Last updated: April 2, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Sound of Silence Trail
NPS Photo
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) round trip
Elevation Change: Approximately 400 feet (122 meters)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Some rock scrambling required.
Type of Trail: Loop
Trailhead: 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the Quarry Visitor Center
The Sound of Silence Trail introduces hikers to the geologic diversity and desert landscapes of Dinosaur National Monument. The trail wanders through an intermittent stream bed (called a wash), upturned rock layers, desert badlands, and steep slickrock. This trail also offers outstanding views of Split Mountain. Sections of the trail may be difficult to follow. A 0.25 mile (0.4 km) connector trail allows you to combine this with the Desert Voices loop trail for an even longer hike.
A pamphlet for the trail is available at the Visitor Centers. A more detailed guide book for this trail is available at the park bookstore.
Elevation Change: Approximately 400 feet (122 meters)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Some rock scrambling required.
Type of Trail: Loop
Trailhead: 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the Quarry Visitor Center
The Sound of Silence Trail introduces hikers to the geologic diversity and desert landscapes of Dinosaur National Monument. The trail wanders through an intermittent stream bed (called a wash), upturned rock layers, desert badlands, and steep slickrock. This trail also offers outstanding views of Split Mountain. Sections of the trail may be difficult to follow. A 0.25 mile (0.4 km) connector trail allows you to combine this with the Desert Voices loop trail for an even longer hike.
A pamphlet for the trail is available at the Visitor Centers. A more detailed guide book for this trail is available at the park bookstore.
Rules and Regulations
- Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail.
- Carry out all trash.
- Collecting artifacts, fossils, plants, antlers, rocks, or other objects is prohibited.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Biking on trails is not permitted in Dinosaur National Monument.
Your Safety
- There is no shade on this trail.
- Be prepared for desert hiking. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Take water. A minimum of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person is recommended in summer.
- Temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) in summer. To avoid the heat, hike in the morning or evening. Carry a headlamp if hiking near nightfall.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not recommended.
- All natural areas pose risks. Your safety depends on your own good judgement.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, working service dogs may go wherever their handlers go.
Activity Fee
No
Visitors must pay the park entrance fee or show a valid pass at the Entrance Station or Quarry Visitor Center. There is no separate or additional fee for this activity.
Location
Cub Creek Road
The Sound of Silence Trailhead is located on the Cub Creek Road, about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the Quarry Visitor Center on the Jensen, Utah side of the park.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Parts of this trail are slippery when wet. When snow is on the ground, this trail may require snowshoes. Additionally, there is a short rock scrambling section towards the end of the trail, which can be slippery and difficult to see when covered with snow or ice. Your safety depends on your own good judgement.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
This trail is a narrow path on sand and rock. In some areas, the trail follows the stream bed, which may be muddy right after a rain storm. Some areas do require the use of hands to scramble on rocky surfaces. This trail is not wheelchair accessible.
NPS Photo