We didn't know exactly what we'd find in the Flaming Gorge area, and heat maps led us to believe that not many people bike here, but we were extremely pleased to find the gravel riding outstanding!
Deep Creek Road had zero car traffic on it for us, was nicely packed, smooth dirt, and was forested/shady for the first few miles before opening up to more expansive views.
There was a short section of more adventurous, but totally doable double track that connected Deep Creek road to Forest Road 93.
Forest Road 93 had a little chunkier surface which climbed to a summit with a stunning, wide open vista where you can see in all directions for miles. The descent was equally chunky, but still pretty fast and we had a blast riding down.
Dowd Mountain Road and the trails that parallel it, are great on their own, but the views of The Flaming Gorge and the Green River are absolutely incredible. Not only that, but given the magnificence of the view, the 4 miles to get to the viewpoint are not that steep and even has a little downhill. Bring your camera and expect to spend some extra time to take in the stunning scenery.
We'd done a little research before heading out and MTB Project had made us aware of some easy mountain bike trails on Dowd Mountain. However, the first part of the trail we tried was very overgrown single-track that was nearly non-existent. We turned back and stuck to the road on the way up to the lookout (a lovely dirt road we recommend). On the way back down, we explored some other parts of the trails that were more established double-track.
The section on pavement (Utah 44) is alongside quick moving car traffic. Traffic was fairly light and there is a decent, wide shoulder, but it always feels slightly shocking after spending time on the quieter dirt roads.
Do this ride if you are in the Flaming Gorge Area of Utah and want to do a ride on great forest service roads with a climb up to an incredible view of the gorge and Green River below.
We started this from the Moose Ponds Picnic Area which had a small parking lot and vault toilets. It is located right off the main road and we enjoyed biking around the pond then having a picnic there afterward. If you prefer to cut off some road miles, there is also an informal dirt parking lot at the first turn off to Deep Creek Road (at approximately mile 2)
There were a few vault toilets on route including at Deep Creek Campground (mile 5.75) and the Dowd Mountain Overlook (mile 20).
The Deep Creek Campground looked lovely and would make for any excellent place to camp in this area.
The dirt roads and trails felt pretty remote in that we didn't see other bikers, pedestrians or cars, but you are close to cool things within driving or biking distance. We recommend the Red Canyon Visitors Center which has quite the view (about 8 miles from the route start). The Red Canyon Rim hike is exceptional. (It is open to bikes, but sadly only suitable for mountain bikes.) The Red Canyon Lodge is probably the nearest place with food. It has a restaurant with an outdoor patio and small general/gift store with snacks and drinks for sale.
Laura & Rose
Laura Karpinski and Rose Barcklow are the creators of Gravel Bike Adventures. Click on the About page to learn more about them.
