Red Canyon Rim Trail in Flaming Gorge

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Red Canyon in Flaming Gorge is definitely a great place to visit. The views of the Green River cutting through the canyon are amazing. The water is turquoise and beautiful. It looks especially pretty next to the red walls. There is a large overlook area, plus the Red Canyon Rim Trail. The trail is 9 miles roundtrip, but we walked the first mile, and it was very family friendly.

The views at Red Canyon are amazing.

Red Canyon Overlook

If you are looking for the easiest way to enjoy the Red Canyon area, then walk around the Red Canyon Overlook. There are paths to a few different viewpoints. Most have guardrails up, but not all of the areas do, so please watch your kids and stay back from the edges. Also, The path is not flat around the overlook areas. Most are paved, but they can be bumpy in some areas for those with wheelchairs. These views are some of the best in the Flaming Gorge area and worth the walk.

There are rails up to keep everyone back from the edge in most places.
It is a little bit of a hike just to the overlook.
See how this area has no rails? Be careful.
The overlook has such great views.

In the summer, the visitor center is open and you can look at the exhibits and ask questions. We visited in fall, and it was already closed for the year. There are a few interpretive signs along the paths, so keep an eye out around the Red Canyon Overlook

This sign has great info about the area.
Some signs along the overlook paths.
The Visitor Center is only open in summer.
We love Red Canyon.

Red Canyon Rim Trail

If you want to enjoy even more views, or are looking for a longer hike, then the Red Canyon Rim Trail in Flaming Gorge is probably what you want. This trail continues from the overlook area, and walks behind the pit toilets. Follow the trail, which is marked with blue markers, and you will walk along the edge of Red Canyon.

The trail begins behind the restrooms and heads off toward the trees.

The trail is flat and has little elevation change the entire way. There are opportunities for more pictures along the trail and a few signs, too. The hike walks in the trees and then back by the edge over and over again.

There are a bunch of different overlooks along the rim trail.
The views continue to be amazing.
Some of the trail walks in the trees.

We walked about a mile and then turned around. The trail continues on and according to other reviewers, it turns away from the canyon and walks through meadows, past a lake, and ends up back at Highway 44 (where you turn to come down to Red Canyon Overlook). This is 4.5 miles, and then you would turn around and walk back making it nine miles total. Hopefully we can return and do the whole thing soon.

Lots of the overlooks have signs with info.
Walking along the rim was fun.

We loved exploring the Red Canyon area. It is one of the prettiest places in Flaming Gorge. Add it to your list, and then use this list to help you find more to do near Flaming Gorge. Red Canyon overlook and trail begin at the end of the Red Canyon Road, which is a turnoff from Highway 44 around Flaming Gorge.

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