Things To Do

A group of hikers plan their route through Dinosaur's rugged terrain.

NPS

 

Dinosaur National Monument contains famous fossil finds, dramatic river canyons, intriguing petroglyphs, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to spectacular views, the thrill of rafting through a twisting canyon, or sitting quietly and watching the sun set, there are a variety of activities for you to enjoy. The hardest part may be choosing which auto tour, trail, overlook, or historic area to explore!

Start your journey at one of the monument's visitor centers. Drive the Tour of the Tilted Rocks or take a scenic drive on the Harpers Corner Road. Experience one of the monument's many hiking trails. Soak up the monument's wilderness on a river rafting trip. Discover dinosaur and other fossils. Join a ranger for a guided program. Park staff offer talks, walks, junior ranger, evening and night sky programs. Stay overnight at a campground. Enjoy night skies while stargazing. Or just lounge by the river and take in all that Dinosaur National Monument has to offer.

Snow and cold can limit access to some parts of the monument during the winter. Other winter recreation opportunities, however, are available because of the snow. When there is enough snow cover, snowmobiling is permitted on Harpers Corner Drive between the Plug Hat Parking Area and the Echo Park Road turnoff. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also permitted.

 

Camping
Spend the night in one of our six front country campgrounds or if you are seeking a more wilderness experience, go backcountry camping.

 

Hiking
Miles of trails and cross country adventures beckon you to explore the monument's dramatic landscape. You can hike along a river, explore a dark box canyon, or gaze across a seemingly endless expanse, there is a hiking trail or route for you.

 

Picnicking
Designated picnic sites are located throughout the monument. Picnic tables are also located at the Quarry Visitor Center, Canyon Visitor Center and the Josie Morris Ranch.

 

River Rafting
The Green and Yampa rivers wind through Dinosaur National Monument, creating dramatic canyon scenery in a wilderness setting. Visitors can experience the rivers through either private or commercial rafting trips that can range as short as one day or as long as six.

 

Things to Do Outside the Monument

In addition to the many activities found within the monument, the area abounds with a wide variety of public lands, recreational resources and visitor services. Click on the links to area Chambers of Commerce or tourism bureaus to learn more about all that the Dinosaur National Monument region has to offer. Also check out our nearby attractions page.

Colorado Side of the Monument

Colorado Welcome Center located in Dinosaur, Colorado
970-374-2205

Moffat County Tourism - Visitor Information & Virtual Tour
866-332-8436

Craig Chamber of Commerce
800-864-4405

Rangely Chamber of Commerce
970-675-5290

Utah Side of the Monument

Utah Welcome Center located in Jensen, Utah
435-789-4002

Dinosaurland Travel Board
800-477-5558