Where to Stay:
This location in the Ashley Forest is absolutely incredible! We stayed at Red Canyon Lodge which has perfect little cabins with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. It was great for families. We were lucky enough to experience an afternoon thunderstorm from the porch and inside (when it got chilly). But we spent most our time outside on the front porch and the grounds.
Just out side our front porch was a reservoir stocked with fish (catch and release) and paddle boats, paddle boards, rowboats, canoes (and life jackets, too).
The grounds were so fun to explore and hike around. You can't help but feel like your in one of those summer camp movies!
They even have a wood shed with crates of wood for your private fire pit - seriously, every detail is taken care of!
Look at this view! The wildflowers, the pond, the grasses, the trees, the mountains, etc.
And one of those trails leads to this amazing lookout.
We cannot tell you the hours we spent on this dock fishing...
First thing in the morning, these kids were out at the water ready to fish!
Each cabin has a dock to sit and fish and boat from.
There is even a restaurant in the main lodge, if you are not in the mood to cook your own meals.
We headed out one morning to the Flaming Gorge Dam for the free dam tour and it did NOT disappoint!
We walked across the dam and then go inside and down to the very bottom of the dam.
The water was raging because of our snowy winter and they needed to make room in the reservoir for the snow melt...check that out!
What to do:
Lucerne Valley Marina
You cannot go to Flaming Gorge without going ON the water and the best way to do that is rent a party boat from Lucerne Valley Marina. They even rent out house boats by the day for super a reasonable rate. And you don't want to miss this canyon and the view!
We brought a picnic and some tunes and partied on this lake. We did some fishing off the boat and some cliff jumping. So much fun!
These kids loved it!
And for those who are finished boating there is a sandy, swimming beach which was quite a bit warmer.
Ok, here are the deets:
Stay: Red Canyon Lodge cabins of various sizes with a private stocked reservoir and boats, plus a restaurant
http://www.redcanyonlodge.com
Do: Lucerne Valley Marina rent house boats, patio and party boats
http://www.flaminggorge.com
Bonus activity: Flaming Gorge Dam free tour, museum and gift shop