Imagine yourself basking in the warm sun, surrounded by crystal-clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean, but instead, you’re in the heart of Wyoming. Yes, you heard that right ! Wyoming’s Flaming Gorge Reservoir, also affectionately known as the “Caribbean of Wyoming,” is a hidden gem that beckons visitors with its stunning landscapes and thrilling activities. Let me take you on a journey to this incredible destination and reveal why it should be at the top of your summer travel list.
Unveiling the natural beauty of flaming gorge reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a marvel of nature that stretches over 91 miles amidst the rugged terrain of Wyoming and Utah. This vast body of water, created by the damming of the Green River, offers a striking contrast to the arid landscapes surrounding it.
As you stand at the edge of the reservoir, the panoramic views will leave you breathless. The turquoise waters glisten under the sun, creating a scene that rivals the most beautiful beaches in the world. The reservoir’s 42,020 acres of water surface provide ample space for water-based recreation, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers a unique blend of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and serene waters. This magnificent setting provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone looking to relax and soak in the natural beauty, Flaming Gorge has something for everyone.
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Adventure awaits : thrilling activities at flaming gorge reservoir
If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, Flaming Gorge Reservoir won’t disappoint. The opportunities for recreational activities are endless and guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Boating : With such vast waters, boating is a must ! Bring your own vessel or rent one from the many marinas dotted along the shoreline. Feel the wind in your hair as you zip across the lake, exploring hidden coves and scenic spots.
Fishing : Flaming Gorge is renowned for its world-class fishing. The reservoir is teeming with species like trout, bass, and kokanee salmon. The annual fishing tournaments held here attract anglers from far and wide, adding a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition to the experience.
Hiking and Biking : The surrounding landscapes offer excellent trails for hiking and mountain biking. Trails like the Canyon Rim Trail provide breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding canyons. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and experience the region’s unique geology.
Camping : For those who love to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, camping at Flaming Gorge is a must. Numerous campgrounds provide stunning views and easy access to the water, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
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Water Sports : If you’re up for some excitement, try your hand at water skiing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. The calm and clear waters of the reservoir are perfect for these activities, ensuring a memorable time for all.
Discovering the rich history and culture around flaming gorge reservoir
While the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Flaming Gorge Reservoir are undoubtedly captivating, the area also boasts a rich history and vibrant culture.
The Utah Museum of Natural History is a great starting point to learn about the region’s geological and paleontological significance. You’ll discover that the area around Flaming Gorge was once home to prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs.
For history buffs, the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center provides insights into the reservoir’s creation and the engineering marvel that is the Flaming Gorge Dam. Constructed in 1964, this colossal structure stands as a testament to human ingenuity and offers guided tours that delve into its history and impact on the region.
Additionally, you can explore the charming towns nearby, such as Green River and Dutch John. These towns are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into the life of early settlers and the development of the American West.
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Plan your perfect trip : practical tips and recommendations
To make the most of your visit to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, I’ve compiled some practical tips and recommendations.
Best Time to Visit : Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit. This season provides ideal conditions for all outdoor activities and ensures a comfortable experience.
Accommodation : From cozy cabins and lodges to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s a range of accommodation options to suit every preference. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Essential Gear : Depending on your planned activities, pack appropriate gear. If you’re boating or fishing, ensure you have life jackets, fishing rods, and tackle. For hiking and camping, good quality hiking boots, tents, and sleeping bags are essential.
Local Cuisine : Don’t miss the chance to savor local delicacies at nearby eateries. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures or a relaxing dinner with a view, the local restaurants offer delicious options for every palate.
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Activity
Equipment Needed
Recommendations
Boating
Boat, Life Jackets
Rent from local marinas
Fishing
Fishing Rods, Tackle
Join annual fishing tournaments
Hiking
Hiking Boots, Backpack
Explore Canyon Rim Trail
Camping
Tent, Sleeping Bag
Book campgrounds in advance
Water Sports
Jet Ski, Paddleboard
Rent from local facilities
Stay Safe and Respect Nature : Finally, remember to prioritize safety during your trip. Follow local guidelines and respect the environment by leaving no trace. The beauty of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a treasure that we must preserve for future generations.
So, there you have it ! With its stunning scenery, thrilling activities, rich history, and practical tips, Flaming Gorge Reservoir truly is the “Caribbean of Wyoming.” Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure !
Editor-in-Chief at The Oracle CE
I’m from Malvern, Arkansas and I’m an Innovative Media major. My minor is in Sociology. I went from being a stagehand to being a student. I like to travel, play music and skateboard.
My goal is to become a foreign correspondant and I’m currently learning Russian.
