It spans approximately 80 miles (130 km) as it travels from Vernal, Utah northward through the Ashley National Forest and the Uintah Mountains to the area around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in the northeastern corner of the state.

From here the route curves back around the southwest portion of Flaming Gorge reservoir, travelling northwest to Dutch John Gap, turning north through the gap, and turning to the northeast again after exiting Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, continuing until the Wyoming state border.

Taking the left branch, the route follows SR-44 westward, which forms the southern boundary of the recreation area in this area, roughly following the southern rim of Flaming Gorge, passing a turnoff to the Red Canyon Overlook and Visitors Center.

As SR-44 approaches the western edge of the recreation area, it starts to turn in a northerly direction overall, descending in a series of turns as it approaches the southwestern tip of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and passes through Sheep Creek Gap.

From this point, the route turns north, exits the recreation area, and continues a few miles further before it ends at the intersection of SR-43 in Manila.