Hiking

Person standing among widely colored rock layers
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
 

Quarry Visitor Center and Cub Creek Area Hikes (Utah)

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    Harpers Corner Area Hikes (Colorado)

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      Other Established Trails

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        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

        Last updated: November 20, 2023

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        Contact Info

        Mailing Address:

        4545 Hwy 40
        Dinosaur, CO 81610

        Phone:

        435 781-7700

        Contact Us