which is also regarded by fishermen as trout heaven . If you ’ re hardy enough to come in the dead of winter , you ’ ll even be able to do some ice fishing ! |
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Flaming Gorge , crosses verdant forests and vast canyons carved by the Green River . Most of this picturesque area is in Wyoming , with only a small portion lying in neighboring Utah . Designated a National Recreation Area , Flaming Gorge is rich in wildlife and Western lore , and serves as a grand outdoor play arena , minus the crowds .
If water is your milieu , you ’ ll be in heaven , whether it ’ s on an exciting raft trip or a leisurely boat excursion . Traveling from one end of the lake to the other , you ’ ll pass through sections with stunning rock pinnacles and long stretching
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beaches . As you make your way towards the south end , there are winding canyons with vibrantly-hued cliffs and lush forests . Big horn sheep graze the hillsides and scale the steep walls of the canyon , giving visitors pause as they stand in awe of these nimble creatures .
As for anglers , this area offers one of the most diverse fisheries in the world , with hundreds of waters within an hour ’ s drive of the gorge . It ’ s a trophy trout destination , known for setting state records for Lake , Rainbow and Brown trout . And let ’ s not forget about the Green River , below the Flaming Gorge Dam ,
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Hikers , take heart , as there are miles of trails to give you a sense of the grandeur of the Flaming Gorge . One of the more popular walks is along Red Canyon Rim , where you ’ ll get great views of Red Canyon , a 1,700-feet-deep gorge carved by the Green River eons ago . The route follows the south side of the rim , providing many spectacular overlooks of the lake below . It ’ s easy to become mesmerized by the contrast between the red walls of the canyon and the blue / green color of the lake . Make sure to stop in at the Red Canyon Visitor Center , with its frontier history and wildlife exhibits , as well as its free interpretive programs for kids and families . Perched high upon the rocky cliffs of the gorge , the facility offers a million-dollar view of the immense canyon .
There are plenty of places to camp in and around the Flaming Gorge , as well as a number of lodges for those wishing additional comfort . Red Canyon Lodge , where I had my stand-up paddleboard experience , is a top-rated establishment with a dose of rustic charm , offering private cabins , fine dining and plenty of activities to please all tastes and ages . The log cabins are custom-built and handcrafted , situated on the lodge ’ s peaceful lakeside setting . Some folks simply sit on the porch content to gaze at the scenery during their stay , while others are active from dawn to dusk , taking advantage of the fishing and boating opportunities on the private lake or
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heading down to the stables for a trail ride . The lodge rents all sorts of gear , including assorted watercraft and mountain bikes . Clientele ranges from empty nesters to families , many who make their pilgrimage to the place year after year . It ’ s definitely a kid-friendly environment , where little ones have their own fishing hole to haul in a “ big one ” just steps away from the on-site restaurant with its madefor-children meal options .
Though it ’ s the wow factor that certainly impresses visitors to Sweetwater County , it ’ s also the opportunity the area offers them for rejuvenation and peace of mind that is of equal merit . Most important , however , it ’ s a place where treasured memories can be made .
If you go :
For more information about Sweetwater County , visit : www . tourwyoming . com www . redcanyonlodge . com www . greenriverwildhorsetours . com
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