GLENROCK, Wyo. — A 55-year-old Wyoming man died Monday night after his vehicle went over a bridge rail and caught fire on Interstate 25 near Glenrock.
Gavin Stanek was traveling north in a Cadillac Escalade around 9:13 p.m. when the vehicle drifted into the median near milepost 156, according to a Wyoming Highway Patrol report. The vehicle continued through the median until it struck a bridge retaining wall.
The driver’s side of the Escalade scraped along the rail before the vehicle went over the edge toward the river. The Cadillac rolled toward the passenger side and landed on its roof on the river embankment, where it was engulfed in flames, the report states.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol identified driver fatigue or the driver falling asleep as a possible contributing factor in the crash. Road conditions were dry and the weather was clear at the time of the incident.
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This story contains preliminary information as provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol via the Wyoming Department of Transportation Fatal Crash Summary map. The agency advises that information may be subject to change.
As a plaintiff in the 2022 lawsuit that kicked off years of legal sparring over Wyoming abortion rights, Dr. Giovannina Anthony had waited a long time for Tuesday’s Supreme Court decision on the state’s abortion bans.
“It has been a long road,” she said. One with ups and downs, drawbacks and delays. And even though the high court ruled against the state’s abortion bans, she’s not under the illusion that the fight for abortion access is over.
“But at least today, we can claim a victory and say, it was really worth it,” said Anthony, a Jackson obstetrician. “It was worth it to go four years and keep it up and keep raising money and keep the awareness going. I’m really proud of our team. I’m really proud of what we accomplished.”
In reading the Supreme Court’s decision siding with plaintiffs, Anthony said, “Clearly, this is a court that holds a lot of respect for our constitution.”
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That’s because much of the decision hinged on constitutional language.
Anthony and other plaintiffs argued that abortion is enshrined in the “right of health care access” in Article 1, Section 38 of the Wyoming Constitution. The clause states, “Each competent adult shall have the right to make his or her own health care decisions.”
The state’s attorneys, meanwhile, countered that abortion isn’t health care.
But in deciding what that language means in this case, “all five Wyoming Supreme Court justices agreed that the decision whether to terminate or continue a pregnancy is a woman’s own health care decision protected by Article 1, Section 38,” the court’s summary stated.
As abortion rights activists in Wyoming and beyond celebrated the decision, the anti-abortion camp decried it and called for legislative action.
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“This ruling is profoundly unfortunate and sadly serves to only prolong the ultimate proper resolution of this issue,” Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement. While the ruling may settle a legal question for the time being, Gordon said, “it does not settle the moral one, nor does it reflect where many Wyoming citizens stand, including myself.”
Anti-abortion activists in the silent March for Life in Cheyenne in January 2020. (Nadav Soroker, Wyoming Tribune Eagle/Wyoming News Exchange)
Gordon asked the Attorney General’s office to file a petition for rehearing the decision, which it will file within 15 days.
The voters of Wyoming should settle the matter once and for all, Gordon argued. “A constitutional amendment taken to the people of Wyoming would trump any and all judicial decisions.”
He called on the Legislature to pass such an amendment during the upcoming session and deliver it to his desk. A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to appear on the ballot in the following general election.
Gordon may get his wish during the Legislature’s 2026 budget session, which convenes Feb. 9.
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State lawmakers are already preparing a bill to modify the Wyoming Constitution and clear a path for another attempted abortion ban. Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, a Republican from Hulett, said that he’s been workshopping language with Torrington Republican Sen. Cheri Steinmetz.
“I’ve got to run it by a lot of other people,” Neiman said.
Reps. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams and Chip Neiman listen during a 2023 hearing on their request to defend Wyoming’s abortion ban. (Brad Boner/Jackson Hole News&Guide/Pool)
Ideally, he added, a single constitutional amendment would be considered, although the legislative strategy is still up for discussion.
“We’ve got a little over a month before we have to be in session,” Neiman said. “That’ll give us time to kind of see which is maybe the best plan of action.”
A constitutional amendment would have to navigate the legislative process in a 20-day session geared toward passing Wyoming’s budget. Then, in the 2026 general election, more than half of Wyoming voters who cast a ballot would have to agree to the constitutional change.
Neiman struck an optimistic tone about an amendment’s prospects of passing the first hurdle during the session in Cheyenne.
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“I can’t speak for the other chamber,” he said, “but in my chamber I’ve got a lot of phone calls and a lot of texts from a lot of my legislators who are just beside themselves at what happened.”
Senate President Bo Biteman did not return a phone call before this story published.
