The Forest encompasses almost a million and a half acres in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. It lies in three geographical areas: the east-west range of the Uinta Mountains, the Wyoming Basin, and the Tavaputs Plateau. Elevations range from 6,000 feet to over 13,500 feet.

Steep canyons, high mountain peaks, glaciated basins, large open meadows, and desert badlands, all contain a rich diversity of vegetation and wildlife. The grasses and shrubs of the high mountain desert are replaced by pinion and juniper as the elevation rises. In mid-elevation areas, aspen dominates and becomes mixed with conifer.

Higher up, the vegetation changes to conifer forest composed of lodgepole pine, fir and spruce. Grasses, forbs, and stunted, twisted conifers called krumholtz are found above timberline. Within its boundaries are Utah's highest peaks, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, the Flaming Gorge -Uintas National Scenic Byway and the High Uintas Wilderness. Popular recreation includes boating, camping, trophy fishing, hiking and hunting. Wildlife is abundant. Larger species include bear, mountain lion, moose, elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.