Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway

Take a virtual tour of our planet’s ancient history at this 22,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Dinosaurland. Includes full-size dinosaur replicas, and interactive exhibits.

A 10-mile section of road that takes you through the extreme forces of nature at work along the Uinta Crest Fault with opportunities to glimpse Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

The 1937 fire tower is the last of its kind in Utah. See what living in a fire lookout was like, which includes a homing pigeon program that recalls wildland firefighting communications before telephones and radio. Ashley National Forest visitors at Red Canyon Visitor Center can release messages on homing pigeons to the tower.

This is the only place on the planet to see more than 1,500 dinosaur bones along one magnificent rock spine.

1.3 million acres of vast forest, lakes, and mountains

Reservoir and fossil trackway of dinosaurs

Dam built in 1964 to provide water storage and hydroelectric power. A 3-D model, flims, and interpretation give the visitor a sense of the recreational opportunites that abound.

Great views of the canyon, raptors, and bighorn sheep. Trails

Day 1
Stating at Vernal, Utah, stop in the Utah Fieldhouse of Natural History State Park Museum to get a feel for the area and its rich mysteries of the past. Great kids stop. Then head south on Route 40, turning north on Highway 149 to lead you to the Dinosaur National Monument. There you will see over 1500 dinosaur bones and history of the area. Camping, hiking, and guided whitewater rafting is available at Dinosaur National Monument. If you are wanting hotels and restaurants, return to Vernal.

Day 2
Leave Vernal and head north on Route 191, entering the Ashley National Forest. At Greendale Junction, turn west on Route 44, then Highway 095 to the north to stop at Red Canyon Visitor Center. There you can send a message via homing pigeons to the Ute Fire Lookout Tower. Return to Highway 44 and take it to Highway 218 and the Sheep Creek Geological Loop for 10 miles of views of Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep. On the south side of the loop, take Highway 221 to Route 055 and the Ute Fire Lookout Tower. Did your message arrive via homing pigeon? Then back-track on Routes 055/221/218/44/191, taking Route 191 to the north and stop at the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center. If you want to camp in the Ashely National Forest, there are many locations to choose from. Maybe you want to stop and float down the Green River or try your hand at flyfishing, boating, or paddling. Rustic cabins, resorts, and local eateries dot the byway. Watch the sun catch the red canyon walls as it seems to light them on fire. Get a good night sleep and continue the next day into the Wyoming portion of the Flaming Gorge-Uinitas National Scenic Byway.