Place

Mitten Park Trail

A sandstone canyon with a wide river containing long sand bars, flowing through.
The trail provides dramatic views as it descends into Mitten Park.

NPS Photo/Dan Johnson

Quick Facts

Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

This hike takes you through a diversity of scenery, it follows a faint path through the grassy meadows of Echo Park to cliffs south of the Green River. Look for ancestral Native American petroglyphs on the cliffs. The trail includes a small rock scramble in one area and slickrock section. After crossing a ridge, the view of Mitten Park opens up and the trail descends. when river levels are lower, a broad sandy beach is present along the Green River. This makes a nice turn around point. The beach may be completely covered when rivers levels are high. If the river levels are very low, you can follow the river's edge for a view into Whirlpool Canyon.

Length: Approximately 3.0 miles round trip

Level of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult. This is not a maintained trail. Requires some minor rock scrambling. Trail also passes over some slickrock. One area has drop offs.

Trailhead Location: You can access the trail from the walk-in sites at the Echo Park Campground. Limited parking is available.

Your Safety: Be prepared for desert hiking. Take a hat, sunscreen, and water. Let someone know where you are going, and when to expect you back. Wear sturdy shoes such as hiking boots. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not recommended. This trail receives no maintenance. Route finding, map reading and the ability to use a compass are necessary in some areas. Numerous animals trails cross the trail or run parallel to it in some areas. There is little to no shade on this trail. This is mountain lion and bear country. Keep children close. Store food properly.

Rules and Regulations:
  • Pets are not allowed on this trail or in the backcountry.
  • Carry out all trash.
  • Collecting artifacts, fossils, plants, antlers, rocks, or other objects is prohibited.
  • Do not feed or approach wildlife.
  • Biking is not permitted on this trail.
  • Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping in the monument's backcountry.

Dinosaur National Monument

Last updated: June 20, 2023