Menu

Trails

Explore the Backcountry

For hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVs, VERNAL, UT has some of the best trails available. Hundreds of miles run through the region, each one winding through the breathtaking scenery of the region. With trails of all lengths and for all different abilities, visitors can find the right trail for them all year.

Fast Facts

Flaming Gorge is famous for its trophy lake trout. Many people catch 30+ pound fish each year. The Utah record lake trout at 51 lb. 8 oz. was caught at Flaming Gorge in 1988.

img-recreation

 
Bassett Springs Loop

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Trail Length: 4

Description

An advanced level ride due to the steep, rocky downhill section near the end of the trail. This route provides plenty of attractions over a short distance. Outstanding views are coupled with groves of aspen and conifer forests. Fall colors are exceptional. If necessary, walk your bike down the steeper sections to prevent trail erosion.

Battleships Trail

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: utah.com

Details

  • Activity Type: Hiking
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate

Description

The Battleships Trail is Vernal’s newest Hiking Trail. Circling a majestic red rocks Battleship formation, views are amazing! Call us for more information.

Bear Canyon Bootleg Trail

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Trail Length: 3

Description

An easy trail that provides a fine introduction to the Flaming Gorge area. The double track dirt road is well maintained and offers views of Red Canyon and Lake Flaming Gorge from an overlook at the end of the trail. This is also enjoyable as an evening ride as the sunsets from the viewpoint can be outrageously beautiful.

Browns Park

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Trail Length: 28

Description

This is a challenging backcountry ride that advanced riders will enjoy. The 28-mile loop crosses the Green River twice, provides excellent views of the river, and passes through the Browns Park State Waterfowl Management area and the Brown’s Park National Wildlife Refuge.

Dinaland Golf Course

Contact

  • Address: 675 South 2000 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-1428

Details

  • Activity Type: Golfing
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Fee: $16-$18

Description

Green Fees: $18 for 18 holes, Seniors: $16 for 18 holes.

Dinosaur National Monument

Contact

  • Address: Jensen, UT 84035
  • Phone: 435-781-7700
  • Website: nps.gov/dino/

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 20

Description

On your bike, you can ride where the dinosaurs once roamed. This is but one of the numerous riding opportunities that exist in this area. It loops through the high desert, over stretches of slickrock, and provides scenic overlooks of this spectacular eroded area.

Dinosaur Trackway Trail

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Hiking
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate

Description

Walk where the Dinosaurs walked! Come see the Dinosaur Tracks! Be sure to stop at the information kiosk and read about the dinosaurs that left their prints behind. At times, covered by water, the tracks are not visible. However, the hike is beautiful and you can take a swim at the end of the trail!

Dowd Mountain

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 11

Description

This trail combines exciting single and double track trails coupled with scenery, wildlife, and a roller coaster finish. The Dowd Mountain trail leads to a breathtaking over look of Flaming Gorge, including views of the western portion of the lake. On a clear day, the horizon extends well into Wyoming. The route follows a trail of blue diamonds placed by the Forest Service and is regularly maintained.

Dry Fork Canyon

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 21.5

Description

This ride follows paved roads the entire way and is an excellent evening ride that is fun for cyclists of all abilities. The road leads to an enormous collection of Fremont Indian petroglyphs and passes the historical marker for Dry Fork Village, an early settlement of the Ashley Valley. All that remains of the town today are the remnants of a few old outbuildings and cabins.

Dry Fork Flume Trail

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Winter Sports
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Trail Length: 24

Description

This trail closely follows the route of an old wagon road that was used to access both the Dry Fork Flume and the Flume Mill Site near Corral Park. The construction of the flume began in the spring of 1896 as a way to divert water from Dry Fork Creek around the many sinks located there, with the purpose of supplying irrigation water to the valley below. The experiment failed, but left excellent opportunities for hiking, biking and historical interpretation.

