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In July 2006, the Quarry Visitor Center was closed due to significant structural hazards. Since its construction on expansive soils in 1957, the Quarry Visitor Center has experienced continuing problems with foundation movement. The National Park Service (NPS) is exploring ways to re-open the famous cliff face of dinosaur bones as quickly as possible. The Quarry Visitor Center will remain closed until a long term solution stabilizes the foundation and the building is safe to enter. It is hoped that construction on a new visitor center will begin by 2011.

The Canyon Area Visitor Center is the main entrance to the canyon area, the scenic vistas, Echo Park, and the Yampa Bench Road and is near Dinosaur, Colorado. It is open March 1 through Memorial Day Weekend from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays. September 4 through October 28 the hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The park is closed from the end of October thru the end of February, but the closing date is subject to change. There are no fossils in the canyon area of the park. Exhibits highlight the monument’s scenic canyon areas.

The Temporary Visitor Center (near Jensen, Utah) is open Labor Day through Memorial Day Weekend from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day). Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend it is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily. During the summer, ranger-led programs are scheduled throughout the day. To reach the Temporary Visitor Center, follow Highway 40 to Jensen, Utah, and take Utah 149 north into the park.

Dinosaur National Monument’s cultural history dates back 10,000 years. The Yampa and Green Rivers have provided water for survival in an arid country. Indian rock art in the form of petroglyphs and pictographs provide evidence that many people have come before us. The Fremont Indians lived in the canyons in Dinosaur National Monument 800 – 1,200 years ago. Archeological evidence shows that the Fremont lived in the monument area from 200 A.D. to 1200 A.D. There are few “houses” remaining, but evidence shows that they lived in natural shelters (outcroppings of rocks or caves) and small “villages” in open areas. It appears that many dwelling sites were used only seasonally according to availability of food and water. The Fremont lived heavily on native plant foods such as pinon nuts, berries and cactus fruits as well as wild game including mule deer, bighorn sheep, smaller mammals and birds. They also grew corn beans and squash, sometimes using irrigation techniques. This gave them, at least seasonally, a more settled life where they had time to create elaborate rock designs that endure to present day. The fate of the Fremont is unclear and no further evidence of them can be found after 1200 A.D.

Fremont design of rock art include both pictographs (patterns painted on the rock) and petroglyphs (patterns chipped or carved into the rock). Pictographs are relatively rare in the monument possibly because they are more easily weathered. Some petroglyphs show traces of pigment, possibly indicating that many designs originally included both painted and carved areas. Most of the designs are outlines, but some are completely pecked to form solid figures, and a few consist of small holes in closely spaced rows.

The style and content of Fremont designs vary throughout the region. The “Classic Vernal Style” predominated in the monument. This style is characterized by human-like figures, animal-like figures and abstract designs. Human figures generally have trapezoidal bodies, which may or may not include arms, legs, fingers and toes. Elaborate decorations on the bodies suggest headdresses, earrings, necklaces, shields, and other objects. The animal figures include recognizable bighorn sheep, birds, snakes and lizards, as well as more abstract animal-like shapes. Purely abstract or geometric designs, such as circles, spirals, and various combinations of lines are common.

Following the Fremont were the Ute and Shoshone, who are still found in the area today.

Early settlers left their mark on the landscape with their homesteads. Those who had access to the rivers and a constant flow of water survived, while others dried up with drought and moved away. Now, many of the remains of homesteads are found along side the Indian art work of the past.

Josie Bassett Morris was a rugged individualist. She lived alone in an isolated, yet beautiful canyon for nearly 60 years. Lacking electricity, indoor plumbing and neighbors, she thrived on her own. Her homestead is located at the end of the Tour of the Tilted Rocks self-guided auto tour near the Temporary Visitor Center.

Paleontologist Earl Douglass first came to Utah looking for mammal fossils. He returned in 1909 and discovered an immense deposit of dinosaur bones, now protected at Dinosaur National Monument. Although made famous by dinosaurs, Douglass died preferring his beloved mammal fossils over dinosaurs.

