The Flaming Gorge

The first sight I had of the flaming Gorge was off US191 just outside of Vernal, UT. Even at dusk, it was captivating. The Flaming Gorge encapsulates over 200 thousand acres of land and water that are almost equally divided between Utah and Wyoming. It rises over 50o feet above bedrock. The Flaming Gorge Dam is what holds in the waters of the Green River to form the reservoir, which extends just over 90 miles to the north. The elevation of the Flaming Gorge is at  6,045 feet. It’s water is cold, even on hot summer days. This is not only great for all kinds of water sports, but amazing for fishing as well. More specifically, the trout love the cold water. That is why Flaming Gorge is famous for its trophy lake trout. Many trout of 30+ pounds  are caught each year. The Utah record went 51 lb 8 oz, and there may yet be a bigger one swimming in the reservoir.  Kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass are also said to be popular in the gorge. There are five full-service marinas to this spectacular sight that provide launching, storage, and maintenance. Along the side of the Gorge is the Ashley National Forest .The forest is thick with evergreen trees, pinyon pines, and junipers that grow down to the waters edge of clear blue. Also found at the Gorge are petroglyphs (rock art), created by ancient tribes and still viewed by both modern tribes and visitors to the Gorge. The Flaming Gorge got its name by and explorer named Major Powell. After he and his men saw the sun reflecting off of the red rocks, he deemed it the “Flaming Gorge”. I can tell you from experience, the sunset and the reflection of the clear water is still as beautiful today. Whether it is to water-ski, jet-ski, boat, relax, or fish, the Flaming Gorge should be a destination on everyone’s list!