If you love the outdoors and have never been to Utah, it’s time. If you have been to Utah, you may or may not know one of the best kept secrets kept in Utah actually has it’s most exciting and thrilling activities in both summer and winter.

Ice Fishing

You may have already experienced the world-class fishing in the warmth of the summer sun on Flaming Gorge Reservoir, home to two world records for Brown Trout and multiple state records for both Utah and Wyoming.

In the winter, the reservoir becomes a frozen body of water, creating one of the most scenic trophy trout destinations in the world.  Ice fishing on Flaming Gorge Reservoir is perfect for first timers or for those more experienced fishermen looking for like-minded individuals trying to catch their limit or maybe hook on to a record breaking prize fish.  There are multiple spots all along the national scenic byway to welcome ice fisherman of all skill-levels and group sizes.

Wildlife

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is also home to abundant wilfdlife.  Winter is the perfect time to get up close looks at some of the most majestic creatures on earth.  The winter snow absorbs sound helping to create once-in-a-lifetime photo ops of deer, elk and moose.

Snowshoeing/Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoes and cross country skis are both excellent ways to explore the forest while looking for your next frame-worthy picture.  If you don’t have your own, you can rent snowshoes at Red Canyon Lodge and Cross Country Skis from Flaming Gorge Resort.

Snowmobiling

If you have a need for speed, snowmobiling in the eastern Uintah mountains around the reservoir can definitely fulfill your need with 75 miles of groomed trails.  The Uintah Basin snowmobile complex sits alongside the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area; from there you have easy access to what some call snowmobile paradise.  A few of the places you’ll want to check out are:

1. Bassett Springs – in this 11 miles, you’ll have numerous hills to climb and areas to play in.
2. Taylor Mountain – not only a great place to ride, it’s also home to deer and elk herds; remember – don’t chase or harass them.
3. Don Hatch Trail – 22 miles of fun, large open areas filled with deep powder.
4. Red Cloud Loop – has been designated a National Scenic Byway.  The view from the top of a snowmobile may just be the best way to take it in.  Winter snow adds even more contrast to this strikingly beautiful area.

You’ll need to bring your own machines or rent them before you get into the area.

Lodging/Museums

Resorts such as Red Canyon Lodge and Flaming Gorge Resort are in the heart of Flaming Gorge Country where you can enjoy a hot meal and/or one of their top notch accommodations at winter’s discounted rates.  In the city of Vernal, Utah (about 70 minutes away) you’ll find numerous hotels, motels and restaurants.  While in the city, you’ll want to explore one of it’s museums.  The Utah Fieldhouse of Natural History State Park or Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Exhibit Hall will provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages as they learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the region.

Come and experience an honest to goodness winter wonderland in Flaming Gorge Country!