Dinosaur National Monument’s geology is a feast for the mind and the eye. The rock layers, which have been tilted by folding, expose a variety of colors and textures. Most of the geology is similar to Canyonlands National Park. Along the trail to it, in the Morrison Formation, numerous small dinosaur fossil bone fragments can be discovered eroding from the cliff face. There are trail areas that cut through tilted rock layers, exposing great varieties of rocks and fossils. You will also be able to see the multi-hued panorama of Rainbow Park, sandstone knobs, buttes, and sandstone and box canyons. Split Mountain has craggy sandstone as its name implies. Island Park Fault has dramatic upturned rock layers.

Dinosaur National Monument is a legacy of rivers, from the ancient river that deposited the fossils of the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center to the present day Green and Yampa Rivers. The Green River and Yampa River offer spectacular whitewater rafting and scenic views of the canyons. Lodore Canyon can only be reached by water. Despite its desert terrain, there are numerous creeks that flow throughout the monument. Sage Creek near the Island Park Fault generally always has water. Ely Creek and Jones Hole Creek provide excellent fishing options. Ely Creek falls is a relief to see in the desert.

The desert shrub community can be seen throughout the park. The creek areas offer the most flora providing shade. An introduction to the pinyon pine-juniper community can be seen along the Harpers Corner Auto Tour road. At the Island Park Overlook you can follow a trail of rolling terrain of sagebrush and juniper.

Dinosaur National Monument offers an array of opportunities–hiking, world-class geology, great scenery, camping, whitewater boating or just getting away from it all. The park’s diversity of ecosystems creates a variety of landscapes and habitats.

The cliff face inside the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center has some 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in the side of a mountain. The Visitor Center is currently closed, but you can take a virtual tour of the cliff face. Limited fossil displays have been set up at the Temporary Visitor Center, near the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center.

Seeing the petroglyphs and pictographs that the Fremont Indians left behind are always exciting for visitors. They are easily accessed at several places. Swelter Shelter is only one mile from the visitor information station near Jensen, Utah. It displays a variety of both designs. The Cub Creek area is easily accessed from the Tour of the Tilted Rocks auto route on the Utah side. Petroglyph panels in this area feature a variety of typical Fremont designs, but are distinguished by several large lizard figures not commonly found at the other sites. Both designs are found at the Deluge Shelter located two miles from the Jones Hole Creek Trailhead on the Colorado side. A more remote site, McKee Springs near Rainbow Park on the Utah side, displays some of the finest large human-like designs in the area, as well as many other figures. Check road conditions before going to this area as the road is impassable in wet weather. Another remote site is Pool Creek, near Echo Park on the Colorado side. This includes a panel of unusual dot-pattern designs high above the creek. The road to this is also impassable in wet weather.

Whitewater rafting is a popular way to experience the remote canyon areas at Dinosaur National Monument. You can take a licensed commercial rafting trip or you can tackle the river on your own, provided you have a permit, the correct equipment and the necessary experience. Commercial river trips are offered on the Green and Yampa Rivers and vary in length and cost. The Green River between the Gates of Lodore and Split Mountain should never be mistaken for a simple river. Even today, many a boat ends up pinned on rocks and many a boatmen bruised and battered. Gates of Lodore contains multiple challenging Class III and Class IV rapids while the Yampa River sports many Class III rapids and one Class IV known as Warm Springs Rapid, which has a hydraulic named Maytag that has the tendency to flip boats.

Fishing is allowed in the park with proper license and following of the regulations. Trout fishing is available in Jones Hole Creek.

There are four paved roads in the park that led to many opportunities to explore the park. Utah 149 enters the park from Highway 40 in Jensen, Utah. This entrance brings you to the Temporary Visitor Center, Split Mountain boat launch, Split Mountain Campground, Green River Campground and the Tour of the Tilted Rocks, a self-guided auto drive.

Harpers Corner Road enters the park from Highway 40, 2 miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado. The Canyon Area Visitor Center is at the corner of Highway 40 and Harpers Corner Road. This entrance brings you to the canyon overlooks along the Harpers Corner Auto Tour, a self-guided auto drive, and a 2 mile round trip scenic hike to Harpers Corner. Harpers Corner Road closes in the winter due to snow. Echo Park Road is a dirt road that can be accessed from Harpers Corner Road. This 13 mile road is steep with hairpin turns for the first several miles. The road ends at Echo Park which has a campground, boat launch, and hiking trails.

