Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

If you happen to be standing in front of the Flaming Gorge or its reservoir with a crowd of people, don't be surprised to hear a few gasps and exclamations of surprise. The sheer size of these bodies of water is astounding, as are the red, narrow-cut walls on either side of the gorge. Though not far from the conventional, suburban town of Vernal, the Flaming Gorge area feels like its own world. This is the kind of place where you let yourself notice the aspen trees quiver, and you hear the birds chirp. The lake and 91-mi gorge also has some of the best boating and fishing opportunities in the state. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir stretches north into Wyoming; however, most facilities lie south of the state line in Utah.