The Flaming Gorge - Uinta's scenic byway is in northeast Utah. It begins in Vernal and travels north to Manila. The 67-mile route follows US 191 and UT 44 across Ashley National Forest. Both are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles and usually remain open year-round. Caution is needed when traveling the byway in winter, especially in the higher elevations.

Beginning in Vernal, the byway climbs through sculptured layers of sandstone and steep slopes of juniper, pinyon, and patches of aspen. The byway continues its winding course, climbing the eastern flank of the Uinta Mountains through forests of lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and aspen and across open meadows filled with colorful wildflowers. The meadows are a good area for spotting elk, moose, or mule deer. Before ending in Manila, the byway treats the visitor with beautiful views of Sheep Creek Bay and Sheep Creek Canyon as it descends a steep cliff along the twisting, turning road. Wildlife observers will want to keep one eye on the road and the other in search of bighorn sheep through this area. Visitors can obtain maps and brochures at the national forest offices in either Vernal or Manila.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, near the northern end of the byway, is loaded with outdoor recreation opportunities. Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a 91-mile lake formed when the Bureau of Reclamation constructed a dam on Green River. The huge lake extends into Wyoming and offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Fishermen will find lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and Kokanee salmon. Boat ramps provide access to the lake and can be found in many of the campgrounds surrounding the lake.

Information: Ashley National Forest, 355 N Vernal Ave, Vernal UT 84078 / 435-789-1181. Dinosaur National Monument, 4545 E US Hwy 40, Dinosaur CO 81610 / 970-374-3000. Flaming Gorge NRA, PO Box 278, Manila UT 84046 / 435-784-3445. Steinaker State Park, 4335 N Hwy 191, Vernal UT 84078 / 435-789-4432. Red Fleet State Park, 8750 N Hwy 191, Vernal UT 84078 / 435-789-4432