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| Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway (Hwy. 44) |
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Hwy. 44 starts at Hwy. 191 south of the gorge and runs 28 miles around the southwestern corner of Flaming Gorge to the town of Manilla. Most of the route is through attractive pine and aspen forests and open meadows away from the gorge, but there are some great views of Sheep Creek Bay and other parts of the gorge. You should plan on stopping at the Red Canyon Visitor Center and/or Dowd Mountain Overlook for their superb views. The total distance, including both spur roads, is 40 miles. Plan on spending about 2-3 hours. |
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| Sheep Creek Loop/Spirit Lake Road |
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The Sheep Creek Loop branches off Hwy. 44 about 5 miles south of Manilla. It runs through the sheer, rugged canyon walls of Sheep Creek Canyon with dramatic views of the Uinta Fault. Spirit Lake Road is a spur road from the Sheep Creek Loop that leads through beautiful pine and aspen forests to pretty Spirit Lake high in the Uinta Mountains. The Sheep Creek Loop is mostly paved and runs 13 miles. Spirit Lake Road is a 17 mile graded gravel road and it does become washboarded in summer. Expect to spend 2-3 hours for the entire trip. |
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| Uintas Scenic Byway (Hwy 191) |
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The main road to Flaming Gorge from the south, Hwy 191, is a designated scenic byway. From Vernal, it climbs through a colorful red rock landscape past Steinaker and Red Fleet State Parks and up into the aspen and pine forests of the Uinta Mountains. At Flaming Gorge, Hwy 191 turns east and descends quickly through pine forests to the dam. A steep narrow road just past the dam winds down to the river affording views of the dam and the pretty river. Past the dam the road stays with the gorge and past some nice views before ending in the town of Dutch John. |
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