A hiker explores the colorful rock layers on the Utah side of the monument.
NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Hiking in Dinosaur is an excellent way to appreciate the park's scenery and rugged landscape. The most popular trails are located near the visitor centers, and along the Cub Creek and Harpers Corner scenic drives. Other established trails can be found throughout the park. Unlike many other parks, off-trail hiking is also allowed in many parts of the monument. More information about various trails can be found below.
Hiking Advisory: Remember that this is desert country! Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are due back, especially if you are hiking in a remote area. Due to safety concerns, pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on most trails and in the backcountry. Please review the monument's pet rules to learn where pets can go, and make appropriate arrangements for your animals before visiting. Keep in mind that all of Dinosaur is home to mountain lions and bears. We strongly advise brushing up on safety tips before hiking in the monument.
2.5 mile (4 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy to moderate difficulty. The Fossil Discovery Trail gives visitors an opportunity to explore a variety of rock layers and see unexcavated fossils as they are often found by paleontologists. The most famous of these rock layers is the Morrison Formation, which contains dinosaur fossils. No pets allowed.
400 feet (122 m) out and back trail. Easy. This short hike to Swelter Shelter offers visitors an opportunity to view a variety of petroglyphs and pictographs very close to the road. Petroglyphs and pictographs are fragile, irreplaceable records of the past that many still hold sacred. Don't touch, trace, or take rubbings of them as it ruins the designs. This site is protected by federal law. Leashed pets are allowed.
3.2 miles (5.1 km) round trip loop. Moderate to difficult. The Sound of Silence Trail takes hikers through the geologic diversity of Dinosaur National Monument. Hikers encounter a variety of terrain, including an intermittent stream bed, upturned rock layers, desert badlands, and slickrock. A short rock scramble is required. There is no shade on this trail. No pets allowed.
1.7 miles (2.7 km) round trip loop trail. Moderate difficulty. The Desert Voices Trail starts at Split Mountain. It wanders through valleys and over rocky outcrops, offering dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. No pets allowed.
Location:Green River and Split Mountain Campgrounds
Season:Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time Of Day:Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
3 miles (4.8 km) round trip, out and back trail. Moderate difficulty. The River Trail in Dinosaur National Monument connects the Split Mountain and Green River campgrounds. This trail climbs to a bench above the river and offers dramatic views of Spilt Mountain, the Green River, and Cub Creek Valley. In spring, the slopes may be briefly covered with an array of wildflowers. Leashed pets are allowed.
0.25 miles (0.4 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Box Canyon Trail is a relatively level and shady walk into a dead-end canyon. The trailhead is located on the north side of the parking area for the Josie Morris Cabin. This is typically a good hike for small children. Keep kids close, and watch for poison ivy. No pets allowed.
1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Hog Canyon Trail is a pleasant hike into a box canyon near the Josie Morris Cabin. The trail is relatively flat and shaded, typically good for small children. Keep kids close, and watch for poison ivy. No pets allowed.
0.25 miles (0.4 km) round trip loop trail. Easy. The Plug Hat Trail offers scenic views of Dinosaur's rugged landscape from atop a sandstone butte. This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. Leashed pets are allowed.
9.2 miles (14.8 km) round trip, out and back trail. Moderate to difficult. For most of its length, Ruple Point Trail crosses a rolling terrain filled with sagebrush and juniper. Near the end, a short descent rewards hikers with a breathtaking views of Split Mountain Canyon and the Green River below. No pets allowed.
2 miles (3.2 km) round trip, out and back trail. Moderate difficulty. The Harpers Corner Trail runs along a narrow ridge to a spectacular viewpoint with views of the rivers far below. Along the way, hikers can gaze across the remote canyon country. A pamphlet for this trail is available at the Visitor Centers. The trail is typically inaccessible in winter. No pets allowed.
1.25 miles (2 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Confluence Trail provides a short and easy walk to the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers at Echo Park. No pets allowed.
1 mile (1.6 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Gates of Lodore Trail is a short but scenic walk to a view of the Green River as it enters the Canyon of Lodore. A trail booklet is available at the Visitor Centers. No pets allowed.
Location:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Jones Hole Fish Hatchery
Season:Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time Of Day:Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
8.5 miles (13.6 km) round trip, out and back trail. Jones Hole Trail is a popular hike along a babbling brook near the northwest corner of Dinosaur National Monument. The creek offers good trout fishing. A Utah State fishing license is required. Backcountry camping requires a permit. Camping at Ely Creek requires advanced reservations. No pets allowed.
Unlike many national park areas, off trail hiking is permitted in Dinosaur National Monument. Off trail hiking is a great way to experience some of Dinosaur's most remote and spectacular scenery, but you need to have both the skills and equipment to do this safely. You should also practice Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact to the land when hiking off trail. More information…
