Flaming Gorge and the Green River

Clear tailwater float below a red-rock dam.

Below Flaming Gorge Dam the Green River runs cold and clear through Red Canyon, and the seven miles to Little Hole make an easy, family-friendly float with several small rapids and big trout. Rent an inflatable kayak or raft in Dutch John and book a shuttle, then spend another day on the 91-mile reservoir’s red cliffs and coves. Reservoir levels are lower than normal in 2026, so check access before you launch.

At a glance

Classic float

Dam to Little Hole, 7 mi

Rapids

Several small rapids, family-friendly

Reservoir

91 miles long

Fishing

Blue Ribbon trout on the river and reservoir

NRA pass

$5/day, $15/week (buy locally, not online)

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Whitewater
• Flatwater
• Boat rentals
• Paddleboarding
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Flaming Gorge Resort

  Rafts, inflatable kayaks, SUPs and drift boats for the Green River, with vehicle shuttles and river maps.

• Trout Creek Flies

  Dutch John fly shop with guided fishing, raft, kayak and SUP rentals, shuttles and lodging.

• Cedar Springs Marina

  Marina two miles from the dam with powerboat rentals, guided fishing, lake tours and a bar and grill.

Where to stay

• lodgeFlaming Gorge Resort

  Lodging near Dutch John with the river rental and shuttle desk on site.

  15 min drive
• cabinRed Canyon Lodge

  Handcrafted log cabins and a restaurant in the forest beside a small private lake.

  25 min drive

Nearby

• Little Hole Trail · At the take-out

  Riverside footpath between the dam and Little Hole, popular with anglers.

• Flaming Gorge Dam · 15 min drive

  Bureau of Reclamation dam and visitor area just above the put-in.

• Red Canyon Visitor Center · 25 min drive

  Visitor center and overlook on the rim of Red Canyon.

Getting there

• Salt Lake City International (SLC) · about 3 hr 30 min drive
• Vernal · about 0.75 hr
• Rock Springs, WY · about 1.25 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 3.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps