| Ashley National Forest is located in northeastern Utah and Wyoming. It encompasses 1,384,132 National Forest acres, (1,287,909 in Utah and 96,223 in Wyoming). Elevations on the Ashley National Forest range from 6,000 feet to over 13,500 feet.Landscapes in the Ashley National Forest range from canyons to high desert to high mountains. The Uinta Mountains are the highest mountain range in Utah. Elevations on the Forest range from 6,000 feet to 13,528 feet. The Ashley National Forest includes noteworthy attractions such as Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, the High Uinta Wilderness, and the upper portion of the Green River.In 1869, Major John Westly Powell, on expedition down the Green River, looked in awe at the magnificent country in what is now southwest Wyoming, and named it Flaming Gorge. Today the brilliant red cliffs are scenic attractions for thousands of visitors annually. The heart of the National Recreation Area is a 91-mile-long reservoir, created by the Flaming Gorge Dam. These famous angling waters have produced trout of state and world record size. With over 300 miles of shoreline, boat ramps, full service lodges and marinas, Flaming Gorge Reservoir are an aquatic paradise.Flaming Gorge is famous for its fishing but also offers excellent opportunities for motor boating, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, and scuba diving. Ice fishing is a popular pastime in the winter. The Green River below the dam is boasted as one of the country's finest blue ribbon trout streams. Varied fishing opportunities are available in the lakes, streams, and reservoirs elsewhere on the Ashley National Forest.The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is also a popular boating and water sport area. Boat ramps and marinas are located at several sites around the Lake. There are 26 campgrounds in the immediate area of the Gorge, four of which are accessible only by boat. White water rapids and gorgeous canyon scenery lend to the popularity of river rafting below the dam.Visitors will find campgrounds located throughout the Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas (outside of designated campgrounds) is permitted in many Forest areas.Over 1,000 miles of trails exist on the Ashley National Forest providing visitors with access to backcountry and wilderness areas. Little Hole National Recreation Trail is located below Flaming Gorge Dam. Many roads and trails on the Forest are open to four-wheel drives, ATV's, and motorcycles.Ample snow in the mountains makes snowmobiling and cross-country skiing popular winter activities. A backcountry "yurt" sits four miles from the Flaming Gorge. |
|
