Little Hole Trail in the Little Hole Recreation Area follows a well-marked path right along the river. Though the trail runs for a very long distance through the canyon, we followed it from the parking area to the restroom 1.6 miles upstream. That made the total hike 3.2 miles very flat and easy.
Where to Park
Little Hole Recreation Area is a popular spot for fishing. It can be found along the Green River. We accessed the trail at the end of the Little Hole Road, which is three miles past the Flaming Gorge Dam. Follow the road to the end (about 6 miles). The Green River in this area is particularly beautiful as it leaves Flaming Gorge and heads south through Utah. You can see the bottom through the crystal clear water, and we spotted several trout right along the bank.
Alternate Route
There is also parking near the beginning of the Little Hole Road to start this trail. This trail is more moderate because you park above and then hike switchbacks down to the Little Hole Trail. This beginning point is accessed from the Spillway Boat Launch Road about a mile after the Flaming Gorge Dam. We did not hike this way, but we know there is a steep descent, which means a climb back out, too. We loved hiking from the other end where it was flat.
The Trail
Park at the restrooms above the dock at the Little Hole Recreation Area and walk north past the restrooms. The trail quickly goes down to the bank, and is heavily trafficked by anglers. We walked past lots of fisherman, and saw even more in boats on the river. At times, the trail becomes pretty thickly overgrown, making some areas a bit uncomfortable, but it is easy to navigate, and as long as you don’t mind a few willows, it’s amazing.
The Little Hole Trail hugs the riverside, but the canyon walls soon close in around you, and it’s a bit shady in parts. Most of the trail is out in the open, so come prepared in the hot summer months. The views along the Green River are beautiful. Eventually, the canyon loops around to your left, and you can see the bathrooms. That’s where we stopped and turned around. The trail walks all the way back toward the Flaming Gorge Dam if you want to spend your whole day hiking.
One interesting thing we saw along this route was a tribute mailbox. Look closely on the rocky side of the trail and you’ll pass a mailbox in the rocks. The box contains a journal and some fishing tips from a deceased angler. His family has placed a journal in the mailbox, and you can leave a message or fish story, including well-wishes for the departed.
You can follow the Little Hole Trail for as long as you like, but we felt like the bathrooms were a perfect turnaround and got you most of the way into the canyon. If we had more time, we definitely would walk further since the trail is basically flat and it follows closely along the river. This is an amazing trail in the Flaming Gorge Area. For other ideas in this area, visit our post of Things to do near Flaming Gorge.
