Forum Discussion

KarenS144's avatar
KarenS144
Explorer
Mar 02, 2014

Route Advice Needed for Vernal, Utah Area

We'd like to visit Dinosaur National Monument after Salt Lake City via US 40 then take US 191 north toward Dutch John and eventually getting to I-80. According to Mountain Directory West US 40 looks doable but 191N around the WY border looks problematic.

We will probably make the trip in our G'town gasser towing a Jeep Wrangler unless a DP materializes in our drive.

An alternative plan after Dinosaur N.M. would be to go back to Duchesne then take 191 south to where ever we decide to go next.

To those that have traveled the Vernal/Dutch John area, what are your thoughts about 191N?

Thanks!
Roads and Routes
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2014
    Think I'd unhook the Jeep in Vernal to make the climb northward on US 191 a little easier on the RV. When you get to the top, then hook the Jeep back up. Lots of USFS campgrounds on the Ashley NF, plan on spending a few days. Make sure you go to the overlook, and if you haven't been to Dinosaur NP east of Vernal do that also. Best way to do that is take the Jeep over there, make sure you visit the Josie Morris cabin and the petroglyphs!
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2014
    Haven't traveled that route but I always stay off any road marked `scenic' when towing.
  • KarenS144's avatar
    KarenS144
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2014
    hmmm..looks like we'll be traveling through Dutch John! Now, I need campground suggestions for the Flaming Gorge area.

    Thanks!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 02, 2014
    191N out of Vernal is a bit of a climb but well worth it!

    Flaming Gorge from Sheepcreek Overlook....Dutch John



  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Mar 02, 2014
    We spent last summer in the area, and towed our FW around it. Like CloudDriver states, there are some grades, but I think most any rig could handle it. And we took the dam tour too. I'd recommend it. Also, if you have a day or two, you can dry camp around Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The trout fishing is spectacular. We did catch and release and most of the trout were in the 15-19" range.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2014
    We drove route 191 in our Class C (not towing) from Vernal all the way to Jackson WY back in 2012. There were some ups and downs and pretty sure we used 2nd gear on occasion, but not a drive I would avoid doing again. Actually, we plan to go back to Dinosaur again this year for more exploring and may afterward use 191 north again.

    There were many good scenic views on that route and the tour of the Flaming Gorge dam was enjoyable.

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