Hiking

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.

 

Utah Trails

Trail Name	Difficulty	Distance (Round Trip)	Elevation Change	Location	Pets
Fossil Discovery	Easy - Moderate	2.4 miles (3.9 km)	200 ft (61 m)	Quarry Area	No
Swelter Shelter	Easy	400 feet (122 m)	Less than 15 feet (4.5 m)	Cub Creek Road	Yes
Sound of Silence	Moderate - Difficult	3.2 miles (5.1 km)	400 ft (122 m)	Cub Creek Road	No
Desert Voices	Moderate	1.7 miles (2.7 km)	300 ft (91 m)	Cub Creek Road	No
River	Easy - Moderate	3.0 miles (4.8 km)	500 ft (152 m)	Cub Creek Road	Yes
Box Canyon	Easy	0.25 miles (0.4 km)	Less than 100 feet (30.4 m)	Josie Cabin Area	No
Hog Canyon	Easy	1.5 miles (2.4 km)	100 feet (30.4 m)	Josie Cabin Area	No
Jones Hole	Moderate	8.5 miles (13.6 km)	400 feet (122 m)	Jones Hole	No

 

Colorado Trails

Trail Name	Difficulty	Distance (Round Trip)	Elevation Change	Location	Pets
Plug Hat Butte	Easy	0.25 miles (0.4 km)	None	Harpers Corner Road	Yes
Ruple Point	Moderate - Difficult	9.2 miles (14.8 km)	600 ft (183 m)	Harpers Corner Road	No
Harpers Corner	Easy - Moderate	2.0 miles (3.2 km)	100 ft (30.4 m)	Harpers Corner Road	No
Confluence	Easy	1.25 (2 km)	None	Echo Park	No
Gates of Lodore	Easy	1 mile (1.6 km)	200 ft (61 m)	Gates of Lodore	No

 

 

 

 

Off-trail Hiking

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…

 

More Information

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  Know Before You Go

  Traveling with Pets

  Pets are welcome at Dinosaur National Monument, but you should know where they are allowed and where they are not.

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  Places to Go

  Covering over 210,000 acres, Dinosaur National Monument offers a wealth of places to explore.

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  Got Water?

  Your Safety

  Check out our safety advice to make sure your trip is an enjoyable one.