River otters, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, beavers, Bald Eagles, Magpies, and Brown Trout in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation area.
Flaming Gorge Skiing - Snowshoeing
Amazing views and wildlife
Winter trails offer cross country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts an intimate view of wildlife in winter. Herds of wintering elk and lone Bull Moose are common throughout the area. Travel through quiet forests of Lodgepole pine and aspen. Catch your breath in serene alpine meadows and lose it again standing at the edge of a dramatic canyon overlook. Miles of trails unlock a unique view of the winter landscape.
Ski Rentals at Flaming Gorge Resort
Snowshoe Rentals at Red Canyon Lodge
Enjoy Local Trails:
4. Grizzly Ridge Yurt Trail: 6 miles roundtrip/marked trail
Access this trail from Little Brush Creek Trailhead or Bassett Springs Trailhead. The trail follows a jeep trail through Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, aspen and sagebrush ending with a wonderful view of the Ashley Valley. Moderate to steep ascent for intermediate skier. 8,400’ - 9,200’
6. Old Ski Tow Loop Trail: 2.25 mile loop/marked trail
The ascending trail winds through Lodgepole pine and aspen to a point near the top of the old Grizzly Ridge ski run. Trailhead is off U.S. Hwy 191. For intermediate skiers. 8,400’ - 8.800’
7. Bear Canyon: 3 miles roundtrip/marked trail, Groomed in winter
From the Trailhead, the trail travels west, passing the Amphitheatre and soon after follows an old road. The ski route travels through Ponderosa Pine and at trails end offers views of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. A great novice route.
8. Swett Ranch Loop: 7 mile loop/marked trail, groomed in winter
This loop takes one around a turn-of-the-century historic pioneer ranch with scenic views in all directions. Elk and moose often frequent the area. For intermediate skiers. 6,720’ - 7,400’
9. Red Canyon Rim Trail: 4-7 miles one-way/marked trail, groomed in winter
A mix of spectacular canyon views of Flaming Gorge and open stands of ponderosa pine can be seen along this trail. Mostly flat terrain for novice to intermediate skiers. Trailhead parking at Visitor Center (closed for winter) or at Red Canyon Lodge. 7,200’ - 7,450’.
11. Elk Park: 5.5 miles roundtrip/marked trail, groomed in winter
Route winds in and out of open stands of ponderosa pine and aspen following the Deep Creek Road until reaching Elk Park. Elk Park is a large open meadow with views of the north slope of the Uintas. An excellent flat track through elk and moose habitat for novice skiers. This trail is shared with snomobilers. 7,820’ - 8,020’
12. Dowd Mountain Trail: 11 mile loop/marked trail
This loop covers a long route to Dowd Mountain Overlook with outstanding views of Flaming Gorge, Red Canyon and the High Uintas. After climbing gradually through open country the last miles of the trail enter and descend a narrow canyon back to the trailhead. A strenuous route of varied, moderately difficult trails over flat and steep, rocky terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers. 7,560’ - 7,980’