Jones Hole Road ends at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s fish hatchery. From the parking area, a four-mile (one way) scenic hiking trail takes you to the Green River in Whirlpool Canyon.

Deerlodge Park Road brings you to the launch site for the Yampa River and Deerlodge Campground.

Hiking in Dinosaur is an excellent way to appreciate the park’s scenery and rugged landscape. There are backpacking and dayhiking options. The most popular trails begin near the visitor centers and the two paved tour roads. Other trails begin at more remote locations. The Fossil Discovery Trail is 2 miles round trip and is not a loop. This easy to moderate hike cuts through tilted rock layers, exposing a great variety of rocks and fossils. The Morrison Formation stop features an outcropping of several small pieces and a few large pieces of dinosaur bones.

The Desert Voices Trail is a 1 1/2-mile loop about 4 miles east of the Temporary Visitor Center, at the Split Mountain Boat Ramp. It is a moderate hike that offers excellent views of Split Mountain and several adjacent rock layers. Geology is the outstanding feature on this trail. The signage on the trail was written and drawn by children for children.

A 3-mile loop, the Sound of Silence Trail is a moderate-to-difficult hike. The trailhead is located about 2 miles east of the Temporary Visitor Center on the Tour of the Tilted Rocks auto tour road. This hikes through several of Dinosaur’s most interesting rock layers with excellent geologic diversity. Some steep sections on slickrock will be present. This trail ties in with Desert Voices Trail via a 1/4-mile connector trail.

The Hog Canyon Trail offers a close and personal view of the craggy face of Split Mountain. It is 1 1/2 miles round trip of easy hiking. The trailhead is located at Josie’s Cabin, on the auto tour road 12 miles east of the Temporary Visitor Center. Springs provide shade along the trail as you hike this level walk into a scenic box canyon. It is an excellent trail for small children.

The Ruple Point Trail is the best way to get a glimpse of inaccessible Split Mountain Canyon on foot. This moderate to difficult hike is 8 miles round trip, but not a loop. The trailhead is located at the Island Park Overlook on the Harpers Corner Auto Tour road 27 miles north of the Canyon Area Visitor Center. Most of the trail follows rolling terrain of sagebrush and juniper. The descent at the end brings you to a breathtaking view of Split Mountain Canyon.

Jones Hole Trail is a remote, moderate hike that is 4 miles one way. The trailhead is located at the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, a 45-mile drive on paved roads north of the Temporary Visitor Center. A pleasant hike along a babbling brook in the bottom of a lovely canyon, it is basically level walking with a few ups and downs. An outstanding panel of Native American rock art can be viewed. After two miles, Island Park trail ties in with Jones Hole trail at Ely Creek. A short walk up Island Park trail takes you to a falls. A designated backcountry camping site is available near the confluence of Ely Creek and Jones Hole Creek where you will find good trout fishing in Jones Hole Creek.

There are many short hikes within the park that are easy walking. Off trail hiking is also a great way to experience the wonder and majesty of Dinosaur’s backcountry. You will be in very remote country so make sure you are prepared.

Dinosaur National Monument has a Junior Ranger program available for children at no cost. Children are given a booklet with age-appropriate activities and complete a number of the activities based on their age. They are given a Junior Ranger badge upon completion.

Dinosaur’s climate is semiarid with temperatures averaging between 0 (F) to 30 (F) in January and 50 (F) to 100 (F) in July. Elevations within the park vary between 4,500 and 9,000 feet. Winter snow makes roads at higher elevations impassable while only light to moderate snow is found at lower elevations. Summer thunderstorms often cause heavy downpours and localized flooding, but may fail to dampen parched soils less than a mile away.

Currrent Weather

Besides the four paved roads, all other roads in the park are dirt/clay. These roads are impassable when wet. Be prepared for remote driving conditions. Travel with extra water, food and plenty of gas. Cell phone reception is spotty. Four-wheel drive is not required, but it’s handy in case of light rain. (In heavy rain, these roads are impassable even with four-wheel drive).