East Park Loop

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Trail Length: 32.5-36
  • Fee:

Description

This trail winds through some of the most spectacular wildflower meadows in the area. In spring and early summer, the flowers are at their colorful peak, making the trail a feast for the senses. The trail follows dirt, gravel, and paved roads in the Ashley National Forest high in the Uinta Mountains. This is a long ride for advanced bikers. Be aware of logging trucks along the way. Several sections of the forest here have been, or are, in process of being logged.

East Park / Oaks Park Trail

Contact

  • Address: Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-789-1181

Details

  • Activity Type: Hiking
Elk Park Trail

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Trail Length: 18

Description

This is an alpine adventure that takes you through the beautiful backcountry of Ashley National Forest. An abundance of trees, trout streams, and fresh, cool mountain air makes this an excellent retreat from the hot temperatures of Northeastern Utah’s desert regions. The route offers outstanding views of the Uinta Mountains and Flaming Gorge and passes by the Ute Mountain Fire Lookout Tower.

Flaming Gorge Fishing Co.

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Fishing
Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Details

  • Activity Type: Boating/Houseboating, Fishing
  • Season: Year-round
  • Fee: $5

Description

Over 600 camping and picnic units, including boat-in and floating camps

Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a grand and massive lake that remains uncrowded despite its beauty. The red sand shores, the dramatic skyline, the steep canyons . . . all are part of a boating or fishing experience on the Gorge. Other water sports such as waterskiing and windsurfing are also popular.

Flat Rock Loop Trail

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Hiking
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate

Description

The Flat Rock Loop Trail is a spur-loop trail overlooking red fleet reservoir and part of the Big Brush Creek drainage. Many amazing photo opportunities exist along the trail!

Green River

Contact

  • Address:
  • Phone:
  • Website:

Details

  • Activity Type: Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing
  • Season: Year-round

Description

The Green River has a long run, winding through Flaming Gorge (Northeast Utah), continuing onward through Dinosaur National Monument, flowing further through east-central Utah and its deserts. Finally, it slides past the town of Green River and merges with the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. The segment below Flaming Gorge dam is not only an excellent trout river, but offers a lovely, easy whitewater rafting route. The Green River between the Gates of Lodore and Split Mountain should never be mistaken for a simple river. Even today, many a boats end up pinned on rocks and many a boatmen bruised and battered. Gates of Lodore contains multiple challenging Class III and Class IV rapids. Below the Monument, the desert-like Gray and Desolation Canyons offer a lonelier route. Permits are required for boating within the Dinosaur National Monument boundaries.

Handsome Cabin Boy Trail

Contact

  • Phone: 435-781-4400
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced

Description

The Handsome Cabin Boy Trail is part of the stacked loop mountain bike system located in the Red Mountain Complex, join with other trails to increase miles and change the experience regularly. Beautiful of the areas of Red Rock, The Red Fleet Reservoir, and the Battle Ship Formations are part of this breathtaking and challenging desert single track trail.

Jazz-Chromolly Trail

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced

Description

Probably one of the most ridden trails in the Vernal Urban interface, the Jazz-Chromolly trail has it all, challenging climbs, breathtaking scenery, technical moves, flowing downhill segments, and additional trail connectivity are all waiting for you on this amazing piece of the Red Fleet Trails Complex. When connected with J-Boy and Handsome Cabin Boy, this is one of the most picturesque and challenging routes available within the area!

Petty Mountain Loop

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Off-Road
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Trail Length: 14

Description

Several roads are available to mountain bikes in this area. All Forest Service roads outside of the High Uintas Wilderness boundary are open to mountain bikes. This trail was designed for ATVs and mountain bikes. Please yield the trail when required. Interpretative sights may still be under development along the way. One site is a picturesque view of an interesting geological feature called the Yellowstone Ledges from which Yellowstone Canyon derives its name. Another site is on Lake Fork Mountain and offers excellent views into the High Uintas Wilderness Area.

