Hiking/Biking Trails
You'll
discover a wealth of interesting rides and hikes in Dinosaurland
- from the Uinta Mountains to Dinosaur National Monument -
from Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area to Dry Fork Canyon.
The hiking and biking routes described below range in difficulty
from "easy" to "advanced." All traverse
the scenic high desert landscapes and mountainous backcountry
of Northeastern Utah. At higher elevations air temperatures
remain cool, even through the hottest part of the summer.
Backcountry trail users are advised to consult supplemental
topographical maps and/or contact district forest service
and BLM rangers for trail conditions, weather forecasts, hunt
schedules and other pertinent information.
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.
Directions
& Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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 Dinosaurland's
desert regions. The route offers outstanding views of the
Uinta Mountains and Flaming Gorge and passes by the Ute Mountain
Fire Lookout Tower.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
A journey to the Browns Park area is a journey to another
place and time. This is one of the most remote areas left
in the West. The King's Point trail follows a plateau
above the Green River and offers outstanding vistas, wildlife
and solitude. The trail is an eight-mile loop and is a fine
introduction to the area that riders of all abilities will
enjoy.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
This single-track trail travels for 5 miles along a spectacular
stretch of the Green River in Browns Park. The trail has views
of the river the whole way. It is quite common to see an abundance
of wildlife such as deer, moose, otter, beaver and osprey.
Directions & Map Trail List
Dinosaur National Monument boasts one of the largest dinosaur
graveyards in the world. Paleontologists have found thousands
of fossilized bones in this area, representing at least 10
species of the prehistoric lizards. New discoveries are common.
On your bike, you can ride where the dinosaurs once roamed
or view some of their bones being unearthed at the Quarry
Visitor Center.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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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.
Directions & Map Trail List
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