Yampa Bench Road can be accessed from either Echo Park Road at the west end or from Highway 40 at the east end. This road is for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles and is the only road in the park that creates a loop drive.

River Permits are required for private white water river trips on the Green and Yampa Rivers within the park. For information on fees, equipment and experience requirements, and how to apply for the permit lottery, call (970) 374-2468. They are in the process of changing the river run regulations.

Gatherings, commercial activities, and river boating in Dinosaur National Monument often require a special use permit. The purpose of these permits is to ensure the protection of the park’s natural and cultural resources, as well as to minimize conflicts between park visitors and your guests.

While backcountry camping please abide by the following rules. A free backcountry permit is required before you venture into the park’s backcountry overnight. Water is scarce. Contact a ranger at 435-781-7700 or at 970-374-3000 if you need help planning your trip. Maximum group size is 8 at each site. Treat the water in creek before drinking. Pack out all trash. No fires allowed. No bicycles. No pets. No soap discharge in creek. Basically, you can camp anywhere provided you are at least one mile from developed areas, like the Dinosaur Quarry and boat ramps; at least 1/4 mile from roads; at least 1/4 mile from hiking trails; at least 300 feet from water; at least 1/4 mile from cultural sites; and at least 1/8 mile from the Green or Yampa rivers. River campsites are closed to backpackers during the high-use river-running season, which is the second Monday in May until the second Friday in September.

While hiking and backpacking remember that you are in the desert! Bring plenty of water, a good sun hat and sunscreen. Many trails have no shade so be sure to check this out before you proceed. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are due back, especially if you are hiking in a remote area. Pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. Please make arrangements for your pets before planning to hike within the monument.

While you are off-trail hiking, remember these safety tips. Bring plenty of water. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are due out. Bring a map and compass. Even if you are planning a day hike, be prepared to spend the night. Overnight visits in the backcountry require a free backcountry permit. The National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of Dinosaur National Monument is a good planning tool. It’s available from the park bookstore.

Pets are not allowed in any of the buildings or on any hiking trail within the park. Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer then 6 feet and can not be left unattended. Service dogs are allowed, as granted by law. The Monument weather is semi-arid with hot summers and little to no shade. Please do not leave your pets in vehicles during hot weather. Nearby local communities may have kennels for your pets. Contact local organizations to locate a kennel.

The petroglyphs and pictographs designs are very fragile. Touching them can damage the designs by leaving oils behind that abrade the rock. Tracing and rubbings can damage the soft sandstone designs. For these reasons please do not touch the designs. Also, remember that all artifacts, plants and animals are protected in the monument. Please do not take anything that belongs in the park.

Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago, but lizards are still a common sight at Dinosaur National Monument. The small, inquisitive reptiles have endured on Earth for centuries, far outlasting their giant cousins. A population of peregrine falcons has been established at the Monument. The park’s rugged canyons make ideal habitat for the once endangered raptor. The other wildlife present is similar to Canyonlands National Park.

Do not feed or harass any animals as they are protected. Human food is not good for wildlife and makes them dependant on humans making it harder for them to survive.

Entrance fees are charged Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day on the Utah side of the Monument. Private, Non-commercial vehicle is $10.00 – valid for 7 consecutive days.

Motorcycle is $5.00 for single rider, $10.00 for double rider and is valid for 7 consecutive days.

Individual (Hiker, bicyclist) is $5.00 – valid for 7 consecutive days.

Dinosaur National Monument Pass is $20.00 – Allows unlimited entry to Dinosaur for the pass holder and his or her passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Camping Fees are charged at most developed campgrounds in the park. Backcountry camping is free and a free permit is required.

Green River Campground is $12 per individual site

Deerlodge, Echo Park, Ladore Campgrounds is $8 per individual site

Group Camping Fees are charged for group sites.

Split Mountain Campground: Non-refundable reservation fee of $10 plus $25 per night.

Echo Park Campground: Non-refundable reservation fee of $10 plus $15 per night.

There are six developed campgrounds at Dinosaur–three in the Dinosaur Quarry Area and three in the Canyon Area. There are also many backcountry camping opportunities, including two designated backcountry sites at Ely Creek in Jones Hole Canyon.

