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ForestMatters, LLC

Flaming Gorge Rim Trail

Ashley National Forest, Utah · 4 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Views into the 1,400-foot deep Flaming Gorge Canyon from the rim
  • Red Canyon Visitor Center with geology and natural history exhibits
  • Vivid red Navajo Sandstone canyon walls above the deep blue reservoir
  • Accessible hiking when the High Uintas are snowbound
  • Pronghorn and mule deer frequently spotted on the plateau

Overview

The Flaming Gorge Rim Trail offers the most accessible canyon views in Ashley National Forest. Starting from the Red Canyon Visitor Center on Utah Highway 44, the trail follows the edge of the canyon rim that drops 1,400 feet to Flaming Gorge Reservoir below. The reservoir's deep blue-green water set against the vivid red Navajo Sandstone walls is one of the more striking color contrasts in the region. This is a landscape shaped by the Green River, which carved the canyon over millions of years before Flaming Gorge Dam was completed in 1964.

The trail is popular from spring through fall because it works in seasons when the High Uintas are still buried in snow. It requires no special gear, minimal fitness preparation, and is within reach of visitors who come to the Flaming Gorge area primarily for fishing or boating. At the same time, the views from the rim are genuinely dramatic, and hikers who walk the full 6 miles out and back will see sections of the canyon that most day visitors miss.

For hikers looking to combine rim hiking with canyon geology, the Sheep Creek Canyon loop is approximately 15 miles west on UT-44 and makes a natural pairing.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Visitor Center to East Overlook. The trail begins at the Red Canyon Visitor Center (6,040 ft) and heads east along the rim. The surface is a mix of packed dirt and short rock sections. Views open immediately: the reservoir stretches far below and the canyon walls curve away to the south. The first major overlook platform is at mile 1, where interpretive signs explain the geology of the Navajo Sandstone formation and the history of dam construction. The trail continues along the rim to a second overlook at mile 1.5 with views in both directions along the canyon.

Miles 1.5 to 3: East Overlook to Trail End. Beyond the second overlook, the trail leaves the more formal section and becomes a narrower path through pinyon pine and juniper. The rim here is undeveloped and the views are less structured but more immediate. The trail reaches its eastern terminus at mile 3 near a rocky point that projects out slightly over the canyon. Pronghorn are frequently spotted on the plateau behind the trail in this section. Retrace the route back to the visitor center.

When to Visit

This trail works in all four seasons. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures, lower visitor numbers, and the best light for photography. Summer is the busiest period; the visitor center fills on weekend mornings, and arriving early is worth the effort. Even in mid-July, the rim is cooler than the canyon floor and the heat is manageable with early timing.

The trail stays open through winter in most years. Snow and ice can make the rim edges slippery; use appropriate footwear or traction devices if conditions are icy.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry the following for this trail:

  • Sun protection (the rim is fully exposed; shade is limited to the pinyon-juniper stretch)
  • Water (a faucet is available at the visitor center; carry enough for the full out-and-back)
  • Binoculars (canyon depth makes wildlife spotting easier with optics)
  • Light jacket or windshell (the rim can be breezy even on warm days)

Children should be kept close to the trail near rim overlook points. The canyon drops steeply from the edge.

Practical Details

The Red Canyon Visitor Center day use area charges $5 per vehicle (as of 2026). The America the Beautiful Pass and Military Annual Pass cover this fee. The visitor center is typically open May through September; the parking area and trail are accessible year-round. Restrooms and water are available at the visitor center during operating hours.

No permit is required to hike the trail (as of 2026). Dogs are welcome on leash. The trail is managed by the Flaming Gorge Ranger District of Ashley National Forest.

Veterans and active military can use the Military Annual Pass at this and other federal recreation areas. See the veteran benefits guide for more information.

Getting There

From Vernal, Utah, take US-191 north approximately 18 miles to the junction with Utah Highway 44. Turn west on UT-44 and continue approximately 12 miles to the Red Canyon Visitor Center turnoff, which is well-signed on the right. The entire drive from Vernal is on paved road and takes about 35 minutes.

From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east to I-84 east to US-189 south toward Evanston, then continue south and west on US-191 to the UT-44 junction. Total drive time from Salt Lake City is approximately 2.5 hours. Cell service improves near the visitor center but is limited on the surrounding plateau.

Trailhead Parking

Red Canyon Visitor Center parking lot, off Utah Highway 44 west of Dutch John. Paved lot with 30+ spaces. Day use fee applies (America the Beautiful Pass accepted).

← Back to Ashley National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to access the Flaming Gorge Rim Trail?
The Red Canyon Visitor Center day use area charges $5 per vehicle as of 2026. The America the Beautiful Pass and Military Annual Pass are accepted. Verify current fees with the Flaming Gorge Ranger District or at the entrance station.
How close does the trail get to the canyon rim?
The trail runs along and near the rim for most of its length, with several overlook points where hikers stand directly above the canyon walls. Some sections include informal paths that approach the edge; exercise appropriate caution, especially with children.
Can you see the reservoir from the rim trail?
Yes. The reservoir is visible from multiple points along the trail, its deep blue color contrasting dramatically with the red sandstone walls. The best views are from the main overlook platforms near the visitor center and at the far eastern end of the trail.
Is this trail accessible for beginners?
Yes. The trail gains minimal elevation and most of the surface is well-maintained. The exposure near the rim edges requires attentiveness, but the trail itself is not technically demanding.