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Hike • Limber Flag is best done during a stay at the U.S. Forest Service's lovely yurt of the same name. It is in a low-traffic part of the Ashley National Forest; through the entire Independence Day weekend, I saw just one ATV and one hiker. Summer yurt reservations typically are not too competitive.

From the Limber Flag Yurt, hike north on the jeep trail as it climbs up gradually through evergreen forests and intermittent meadows. In early July, we saw about 30 types of wildflowers in bloom; that may have been unusually early due to an odd weather year.

We stopped at an overlook 1 mile northeast of the yurt and took in sweeping views before an approaching storm sent us back to camp. It is a very nice stopping point; the top of Limber Flag hill is only a quarter mile beyond.

Directions • From Vernal, take U.S. 191 north 24 miles to Forest Service Road 048 and turn east. F.S. 048 is paved for about 1.8 miles; continue on the gravel another 0.6 mile to F.S. 255 and turn north. Stay on F.S. 255 about 1.2 miles to F.S. 254 and turn northwest. About 0.4 mile in, you will see a fence. If you don't have four-wheel drive and high clearance, this is a decent place to park and hike up to the yurt. If your car can take it (low-range four-wheel drive is a big plus), continue about 1.2 mile up the steep, rocky road. Turn east onto the winter ski trail, which is marked by blue diamonds on the trees. The yurt is only 0.2 mile up the trail.

In winter, this route is not accessible. To reach the yurt, continue on U.S. 191 for 0.2 miles past the F.S. 048 junction, to a roadside rest area on the east that is also the Limber Flag trailhead. Hike or ski 3 miles on trail No. 1170, following the blue diamonds.

— Erin Alberty

Twitter: @erinalberty DestinationEnd of trail

Hiking time1.5 hours

Round trip miles2

Elevation gain500 feet

DifficultyEasy

Trailhead restroomsNo

Dogs allowedYes, but not inside yurt

Bikes allowedYes

FeesNone