Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway
Flaming Gorge Must See Tour

Departure: Vernal, Utah
Destination: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah
Time to allow: 1 day

Set aside a day to drive the Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway. Over the course of your day, you'll see life-sized dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, Flaming Gorge Dam, and more. Don't forget to pack a lunch and bring your camera.

Day 1

  • Start: Vernal

    Vernal is the largest community in the Flaming Gorge area, and it is also the starting point for your trip.

  • Stop 1: Utah Field House of Natural History

    From previous stop: 1 minute / 0.2 mi (0.3 km)
    Directions:

    Go east on US-40/Main Street toward 100 East for 0.2 miles until you reach the Field House, located at 235 East Main Street.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Spend some time at the Utah Field House of Natural History and see exhibits of area animals, geology, paleontology, prehistory, and history. Here, you'll find 18 life-size replicas of prehistoric creatures in a garden setting.

  • Stop 2: Dinosaur National Monument

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 17 mi (27.2 km)
    Directions:

    Go southeast on US-40/Main Street, and follow to US-40 for 12.6 miles. Turn left onto UT-149 and go 4.2 miles until you end at Dinosaur National Monument.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Next, visit Dinosaur National Monument and see a 160-foot-long wall with over 1,600 dinosaur bones. The monument is home to the world's largest Jurassic period dinosaur quarry.

  • Stop 3: Flaming Gorge Dam and Visitor Center

    From previous stop: 1 hour 5 minutes / 58.4 mi (93.4 km)
    Directions:

    Go southwest on UT-149 toward Brush Creek Road for 4.2 miles. Turn right onto US-40 and go 12.8 miles. Turn right onto Vernal Avenue/US-191 and continue to follow US-191 for 34.5 miles. US-191 becomes UT-191, but continue for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto US-191 and go 6.3 miles until you reach the Flaming Gorge Dam.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    For lunch, have a picnic here, then afterward, explore the visitor facilities. Before you leave, make sure that you go to the Visitor Center and take the guided tour through the dam.

  • End: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 40 minutes / 30 mi (48.0 km)
    Directions:

    Go southwest on US-191 toward NF-610, following for 6.3 miles. Turn right onto UT-44 and go 23.3 miles until you reach the west entrance to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

    End your day at Flaming Gorge Recreation Area, where caves and ledges tell stories of the ancient history of this area. Take your time exploring, and remember to bring along a camera.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 105.6 miles / 169.0 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 6 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 30 minutes