Range Study Loop

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 10

Description

An excellent family ride and a great route for novice riders. Except for one steep section, the route is easy pedaling and offers views of Diamond Mountain. Aspen groves and wildflowers dot the trail as well. This area was once studied by the Forest Service to determine the effects of grazing on the native vegetation, giving the trail its name. Expect to see cattle in this area during the summer. Because of the mileage, this trail is rated intermediate.

Red Canyon Rim

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 9

Description

Red Canyon is a fantastic gorge carved over the years by the mighty Green River. In 1964, the floodgates of Flaming Gorge Dam were created from the waters of the Green. The color contrast between the red walls of Red Canyon and the green/blue color of the lake is indeed photo worthy. This route follows the south side of the canyon rim and provides many spectacular overlooks of the lake below. The single-track trail sits 1,700 feet above the lake and 4,000 feet across the north rim.

Red Fleet Hiking Complex

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Hiking
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate

Description

These trails are closed to mountain biking and are designed for beginning to intermediate hikers. Bring plenty of water with you for these hikes!

Red Fleet Mountain Bike Complex

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced

Description

Primary use for these trails is mountain biking at intermediate to advanced levels. Beginners can utilize the trail systems if they are cautious and ride with someone familiar with the trails. The Red Fleet Mountain Bike Complex is becoming regionally famous with thousands of visitors each season. Primary visits come from the Denver Metropolitan area as well as the Wasatch Front. International visits are growing as notoriety for the trails is spread by word of mouth and the media.

Red Fleet Non-Motorized Trail Complex

Contact

  • Address: 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078
  • Phone: 435-781-4501
  • Website: blm.gov

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Description

Identified trails within this zone can be utilized by non-motorized users as identified by specific trails. Hiking and biking are the only authorized uses on single track trails in this area. Please either travel cross country on your horse, and stick to the roads and two tracks with your motor vehicles. Thanks!

Red Fleet Reservoir

Contact

  • Phone: 435-789-4432

Details

  • Activity Type: Boating/Houseboating, Fishing

Description

The Red Fleet Reservoir is surrounded by crimson shoresand a few dinosaur fossil footprints. Boating and fishing these clear waters is Red Fleet Reservoir is an attractive destination situated among colorful cliff walls.

Reservation Ridge / Timber Canyon

Contact

  • Address: Duchesne, UT 84021
  • Phone: 435-738-2482

Details

  • Activity Type: Hiking
Roosevelt City Golf Course

Contact

  • Address: 1155 W. Clubhouse Drive Roosevelt, UT 94066
  • Phone: 435-722-9644

Details

  • Activity Type: Golfing
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Fee: $17-18

Description

Green Fees: $18 for 18 holes, Seniors: $17 for 18 holes.

Starvation Reservoir

Details

  • Activity Type: Boating/Houseboating, Fishing
  • Season: April to November

Description

54-unit campground, modern (handicap accessible) rest rooms, hot showers, primitive camping allowed at designated areas

Starvation Reservoir is a large reservoir is set amidst low dry foothills. It features a campground with modern facilities, a sandy beach, boating, and year-round fishing.

Steinaker Reservoir

Contact

  • Address:
  • Phone:
  • Website:

Details

  • Activity Type: Boating/Houseboating, Fishing
  • Season: April to October
  • Difficulty:
  • Trail Length:

Description

Stay Limit – 14 Days, Total Units – 31, RV Trailer Sites – 31, Maximum RV Length – 35 ft., Tent Sites – 31

Sandy beaches, swimming, boating and water-skiing top the list of activities at Steinaker. Year-round fishing is for rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

Lake Features

3.5 square miles. Boat Ramp, Campground, Fish Cleaning Station, Restrooms, Stocked Fish, Swimming Area

Swett Ranch

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking, Hiking
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 6

Description

This intermediate level ride follows double track roads, offering scenic views of Lake Flaming Gorge and Baretop Mountain. The route also passes the Oscar Swett Historic Ranch which offers a glimpse of local pioneer life, as well as a collection of tools used to work the land during the early 1900s.The ranch is now maintained by the Forest Service and is open to the public during the summer months.

