The 1,300,000-acre Ashley National Forest encompasses the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the 91-mile lake created by the Flaming Gorge Dam. The surrounding cliffs are made of spectacular red rock, dotted with growths of aspen and pine. The area is popular for trophy trout fishing and water oriented recreation of all kinds. The area features many nearby comfortable accommodations, which makes the area a popular vacation spot. Other forest recreation includes backpacking in the High Uintas Wilderness, and camping in either improved camp areas or primitive camp areas throughout the forest. The state's highest mountain, 13,528-foot Kings Peak, is located within this area.
Of interest is Utah's first national scenic byway, The Drive Through the Ages along Hwy 191, extending from Vernal to the Wyoming border. The drive accesses several areas of geologic interest, including the Sheep Creek Canyon area, where a billion years of Earth history lies exposed.