Daggett County: Flaming Gorge, Trails, and Pioneer History

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located in Daggett County in northeastern Utah and Sweetwater County in southwestern Wyoming. The area includes the 91-mile-long Flaming Gorge Reservoir, whose shoreline stretches for 350 miles. Hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing are among the designated recreational opportunities.

The landscape also includes areas of the Ashley National Forest in Daggett County: wooded mountain scenery with lakes, trails, and scattered campgrounds. Together with the reservoir, these offer different options for a nature- and outdoor-focused stay.

Hiking Trails and Geological Insights

The 7-mile Little Hole National Recreation Trail runs from Flaming Gorge Dam to the Little Hole Day-Use Area. The route passes through the bottom of Red Canyon and along a major sport-fishing area. A structure also defines the landscape at the dam: Flaming Gorge Dam is a 502-foot-high concrete arch dam with a thin arch structure.

The Sheep Creek Geologic Loop is a 10-mile section of Forest Service Road 218 that runs through the center of the Uinta Crest Fault. Viewpoints along the route offer opportunities to see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. In terms of length, the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop is shorter than the 17-mile Spirit Lake Scenic Backway. The latter passes through dense conifer forests and meadows and provides access to mountain fishing, hiking, backpacking, ATV riding, and camping.

There are several different options: the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop combines geological insights with an opportunity for wildlife viewing, while the Spirit Lake Scenic Backway pairs forest and meadow scenery with a range of outdoor activities.

Nature and Traces of Early Settlement

The Diamond Breaks Wilderness Study Area extends into Daggett County in Utah. It contains rock art, granaries, rock shelters, and scattered stone artifacts from prehistoric and historic settlement. The area also offers opportunities for photography, nature and wildlife viewing, hiking, and backpacking.

Swett Ranch also tells the story of the region. Located in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, it represents the era of pioneer homesteads, as well as the self-sufficiency and ingenuity of Utah’s pioneers. The Forest Service purchased the ranch in 1972 and subsequently developed it into a working historic site.

In 1880, John Jarvie settled Brown’s Park, where he operated a ferry across the Green River, as well as a store and post office. At John Jarvie Historic Ranch, paved walkways lead to most of the historic buildings. Indian Crossing Campground is located on the Green River next to the ranch’s day-use area and has 20 individual campsites and one group site.

Practical Information

Red Canyon Visitor Center in Dutch John offers views of the canyon. There is no entrance fee for the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. However, a Recreation Use Pass is required at all major boat launch sites and at the Little Hole National Recreation Trail below the dam.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Daggett County, first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: should hiking trails and geology, the history of pioneer homesteads, or Flaming Gorge Reservoir shape your stay?

Explore more destinations: Red Canyon, Summit, Box Elder County, Cache, Wayne County, Duchesne County, Rich County, Millard County.

For the broader travel overview: Utah.