Cataract Gorge is one of the most dramatic and stunning spots in the Uinta Mountains. There are many hikes in the Uintas that have excellent views of peaks or lakes high above treeline. Cataract Gorge, with its beautiful crystal clear pools and falls, is one of my personal favorites even without the big mountain views. Little Deer Creek Falls, just above Cataract Gorge is the cherry on top of the day.

VIsiting the gorge and waterfall are short, family-friendly activities and a great way to beat the summer heat. The pools make for excellent swimming holes.

Beware though of a few things:

First, the road down requires a high clearance vehicle! In typical Uinta mountains style, this is a relentlessly rocky and rough road. True 4x4 recommended. Subaru type vehicles will have a difficult or impossible time. Some walk or mountain bike the last 3 miles of the bumpy road. Walking seems reasonable as a day hike, the bikers we saw were struggling quite a bit. Likely too rough for many mountain bikers tastes.

Second, the gorge is just below the Duchesne Tunnels east portal. Until about July, the river flows entirely down the canyon and is often too high and dangerous to visit. Once diversion into the tunnel begins, and spring runoff subsides, the flow in the gorge drops dramatically. Visit in late July and onward. In fall, the river is likely to be entirely diverted and the upper canyon dry. Springs on the side keep a bit of water flowing down the falls and into the swimming holes even when the top section is dry.

Finally, the east portal has a dispersed camping area around it. The camping area consists of maybe a dozen or so fairly tightly spaced sites that will fill up on summer weekends. If planning on camping, I would recommend having a plan B in case the camping is full.