Parks / Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
National Monument · CO,UT
150 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed here. Their fossils are still embedded in the rocks. Today, mountains, desert, and rivers flowing in canyons support a variety of life. Petroglyphs reveal the lives and connections of Indigenous people to this land. Homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history, or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in Effect
Fires are only allowed within a developed recreation site or improved site, or in an approved firepan at designated river campsites. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, in a developed recreation site, or in an area barren of flammable material.
Entrance Fees
Standard Entrance Passes to Dinosaur National Monument are valid for seven consecutive days. Standard Entrance Passes do not cover camping or other use fees such as river permit fees.
Dinosaur National Monument accepts the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. An annual pass for just Dinosaur National Monument is also available.
Campgrounds (6)
Deerlodge Park Campground
Deerlodge Park Campground is located 51 miles (82 km) east of the Canyon Visitor Center. It is located on the Yampa River at the boat ramp at the head of Yampa Canyon. It has seven shady sites suitable for tents. The sites have tables and fire pits. There is drinking water and vault toilets available seasonally, but no showers. Deerlodge Park Campground is open year-round, but winter access can be very difficult due to snow. When the Yampa River exceeds an 18,000 cfs flow rate, the campground will flood.
Details →Echo Park Campground
Situated along the Green River at the base of towering cliffs, the Echo Park Campground provides a unique camping experience in Dinosaur National Monument. Steamboat Rock dominates the view. Fremont petroglyphs are located on the canyon walls. Bighorn sheep and mule deer frequently roam through the campground. Unimproved hiking trails lead to the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers or to views of the Mitten Park Fault. The campground is located 38 miles (61 km) north of the Canyon Visitor Center.
Details →Gates of Lodore Campground
Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River at the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here before launching on the Green River. There are 19 sites, some with shade. The sites have tables and fire pits or grills. During the summer, there is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs (but there are no hook-ups).
Details →Green River Campground
The Green River Campground is located along the banks of the Green River in a grove of cottonwood trees at an elevation of 4795 (4162 feet). The highly eroded Split Mountain towers to the north of the campground. The famous dinosaur quarry, where you can see 150 million year old dinosaur bones still encased in rock is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from the campground. Nearby is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where river rafters come off the Green River after trips through Dinosaur National Monument's canyons.
Details →Rainbow Park Campground
Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of the monument. It is located on a dirt road that is impassable when wet. The campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. Rainbow Park Campground is open year-round, but there is no winter maintenance on the unpaved road.
Details →Split Mountain Group Campground
The Split Mountain Group Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4800 feet (1463 m) near the foot of Split Mountain. The campground is 5 miles (8 km) from the dinosaur quarry, where you can see 150 million year old dinosaur bones encased in the rock. Beside the campground is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where rafters and boaters come off the Green River. During the off season, when the Green River Campground is closed, the Split Mountain Campground is open to all campers.
Details →Upcoming Events
Geology Overview
Aug 31, 2026 · This talk takes place at the Quarry Exhibit Hall shuttle stop on the Jensen, UT side of the park. Visitors can take a 5-minute shuttle ride from the Quarry Visitor Center to the Exhibit Hall to hear the talk. Visitors with pets or accessibility needs should ask a ranger for directions to drive a personal vehicle to the Exhibit Hall.
Evening Program: Carnegie Quarry Quarrels
Sep 1, 2026 · Evening programs are located in the Green River Campground on the Utah side of the park. Talks are given from the Green River Campfire Circle, near Loop B Site 22, across from the restrooms.
Night Sky Program
Sep 2, 2026 · Meet at the plastic benches inside the closed loop at the south end of the Split Mountain Campground.
Evening Program: When Dinosaurs Got a Makeover
Sep 2, 2026 · Evening programs are located in the Green River Campground on the Utah side of the park. Talks are given from the Green River Campfire Circle, near Loop B Site 22, across from the restrooms.
Evening Program: Going Batty
Sep 4, 2026 · Evening programs are located in the Green River Campground on the Utah side of the park. Talks are given from the Green River Campfire Circle, near Loop B Site 22, across from the restrooms.
Night Sky Program
Sep 5, 2026 · Meet at the plastic benches inside the closed loop at the south end of the Split Mountain Campground.
Evening Program: Seeing in the Dark
Sep 5, 2026 · Evening programs are located in the Green River Campground on the Utah side of the park. Talks are given from the Green River Campfire Circle, near Loop B Site 22, across from the restrooms.
Evening Program: Powell and Pals
Sep 6, 2026 · Evening programs are located in the Green River Campground on the Utah side of the park. Talks are given from the Green River Campfire Circle, near Loop B Site 22, across from the restrooms.
8-10 pm Stargazing with Telescopes
Sep 11, 2026 · This event takes place outside of Dinosaur National Monument, at Steinaker State Park, just north of Vernal, UT along Hwy 191. Meet in the Beach Parking Lot south of the Campground.
