Highway 191 north to Flaming Gorge

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I asked the ranger and he directed me from Salt Lake City on I-80 East, then turn south at Bridger on WY 414. He says it's a pretty clear sail on in. I'll take his advice.

Getup'ngo wrote:
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I asked the ranger and he directed me from Salt Lake City on I-80 East, then turn south at Bridger on WY 414. He says it's a pretty clear sail on in. I'll take his advice.

I haven't driven that entire route but I believe that will bring you into Manilla, UT. From there you will loop south to get to Dutch John. I think you should take a look at that route on both the map and the satellite view. I think you will find that it also has a few steep grades, and several sharp curves in the highway.
As I mentioned before, this is "Open Range" area and besides the cattle, there are deer and big horn sheep at the side of the road. The road going to and from the Flaming Gorge Dam is a little steep, but doable.

You're welcome. I'm glad you found a route you are more comfortable with. We'd do the same. In fact when we go to The Grand Tetons, we take the Alpine Pass route which is longer rather than over Teton Pass - why stress yourself out if there's a suitable alternate route? I'll make note of this route should we find ourselves wanting to go to that area.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I asked the ranger and he directed me from Salt Lake City on I-80 East, then turn south at Bridger on WY 414. He says it's a pretty clear sail on in. I'll take his advice.

It is a great road, with a few turns not to far out of Vernal. We did it in both directins pulling a toad with no problem. Just take it easy and you will have no problem. There are quite a few trucks that use the road, and they will be going slow, so just relax and you will be fine.
The scenery is fantastic but you do have to be a little careful as you approach Dutch John. In that area it is "open range" which means there are NO fences. This means that cattle may be grazing right at the side of the road, and crossing the road. In addition, there are quite a few deer in the area, which will also wander out in to the road.
I think the highest altitude that you will hit is only around 8500 feet. The road itself is paved very well and is a beautiful drive. I had no problem with my 8.1L GM gasser with the Allison transmission.
Worst case scenario is that you can disconnect the toad and have someone follow your coach. I did not have to disconnect my toad, but if you do have trouble, that is always an option.

ReneeG wrote:
We haven't driven that route but I found this site with information and this site also. The Mountain Directory West notes, "between Hwy 44 and Vernel - About 9 miles south of the 191-44 junction there is a summit (8428'). The northbound descent from the summit continues almost 9 miles back to the junction but it is rolling hills in the 4% range except for the last mile whcih is about 6% descent. The southbound descent from the summit begins with about 6 miles of rolling grade, some of which is 5-6%. About milepost 220 1/2 there is a brake check areas for southbounders and several warning signs. Use caution on this hill."
With that said, check out the first link I sent you. Mountain Directory West is very cautious and we have found, with experience, that it's not as bad as it sounds once you get there. Most likely because we take it slow, really slow, and are prepared as to what is ahead rather than being surprised. Your asking us here about that section will prepare you. The Mountain Directory's goal is to prepare you. Their motto is "You can go down a mountain a thousand times too slowly, but only once too fast."

Some interstates have steeper grades. Also, the 'Mountain Directory' is highly recommended for anyone traveling mountains - east or west.

I've been over that route several times and the road is not the best.
It has one big hill that I remember that I heard the fan on my little DP running at top speed.
While the driving it is not the worst road I've been on- the wife refuses to go that way again. So up and down thru the Salt Lake area we go. Did I mention the the roads in Salt lake have been tore up for the last 5 years?

it's a tough climb, but doable. Just take it easy. You just feel like you're going up up up and will it ever stop??? But it tops out finally and after that it's fine. And so much cooler than down below. And you're so lucky to have a position up there.

I've driven it in my old 33' pace arrow (454) with the jeep in tow.

It was a long climb, all in first gear with my foot to the floor most of the time. I had a 4 speed and I just couldn't hold 2nd and where I could the temps would creep up. So I just put it in first and left it there. I forget the HP peak on the 454, 3800 rpm maybe, but I just kept it there or full throttle if it fell below that.

It does have a couple of places you can pull over in the switchbacks, but I found I could keep it cooler, by just keeping the rpm up to move some air and keep it climbing up the hill.

You shouldn't have any trouble with it unless you have other mechanical issues, just take your time.

Les

We haven't driven that route but I found this site with information and this site also. The Mountain Directory West notes, "between Hwy 44 and Vernel - About 9 miles south of the 191-44 junction there is a summit (8428'). The northbound descent from the summit continues almost 9 miles back to the junction but it is rolling hills in the 4% range except for the last mile whcih is about 6% descent. The southbound descent from the summit begins with about 6 miles of rolling grade, some of which is 5-6%. About milepost 220 1/2 there is a brake check areas for southbounders and several warning signs. Use caution on this hill."
With that said, check out the first link I sent you. Mountain Directory West is very cautious and we have found, with experience, that it's not as bad as it sounds once you get there. Most likely because we take it slow, really slow, and are prepared as to what is ahead rather than being surprised. Your asking us here about that section will prepare you. The Mountain Directory's goal is to prepare you. Their motto is "You can go down a mountain a thousand times too slowly, but only once too fast."