces of the ancient peoples that once called this place home. There is abundant rock art, and sites that are still home to ancient granaries. As always there is stupendous white water. You’ll get wet, but you won’t get scared.

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway for world class snow skiing or looking for a longer adventure Utah has something for everyone. Try a fully guided Colorado or Utah white water river rafting adventure today.

Vernal Utah Single Day River Rafting Adventure

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Visiting Vernal, Utah and looking for a family fun activity? We offer an excellent introduction to river rafting with our one day raft trip on the Green River starting from the base of the Flaming Gorge Dam. This river trip is an incredible 7 mile float trip with spectacular scenery, peaceful stretches of calm water interspersed with fun class 2 white water. Our experienced guide staff will meet you at our Vernal location at 8:30 a.m. the morning of your day rafting tour. The guide staff will orient you to what items you may want to bring for the day such as sunscreen, camera, water bottle, light jacket and provide you with a water proof day bag to secure your personal items while floating the river. We typically depart for the river by 9:00 a.m. the drive to the river is approximately 50 minutes. Once at the shore of the Green River the guides will set you up with life jackets, safety speech and provide directions about the rafts being used for the day.

Once you start the float trip the guides will provide you with interpretation about the region, pointing out geology, fauna, plant life and tell stories of the human history that has occured along the river. This corner of Utah has some unbelievable rock formations, the Uinta Mountain Group is the predominant geological formation along the river. This rock is approximately 700 to 800 millions year old. The river itself is one of the top cold water trout fisheries. There is an estimated 8,000 brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout per mile along this section of the Green River. With the crystal clear waters you can see the fish swimming beneath the rafts as you float past. A highlight for young kids. Mule deer, big horn sheep are another common site along the way. Along with a large variety of bird life.

River Rafting Green River
Single day river rafting Utah’s Green River

Rapids on this section of the Green River are rated at Class 2 on a scale of 1 to 6. Class 6 rapids being unrunnable and class 1 water being very calm and peaceful. The class 2 rapids are perfect for beginners, young children they are fun but not scary. A couple of our favorite rapids are Bridge Rapid, Mother In Law and Dripping Springs. Splashy, great waves and lots of fun for everyone.

A deli sandwich buffet lunch served with all of the fixings will be served up mid way on the trip. The lunch spread has a little of something for everyone. Fresh fruits and vegetables, variety of lunch meats and deli sliced cheeses. Treats such as licorice and cookies, lemonade and ice water. Lunch is always a hit after paddling 3 or 4 miles along the river. After a nice lunch stop you will load the rafts and finish the raft trip to the take out location Little Hole.

From here the drive is a little over an hour back to our Vernal, Utah location. This is a popular rafting trip and advanced reservations are recommended but not necessary. We are also a short drive from Park City, Utah which is two hours away and Steamboat Springs, Colorado two and half hours away. Booking a trip is easy you can reserve your day rafting trip on our website or call our office staff to secure your space the day.

Book your next Utah One Day River Rafting adventure today!

Vernal Utah One Day River Rafting Tour
Beautiful scenery along Flaming Gorge Green River

River Rafting Safety Tips

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Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips:

For one day or five whitewater rafting is one of the best ways to cool off in the summer heat for people of all ages and experience levels.  That’s right, everyone! In the last 30 years, rafting has grown out of its wild and risky days into a family friendly activity. The invention of new safety gear and a better understanding of whitewater has helped the industry mitigate the risks of rafting. On a guided rafting trip the staff will orient you with a solid safety speech at the put in before launching on your one day or multi day river adventure. Whether it is a Utah one day raft trip on the Green River below Flaming Gorge or a 4 or 5 day white water adventure on the Green River or Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument keep in mind you are potentially far from advanced help. Your guides are trained, certified and licensed but some injuries are beyond their medical training. Being mindful of your actions and thinking safe are key on a river rafting trip. Here are the basic measures you should take for every whitewater trip.

  • Wear a properly fitting PFD

PFD’s, or life jackets, are the most important piece of equipment in white water rafting. Yes, even more vital than the boat, paddles, or guide.  It is a hard rule: do not go on river without a PFD.  Unlike lakes or oceans, river water churns chaotically in rapids. Eddies form confusing whirlpools that suck straight down, diagonal waves kicking towards canyon walls, and holes circulate water on themselves creating stationary pockets of water within a system of movement.  Fortunately, a snug PFD will remove your need to navigate through this chaos, bringing you thoughtlessly to the surface

The vest should be tight against your chest and shoulders with all the buckles clipped. It shouldn’t come above your ears when you tug on the lapels. The jacket will loosen up over time and when its wet, so be sure to tug on your straps throughout the day and have a guide check that its fitted correctly.

  • Be mindful

The majority of river trip injuries happen on shore not on the river. Be aware of your movements getting on and off the boats and at camp, hiking stops or lunch. It’s easy to twist an ankle, accidentally slice your hand on a dinner knife, or get a burn from boiling water. Slow yourself down, the river isn’t a race. It will save a lot of havoc if you take a breath before swirling around with a knife in your hand.  Also, remember that drugs and alcohol decrease your body awareness and increase the potentially for a clumsy accident. The best way to combat shoreline injuries is simple, pay attention.

  • Dress to the day

Temperature injuries are some of the most common on the river. In the spring, cold air combined with cold water creates a very real hypothermia threat; and in the summer, the reflective water doubles your sun exposure, increasing the risk for heat stroke. Make sure you check the weather forecast for a general idea of what you should be prepared for going into your trip. If its spring, bring an extra fleece, rain jacket and pants to help fend off the splashing cold water.   In the summer, bring a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and even lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection.  In both cases, make sure you are hydrated and well nourished, fulling your body properly helps give it the strength you need for thermoregulation.

  • Swim Properly

Similar to the proper use of a life jacket, swimming correctly in the river can help you conserve energy and avoid unnecessary risk. Use the defensive swimming position, floating on your back, looking downstream with your toes out of the water. Although it is an instinct to stop your motion by standing up, this is one of the more dangerous moves on the river.  The water is stronger than you, and stopping your momentum is unlikely. It’s best to swim actively towards a raft or use the “noes and toes” defensive swimming position. Remember not to panic, the rapid won’t go on forever.

  • Speak Up

Much of rafting safety is in your control. Guides are doing everything they can to keep you safe, but a large portion is in your hands.  If you are uncomfortable with going on a certain section of a hike or don’t want to take an inflatable kayak down a rapid, that’s okay! Just let a guide know that they will help you. The guides are there to keep you safe.  Even if you are cold, hot, thirsty or have a minor cut, let someone know. It’s much easier to combat many small problems than one big one.

 

Rafting safely is all about small actions that prevent large catastrophes. Don’t skimp on the easy stuff and have fun!

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