Overview
The Little Hole National Recreation Trail follows the Green River for 7 miles through a deep sandstone canyon below Flaming Gorge Dam. The river here is a tailwater fishery - cold, clear, and stable in flow year-round - and the canyon it runs through is one of the more dramatic stretches of publicly accessible river corridor in the Intermountain West. The trail itself stays close to the water for most of its length, gaining very little elevation, making it one of the most accessible routes in Ashley National Forest for hikers of any fitness level.
The canyon walls range from a few hundred feet in the upper sections to taller in the middle stretches, framing the blue-green river below. Ponderosa pine and cottonwood grow along the benches above the water. Several sections of the trail cross boardwalks and crushed-rock surfaces, making footing reliable even after rain.
This is a point-to-point trail that requires either a two-car shuttle or a willingness to retrace your steps. Most visitors set up a vehicle at the Little Hole boat ramp terminus and start at the dam, or hike out a few miles from Little Hole and turn back. Either approach gives a good sense of the canyon without committing to the full logistics.
The Route
Start: Flaming Gorge Dam Area. The upper trailhead is at the Flaming Gorge Dam day-use parking area off US-191, just north of Dutch John. The trail begins on the east side of the dam structure and immediately enters the canyon. The river is directly below. Canyon walls are lower here and open up as you move downstream.
Miles 0 to 3: Upper Canyon. The trail follows the north bank of the Green River through ponderosa pine and open sandstone terrain. The surface alternates between packed dirt, boardwalk sections, and crushed rock. Multiple points allow direct access to the riverbank, and anglers are common throughout this stretch. Canyon walls rise progressively higher.
Miles 3 to 5: Middle Canyon. The canyon deepens here and the walls close in on both sides. This is the most dramatic stretch of the trail. The river noise increases and shade is more consistent from the canyon geometry. Raptors, particularly osprey and bald eagles, are frequently spotted in this section.
Miles 5 to 7: Lower Canyon to Little Hole. The terrain opens gradually as the trail approaches the Little Hole boat ramp. The canyon walls flatten out and the river broadens. The Little Hole area includes a small parking area, vault toilet, and river access. This is the downstream trailhead.
When to Visit
April through October is the main season. Spring brings excellent birding as migratory species move through the river corridor, and the canyon temperatures are moderate. Summer is warm but the river canyon stays cooler than the surrounding plateau, and morning starts are comfortable even in July. Fall is uncrowded and the cottonwood color along the river can be striking in October.
The trail can be walked in winter during mild conditions. Snow is uncommon at this elevation but ice can form near the dam. Check road conditions in winter before driving Forest Road 075 to the Little Hole end.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following:
- Sufficient water (the Green River is accessible along the trail but requires filtration or treatment before drinking; no treated water source on the trail itself)
- Sun protection (open sections of the canyon receive full sun, particularly in the upper miles)
- Trekking poles (optional; the trail is flat but some rocky sections benefit from stability)
- Fishing gear if combining hiking with an angling stop
Dogs are welcome on leash. The river has several deep sections near the banks; keep dogs under control near the water.
Practical Details
The Flaming Gorge Dam day-use area charges a vehicle fee (as of 2026). The America the Beautiful Pass and Military Annual Pass cover this fee. Veterans and active military may qualify for free passes; see the veteran benefits guide for details.
No permit is required for day hiking the Little Hole Trail (as of 2026). The trail is managed by the Flaming Gorge Ranger District of Ashley National Forest. Dogs must be on leash in day-use fee areas.
The trail is foot-traffic only. Mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Little Hole National Recreation Trail.
Getting There
To the upper trailhead (Flaming Gorge Dam): From Vernal, Utah, take US-191 north approximately 35 miles. The Flaming Gorge Dam access turnoff is well-signed on the right, 2 miles north of Dutch John. Park in the day-use lot near the dam visitor facilities.
To the lower trailhead (Little Hole boat ramp): From the Flaming Gorge Dam junction, continue north on US-191 approximately 1.5 miles, then turn right (east) on Forest Road 075. Follow FR 075 approximately 7 miles to the Little Hole boat ramp and parking area. The road is gravel and generally passable by passenger vehicles in dry conditions.
From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east to I-84 east, then south on US-189 to US-191 south. Total drive time from Salt Lake City is approximately 3 hours. Cell service is limited throughout the Flaming Gorge corridor.