Victorious
Chelsea’s Fund, an organization that helps pay for abortion services, was another of the plaintiffs that challenged Wyoming’s abortion bans. Executive Director Janean Forsyth said Tuesday’s decision affirms what her organization has long known: “that abortion is essential health care, and Wyoming women have a constitutional right and the freedom to make their own health care decisions, and that should be without government interference.”
Forsyth was flooded with messages and calls Tuesday, she said, especially from the community of reproductive rights organizations.
“I think that [the news is] a beacon of hope for, not only Wyoming communities and families, but also nationwide,” she said.
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Christine Lichtenfels was Chelsea’s Fund executive director when the original suit was filed and throughout much of the legal battle. Relief wasn’t quite the word to describe how she felt Tuesday, she said.
“In reading the decision, there is just a sense that, ‘Oh, there is reason in the world,” she said. “It makes me think that, yes, Wyoming is the Equality State. We can say that now without cringing.”
(Disclosure: Lichtenfels is currently working with WyoFile on an unrelated legal matter.)
The Wellspring Health Access clinic in Casper is pictured in December 2022, and shows signs of May 2022 arson, including boarded up windows. (Dustin Bleizeffer/WyoFile)
Wyoming’s only abortion clinic, Wellspring Health Access in Casper, was also a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Knowing the decision would directly impact the facility’s fate, Clinic President Julie Burkhart was nervous when she opened it. Reading quickly dispelled her fears, she said, as it dawned on her that the justices sided with the plaintiffs’ legal team.
“We are delighted,” she told WyoFile.
Many people questioned her 2021 decision to open an abortion clinic in such a conservative state, she said. The court decision solidifies an intuition she felt back then about Wyoming residents’ sense of what’s fair and right.
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Burkhart and colleagues expect future challenges to arise, however.
“While we celebrate today’s ruling, we know that anti-abortion politicians will continue their push to restrict access to health care in Wyoming with new, harmful proposals in the state legislature,” Burkart said in a statement. “Patients should not have to live in fear that their health care decisions will be suddenly upended at the whim of a judge or lawmaker.”
Across the state in Jackson, Dr. Anthony anticipates the Wyoming Freedom Caucus will attempt to pass laws that impose targeted restrictions against abortion providers — such as forcing patients to hear a fetal heartbeat or wait a certain time period before the procedure.
“Unfortunately, the fight’s not over,” Anthony said, “but this is a great moment for us.”
Heartache
Abortion opponents expressed sadness Tuesday and vehemently disagreed with the court’s opinion.
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State Rep. Rachel Rodriguez Williams was lead sponsor of one of the abortion bans. The Cody Republican and chair of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus did not respond to a request for comment, but posted about the decision on X.
“My heart aches for Wyoming today,” Rodriguez Williams posted. “Thanks to the decision of four unelected, unchecked attorneys, it’s open season in Wyoming for innocent, preborn babies. Make no mistake: courts can get things wrong, and they sure did get this wrong. I’ll never stop fighting to protect life.”
Anti-abortion billboards can be seen along some Wyoming highways. (Tennessee Watson/WyoFile)
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray also protested the decision, which he called “outrageously wrong” and “a leftwing activist decision totally out of touch with the Wyoming Constitution.”
Natrona County anti-abortion activist Bob Brechtel, a former Wyoming House member, also expressed frustration with the courts, criticizing the nearly two-year-long wait for a decision and saying he was “ashamed” of the outcome from the high court.
In 2011, Brechtel co-sponsored the bill authorizing a later-successful constitutional amendment ballot measure that now protects individuals’ rights to make their own health care decisions. Born out of opposition to the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, what became Article 1, Section 38 caused some lawmakers to worry about potential unintended consequences.
Fifteen years later, one unintended consequence came to fruition. Reached Tuesday, Brechtel confirmed that he did not intend to protect women’s right to have an abortion in Wyoming.
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“There was nothing in the legislation about killing innocent human beings,” he said. “This whole thing has been completely regenerated into something that it was never intended to be.”
It is Week 4 in the 2026 Wyoming High School boys’ swimming and diving season. It features several medium-sized competitions. After a dual in Douglas on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday are packed with meets. Jackson hosts its two-day invitational with four teams heading to Teton County. There are three-team events in Casper, Gillette, and Sheridan on Friday, plus two five-team meets at Cody and Rock Springs.
WYOPREPS BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING WEEK 4 SCHEDULE 2026
Saturday also has swim invites at Evanston, Powell, and Sheridan. The schedule for Week 4 of the prep boys’ swimming and diving season in the Cowboy State is below. The schedule is subject to change.
RAWLINS AT DOUGLAS – dual
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CASPER TRI at NCHS – Cheyenne East, Kelly Walsh, Natrona County.
