Current Conditions

Alerts

Monument Operations Due to COVID-19

Updated January 11, 2022

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to Dinosaur National Monument is as follows:

Open:

• Quarry Visitor Center and Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall in Utah are open. Masks are required in all National Park Service buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
• Monument roads, overlooks, and trails that are normally open this time of year are open. See details below for specific roads and trails.
• Campgrounds are in winter mode. Camping fees are charged, please pay in cash with exact change if possible. See details below for specific campgrounds.
• Backcountry camping is permitted, and free permits are required. Campers need to be familiar with the monument’s backcountry regulations and know where they will enter, exit, and camp prior to requesting a permit. Vehicle information (color, make, model, year, licence plate) is also required. Backcountry permits will be issued in advance by phone [phone] x0 from 9 am to 5 pm. Permits will then be emailed. Backcountry permits may also be issued in person at the Quarry Visitor Center from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Restrooms are available in campgrounds; along the Harpers Corner Road at most scenic overlooks in Colorado; in Utah, along the Cub Creek Road at Josie’s Cabin, Split Mountain Boat Ramp, at the top of the Fossil Discovery Trail near the Quarry Exhibit Hall parking lot, and at the Quarry Visitor Center when it is open.

Closed/Canceled:

• All ranger programs including school field trips, night sky programs, guided walks, and talks are currently suspended. Self-guided junior ranger activity books are still available upon request.

Changes to hours and/or facility closings may occur without warning.

When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders including the practice of social distancing, avoid crowding, wearing masks, if appropriate, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. Also, please practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

January 11, 2022 Update

Dinosaur Quarry and Cub Creek Area

Roads

Cub Creek Road, Paved Section: first 8 miles open, Unpaved section to Petroglyphs and Josie Morris Cabin: last two miles closed to vehicles. Auto Guide booklet available at visitor centers for $1.
Split Mountain Road: open.

Campgrounds

Green River Campground: closed for the season.
Split Mountain Campground: open, no drinking water, all 18 campsites first-come, first-served for groups up to 8 people.

Trails

Fossil Discovery Trail: open, with mud and ice. Free trail handout available at Quarry Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall.
Sound of Silence Trail: open, with mud and ice. Trail booklet available at trailhead for $1.
Desert Voices Trail: open.
River Trail: open, with mud and ice. Leashed pets permitted. Pick up and dispose of pet waste.
Lizard Petroglyph Trail: open, with mud and ice, add one mile each way to hike on closed, unpaved section of Cub Creek Road.
Box Canyon Trail: open, with mud and ice, add two miles each way to hike on closed, unpaved section of Cub Creek Road.
Hog Canyon Trail: open, with mud and ice, add two miles each way to hike on closed, unpaved section of Cub Creek Road.

Rainbow Park & Island Park Area

Island Park Road: open. Road not maintained in winter, and may be impassable when wet or covered in snow.
McKee Springs Petroglyph Trail: open, with mud and ice.
Rainbow Park Campground: open, no drinking water available, all 4 sites first-come, first-serve.

Harpers Corner & Echo Park Areas

Roads

Harpers Corner Road: Closed for the winter at Plug Hat Butte gate through Spring 2022. Auto Guide booklet available at visitor centers for $1.
Echo Park Road: open, not currently accessible from Harpers Corner Road. 4WD and high clearance recommended. Road not maintained in winter, and may be impassable when wet or covered in snow.
Yampa Bench Road: open. 4WD and high clearance recommended. Road not maintained in winter, and may be impassable when wet or covered in snow.

Campgrounds

Echo Park Campground: open, no water available, pack out your own trash. Sites are first-come, first-serve. One group site for groups of 8-15 people, also first-come, first-serve. Note Echo Park Road conditions above.

Trails

Plug Hat Butte Area Trails: open, with mud and ice.
Ruple Point Trail: open, snow covered, check Harpers Corner Road conditions above.
Harpers Corner Trail: open, snow covered, check Harpers Corner Road conditions above. Trail booklet available at trailhead for $1.

Deerlodge Park Area

Deerlodge Road: open.
Deerlodge Park Campground: open, no drinking water available, all sites first-come, first-serve, pack out your own trash.

Jones Hole Area

Jones Hole Trail: open, with mud and ice.

Gates of Lodore Area

Colorado HWY 318: open.
Moffat County HWY 34 & 34N: open. Some washboard areas within monument.
Gates of Lodore Trail: open, snow covered. Trail booklet available at trailhead for $1.
Gates of Lodore Campground: open, no drinking water available, all sites first-come, first-serve, pack out your own trash.