Taylor Mountain Ramble

Contact

Details

  • Activity Type: Biking
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Trail Length: 12

Description

This ride isn’t on a specific trail, but consists of a series of two-track dirt roads and single-track cow paths that often connect to make longer loops. The riding in this area is enjoyable but not too difficult. What really makes it special are the scenic vies of the Uintah Basin, Brush Creek Gorge and Ashley Gorge. Open sagebrush meadows dominate the area with interspersed aspen and conifer groves. Try a ride out Roaring Fork Road to the Brush Creek overlook or one of the routes that take you to the edge of Ashley Gorge. You’ll be amazed at some of the most spectacular views in eastern Utah.

Uinta Basin Snowmobile Complex

Details

  • Activity Type: Winter Sports, Snowmobiling
  • Season: Winter
  • Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Description

The Uinta Basin Snowmobile Complex offers some excellent opportunities in the eastern Uinta Mountains. Trailheads are avaiable along Hwy. 191 north of Vernal and within Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Chepeta Lake: Unloading Trailhead is located approximately 4 1/2 miles North of the small town of Whiterocks on the west side of Uintah County. Unloading is located on the Elk Horn Road at Farm Creek. Groomed trail is 28 miles in length and offers an Alpine setting of bowls and boonedocking through the trees, plus scenic views of the High Uinta Mountain Tops.

Paradise – Mosby: Unloading Trailhead is located approximately 12 miles North of the small town of Lapoint in Western Uintah County. Proceed North on Mosby – Paradise road from State Highway 121 to parking lot at Forest Service boundary. Groomed trail offers 7 miles to Paradise Reservoir and Campground. Ride area consists of many bowls, treeless areas, and numerous ungroomed trails into the Uintah Mountain High Country.

Dry Fork Trailhead: Parking and unloading area is located approximately 12 miles up scenic Dry Fork Canyon. Turn North from Highway 121 on 3500 West in Vernal and go straight up the Canyon. Dry Fork offers the west side gateway to a massive groomed trail area of over sixty miles, plus miles upon miles of ungroomed trails and scenic play areas.

Taylor Mountain Trailhead: Parking and unloading area is located approximately 6 1/2 miles North from Highway 121 in Maeser at 2500 West. Taylor Mountain offers a short drive to trailhead when snow is adequate to unload. This is also the middle gateway to the heart of the Uintah Snowmobile Complex. Offering include boondocking and bowl playing. Miles of ungroomed and groomed trails. These trails are great as a connection as connecting trails to other trailheads and play areas.

East Park – 191 Trailhead: Parking and unloading area is located approximately 13 miles from Highway 40 and Mainstreet in Vernal. Proceed up scenic highway 191 to East Park – Red Cloud Loop Road just at the Mountain’s Crest. This Trailhead offers the East entry to the massive Uinta Snowmobile Complex. It contains over 60 miles of groomed trails and many more ungroomed trails. More bowls and treeless areas than you can shake a stick at. There are also many draws and hills to play on.

East McKee Trailhead: Located approximately 18 miles North of Downtonwn Vernal on State Highway 191. This trailhead offers some of the biggest open play areas imaginable. When snow is adequate it connects groomed trails North to Flaming Gorge Lodge and Red Canyon Lodge for a nice sit down lunch.

Yampa River

Details

  • Activity Type: Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing
  • Season: Year-round
  • Pricing: Permits required to raft

Description

The Yampa is a tributary of the Colorado River, that joins the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument at Echo Park. The Yampa River sports many Class III rapids and one Class IV known as Warm Springs Rapid, which has a hyraulic named Maytag that has the tendency to flip boats. A typical five-day run begins at Deerlodge Park, passes by towering sanstone cliffs and ancient petroglyphs of the Yampa canyon for three days, and then joins the Green River for the last two days. Permits are required for boating within the Dinosaur National Monument boundaries.

Yellowstone ATV Trail

Contact

  • Address: Duchesne, UT 84021
  • Phone: 435-738-2482

Details

  • Activity Type: Off-Road, ATV/Offroading
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall