A Fantastic Adventure: Flaming Gorge-Green River Basin Scenic Byway (WY)
The Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Scenic Byway is truly one of the hidden gems of the American West, offering a mix of active outdoor recreation opportunities, a relaxing drive with dramatic scenery, geology, expansive vistas, and rich wildlife. Or you can retreat to the small towns along the way for rural shopping, dining or visiting a museum. Be sure to bring your binoculars, camera, and/or outdoor gear. The historic gateway towns of Green River and Rock Springs anchor the northern portion of the byway, providing a diverse array of visitor services, but you could also pack your lunch for a day trip or enjoy overnight camping or lodging. On the north end, enter the byway off I-80 at either Green River or Rock Springs Wyoming. The byway forms a loop off I-80 around Lake Flaming Gorge.
Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway Sign Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor
Outdoor Recreation
The outdoor recreation activities are based around the main feature, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, which requires a pass that can be purchased at various locations. The area is well known for fishing and if desired, you should be able to hire a fishing guide at the local marina. Plus, there are several fishing events throughout the year. The area is also excellent to boat, float, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. You’ll also find waterskiing, jet skiing, hiking, and just hanging out on the beach. On the Ashley National Forest webpage, it states visitors can spend a relaxing day at the Firehole Canyon Campground designated swim beach area, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy a refreshing swim, and take in the beautiful views of the reservoir. The shoreline provides a perfect spot for picnicking, sunbathing, and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to cool off in the water or simply unwind by the shore, this swim beach area offers a delightful escape for families and friends alike.
DIY Scenic Drive or Relax on a Bus – Your Choice
Another way to explore this area is to take a scenic drive on this designated All-American Road. You can do this on your own by picking up a Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway guide, map and downloading the audio tour and planning your stops along the way, including overlooks and picnic areas, side trips, marinas, and trailheads. This spectacular scenic drive takes in the arid and colorful landscape surrounding the Green River as it slowly tumbles from its namesake city to Lake Flaming Gorge. Referred to as “the best of Sweetwater County,” you can journey around it in just a few hours. Or extend this beautiful drive by camping overnight and spend more time watching wildlife. Instead of driving the byway, you have the option of taking a local guided tour bus, the Flaming Gorge Tour, that starts at the Rock Springs Visitor Center on specific days during the summer. This tour will provide key stops at overlooks, an outdoor lunch, plus an ice cream break.
The Trona Bridge connecting Riverside Park and Expedition Island, courtesy photo
Town Adventures & More
For those that enjoy small towns, Green River and Rock Springs are small towns with scenic beauty and small-town charm. Visitors can explore the downtown area with unique shops and eateries and learn about the region’s heritage and outlaws at the Sweetwater County Museum. Another location to visit with a greenway, paved trails, and bridge is Expedition Island Park, a National Historical Landmark due to its role as the starting point for two expeditions down the Green and Colorado Rivers led by Powell in 1869 and 1871. If travelers want to see the wild horses, the 24-mile self-guided Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Tour can begin in either Green River or Rock Springs. Travelers should plan on approximately 1.5 hours to complete the tour, most of which is on a gravel road.
Come enjoy this All-American Road, with its vast landscapes, stunning rock formations, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and wildlife including pronghorn antelope, wild horses, mule deer, and raptors. You can always extend your journey to the southern part of the Flaming Gorge National Scenic Byway in Utah, which also then connects to the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway. Remember, Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway is a great place to visit between road tripping from national parks in Utah – Canyonlands, Arches and Capitol Reef – to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It’s time to plan your next adventure!
For more information head over to https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/flaming-gorge-green-river-basin-scenic-byway/.