2-4 pm Safe Solar Viewing
Sep 11, 2026 · Behind the Quarry Visitor Center, Jensen, Utah
2-4 pm Sun Crafts
Sep 12, 2026 · Behind the Quarry Visitor Center, Jensen, Utah
8 - 10 pm Stargazing with Telescopes
Sep 12, 2026 · Meet at the plastic benches inside the closed loop at the south end of the Split Mountain Campground.
2-4 pm Safe Solar Viewing
Sep 12, 2026 · Near the shuttle stop behind the Quarry Visitor Center, Jensen, Utah
2-4 pm Safe Solar Viewing
Sep 13, 2026 · Near the shuttle stop behind the Quarry Visitor Center, Jensen, Utah
Things to Do
Be a Dinosaur Junior Ranger
Junior Rangers help to "Explore, Learn, and Protect" our national parks. Anyone can be a Junior Ranger! Once you learn about the monument and the amazing resources found here, you will be able to share your knowledge with friends and family!
Bicycling at Dinosaur
Bicycling is allowed on any road within Dinosaur National Monument, but is not allowed on any trails. Paved roads within the monument are narrow, and often have no shoulders. Bicyclists should take proper measures to stay safe, and bring plenty of water in summer.
Drive the Echo Park Road
The 14 mile (23 km) unpaved Echo Park Road takes drivers into the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. This rugged road begins along the Harpers Corner Road, winds through scenic canyon country, and ends near the banks of the Green River at Echo Park. High-clearance vehicles with all-wheel-drive (AWD) are strongly recommended. RVs and trailers are not advised. The road is impassable when wet.
Drive the Harpers Corner Road
Harpers Corner Scenic Drive is a 31 mile (50 km) paved road that offers wheelchair-accessible overlooks with spectacular views of Dinosaur's rivers and canyons. Along the way, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, as well as several paved paths and hiking trails. The road is accessible for most vehicles when clear of ice and snow. Harpers Corner Road is closed in winter, and reopens in spring when conditions allow.
Drive the Island Park Road
The Island Park Road is an 18 mile (29 km) unpaved road that starts outside of Dinosaur National Monument and ends inside the park near the Ruple Ranch Site. The first 10 miles (16 km) are located outside of the park. The last 8 miles (13 km) reveal beautiful petroglyph panels at McKee Spring, a secluded campground at Rainbow Park, and stellar views of the Green River from Island Park. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. The road is impassable when wet.
Drive the Tour of Tilted Rocks
This 10 mile (16) km paved tour along the Cub Creek Road in Utah provides a great introduction to Dinosaur National Monument. Take the Tour of Tilted Rocks to enjoy sweeping geology, historic homesteads, petroglyphs and pictographs, hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic vistas! The road is usually accessible for passenger cars. Seasonal closures may affect the last 4 miles (6 km) of the road.
Drive the Yampa Bench Road
The 18 mile (29 km) unpaved Yampa Bench Road offers visitors a look into the quieter side of Dinosaur. Running along a "bench" of land high above the Yampa River, visitors can experience incredible views and historic sites. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are strongly recommended for this rugged road. The road is impassable when wet.
Fishing at Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources.
Hike Sound of Silence Trail
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.
Hike the Box Canyon Trail
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.
Hike the Bull Canyon Trail
3 miles (4.8 km) round trip. Difficult. Bull Canyon is a steep, unmaintained trail in a remote section of the monument. It begins on the Yampa Bench Road and takes hikers into the Harding Hole area along the Yampa River. River users can use the trail to access other scenic overlooks. The campsites at Harding Hole are reserved for rivergoers during the high-use river season. Permits are required for overnight camping. No pets allowed.
Hike the Confluence Trail
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.
Hike the Desert Voices Trail
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.
Hike the Fossil Discovery Trail
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.
Hike the Gates of Lodore Trail
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.
Hike the Harpers Corner Trail
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.
Hike the Hog Canyon Trail
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.
Hike the Jones Hole Trail
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.
Hike the Plug Hat Trail
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.
Hike the River Trail at Dinosaur National Monument
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.
Hike the Ruple Point Trail
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.
Hike to the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs
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.
Picnicking in Dinosaur
The Plug Hat Butte picnic area is located along Harpers Corner Road on the Colorado side of the monument.
Quarry Exhibit Hall
The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view the wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones in a refurbished, comfortable space.
River Rafting at Dinosaur
River Rafting Information
Scenic Drives
Information on scenic drives
View the Night Sky at Split Mountain
Dinosaur has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Skies Association. Much of the monument provides opportunities to view the night skies. The Split Mountain Campground has a designated night sky viewing area and is where the monument hosts night sky viewing programs.
Wildlife Viewing in Dinosaur
Many visitors to Dinosaur National Monument are often surprised by the variety of wildlife that lives here.
Visitor Centers
- Canyon Visitor Center - Colorado
- Quarry Exhibit Hall - Utah
- Quarry Visitor Center - Utah
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.