Great Drives - Utah

Along the Way

The Red Fleet

The route passes across flat land to the Red Fleet Reservoir. A series of geology markers point out the unique formations along the route.

Just before reaching Red Fleet, the highway passes the Steinaker Reservoir, part of the Colorado River Storage Project. Beside the road at this point is a hillside where the Morrison Formation is on display, where dinosaur bones and gizzard stones are found. The state park at the reservoir has camping facilities and fishing for bass and trout. The park is located on the west side of the lake.

At the ten-mile point, there is a west turn to the Red Fleet Recreation Area. The landscape is covered with sage and juniper trees, providing a winter range for deer and elk. Here, one can see the huge red sandstone buttes, the "Red Fleet" -- resembling tall ships -- from which the reservoir gets its name. There is a boat ramp and campsites have recently been constructed. As highway 191 climbs through the foothills, on a series of ten switchbacks, there are good views of the buttes "sailing" through the reservoir. A turnoff at mile 15 leads to the Red Fleet dam, which holds back Big Brush Creek. There's a foot trail to the top of the ridge (at mile 21) with views of the dam, reservoir and the dramatic terrain which is at once forlorn and awe inspiring.

To Flaming Gorge Dam & Dutch John

There are no services along this part of the route, but several picnic areas provide places for lunch. The drive continues across the high plateau with the summit at 8,428 feet. The junction of highways 191 and 44, at mile 35, provides choices -- to continue on 191 to visit the Flaming Gorge Dam and recreation sites on the eastern shore of Flaming Gorge Lake, or to take Utah Highway 44 to the Red Canyon.

The dam features a self-guided tour, an elevator to the base of the 490-foot dam and the power house, and an information center for the recreation area. Ten miles north of the dam is Antelope Flat, with views of the canyon. There's also a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Nearby, the village of Dutch John is home to the project staff and includes a store and cafe. Just north of the dam is Cedar Springs Marina with boat rentals and scenic cruises. Rafting on the river below the dam is popular with visitors with a half-day float to Little Hole and a full day to reach Brown's Park.

Flaming Gorge

The main attractions of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area lie along Highway 44, between the Hwy. 191 junction and Manila. There are several campgrounds located along Hwy. 44 including the Red Canyon Campground, located next to the major canyon overlook, with a second information center at the overlook. Accommodations are available at Red Canyon Lodge, also located on Red Canyon Road.

The quiet waters of the Green River are seen 1,500 feet below the rim and the visitor center -- open during summer months -- includes displays of local plant and animal life.

Back on Highway 44, the drive passes two picnic areas at Dowd Spring. One is located on the highway. A hilltop sideroad leads to a stunning overlook with more picnic tables.

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