Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway

The Flaming Gorge - Uintas Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in the state of Utah. It spans approximately 80 miles (130 km) as it travels from Vernal, Utah northward through the Ashley National Forest and the Uintah Mountains to the area around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in the northeastern corner of the state.

Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway
Route information
Maintained by UDOT
Length79.558 mi (128.036 km)
Existed1988[1]–present
Component
highways
Major junctions
South end US-40 in Vernal
North endWyoming state line
SR-43 in Manila
Location
CountiesUintah
Daggett
Highway system
  • State highways in Utah

Route description

Southern terminus of the scenic byway in Vernal, October 2010

The south end of this route starts out in Vernal, Uintah County at the intersection of US-40 and US-191. From there, it travels north on US-191, enters Ashley National Forest, and passes Steinaker State Park and Red Fleet State Park as it starts to climb into the Uinta Mountains. It continues north on its climb, encountering several switchbacks before topping out close to 8,400 feet (2,600 m) in elevation. As it gradually starts to descend it enters Daggett County before it enters Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Just inside the recreation area boundaries, the route splits in two.

Taking the right branch continues on US-191 to the northeast, passing over an inlet to Flaming Gorge Reservoir via a suspension bridge, before crossing Flaming Gorge Dam, and passing by the town of Dutch John. From here the route curves back around the southwest portion of Flaming Gorge reservoir, travelling northwest to Dutch John Gap, turning north through the gap, and turning to the northeast again after exiting Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, continuing until the Wyoming state border.

Cart Creek Bridge over the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, August 2018

Taking the left branch, the route follows SR-44 westward, which forms the southern boundary of the recreation area in this area, roughly following the southern rim of Flaming Gorge, passing a turnoff to the Red Canyon Overlook and Visitors Center. As SR-44 approaches the western edge of the recreation area, it starts to turn in a northerly direction overall, descending in a series of turns as it approaches the southwestern tip of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and passes through Sheep Creek Gap. From this point, the route turns north, exits the recreation area, and continues a few miles further before it ends at the intersection of SR-43 in Manila.

History

For the histories of this route's constituent highways prior to its scenic byway designation, refer to:

The scenic byway was formed in 1988[1] as Utah's first Forest Service Byway. It was added to the National Scenic Byways system on June 9, 1998.[2]

Major intersections

Southern portion

CountyLocationmi[3]kmDestinationsNotes
UintahVernal0.0000.000 US-40 (Main Street)Southern terminus
5.5588.945 SR-301 to Steinaker State Park
10.12016.287Access road to Red Fleet State Park
17.08327.492Route enters Ashley National Forest
Daggett32.53552.360Route leaves Ashley National Forest; enters Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Greendale Junction34.69555.836 SR-44Route splits in two at this point
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Northeast branch (US-191)

CountyLocationmi[3]kmDestinationsNotes
DaggettGreendale Junction34.66555.788 SR-44
40.744–
40.959
65.571–
65.917
Overpass over Flaming Gorge Dam
48.45477.979Route leaves Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
51.55782.973Wyoming state lineNorthern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Northwest branch (SR-44)

CountyLocationmi[4]kmDestinationsNotes
DaggettGreendale Junction34.66555.788 US-191
38.11761.343Access road to Red Canyon Visitors Center
58.11493.525Route leaves Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Manila62.660100.841 SR-43 (Center Street)Northern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

References

  1. "Flaming Gorge - Uintas Scenic Byway". Utah Travel Industry. Retrieved July 6, 2008.
  2. "Transportation Secretary Slater Announces All-American Roads, Scenic Byways in 19 States". Washington, DC: Utah Department of Transportation. June 9, 1998. Archived from the original on May 20, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2008.
  3. "Highway Reference US-191" (pdf). Utah Department of Transportation. May 1, 2008. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
  4. "Highway Reference SR-44" (pdf). Utah Department of Transportation. May 1, 2008. Retrieved September 4, 2008.


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