Green River Campground is five miles east of the Temporary Visitor Center, accessible via the park tour road. It has 88 sites–usable for tents or RVs. Each site has a picnic table and firepit. Drinking water and plumbed toilets are available. There are no showers. There are no electrical hook-ups for RVs. Firewood is available for sale. Camping fee is $12 per night, per site. There are no reservations taken. Generally, the campground does not fill up except sometimes on major holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day and July 4th. Green River Campground is open from mid-April to mid-October. At other times, use nearby Split Mountain Campground for general camping.

Split Mountain Campground is four miles east of the Temporary Visitor Center at the Split Mountain boat ramp. It functions as a group campground during the high-visitation season. It serves as a general purpose campground in the off-season. There are four group sites. Each site is shaded and can handle up to 20 people and six vehicles. Each site has a picnic table and firepit. Plumbed restrooms and drinking water are available. There are no showers. Cost is $25 per night, per site. For group reservations call (435) 781-7759 to have a form mailed to you. During the off-season, (mid-October to mid-April), the campground serves as a general campground. During the off-season, there is no water, a vault toilet is available and no fees are charged. There are no reservations taken at Split Mountain during the off-season.

Rainbow Park Campground is 26 miles from the Temporary Visitor Center. It is located on a dirt road that is impassable when wet. The campground is on the Green River at the boat ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. The campground has four shady sites with limited facilities. There is no running water. It has a vault toilet. There are tables and firepits. It is suitable for tent camping only. No fees are charged. Rainbow Park Campground is open year-round, but there is no winter maintenance on the dirt road.

Echo Park Campground is located 38 miles north of the Canyon Area Visitor Center. It is located near the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers. Access to the campground requires high-clearance vehicles. RVs and trailers are strongly discouraged due to sharp turns and steep grades. The campground has 22 sites, including one handicapped-accessible site and four walk-in sites. There is some shade. It is suitable for tent camping. There is running water and vault toilets. No showers. Check with a ranger for the current fire-use policy. Fee is $8 per site, per night. There are no reservations, but the campground rarely fills. The water is turned off from September to mid-April, and there is no camping fee at that time. There is one group site. For group reservations call (435) 781-7759 to have a reservation form mailed to you. It is open year-round, but access is dependent on weather. The last 13 miles of dirt road are impassable when wet. Winter access is often impossible due to snow.

Gates of Lodore Campground is located 106 miles north of the Canyon Area Visitor Center. It is located on the Green River at the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. There are 17 sites, some with shade. The sites have tables and firepits. There is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. The campground handles tents and RVs (but there are no hook-ups). Camping fee is $8 per site, per night. The water is turned off from mid-September to mid-April, and there is no camping fee at that time. Gates of Lodore Campground is open year-round, but winter access can be difficult due to snow.

Deerlodge Campground is located 53 miles east of the Canyon Area 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 firepits. There is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. Camping fee is $8 per site, per night. The water is turned off from October to mid-April, and there is no camping fee at that time. Deerlodge Campground is open year-round, but winter access can be very difficult due to snow.

Free backcountry permits are required for overnight stays outside established campgrounds. For experienced backpackers, there are many opportunities for backcountry camping at Dinosaur National Monument. The beauty and solitude are inspiring. But the terrain is isolated and rugged, and it is very difficult to find water in the backcountry. Good planning is essential.

There is one designated backcountry location in the park. It is at the confluence of Jones Hole Creek and Ely Creek, along the Jones Hole hiking trail. Reservations are required to use this location. Call 435-781-7700 for reservations. There are two sites at this location. Vault toilet is available.

Utah Field House of Natural History, Vernal; Red Fleet State Park, Vernal; Steinaker State Park, Vernal; Ashley National Forest, Vernal

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery are all within an hour’s drive of the park.

Arches National Park is 185 miles away, Canyonlands National Park is 200 miles away, Capitol Reef National Park is 280 miles away, Colorado National Monument is 150 miles away, Fossil Butte National Monument is 175 miles away, Timpanogos Cave National Monument is 100 miles away, Golden Spike National Historic Site is 200 miles away, and Rocky Mountain National Park is 250 miles away.

From Denver to the Temporary Visitor Center, the most direct route is to travel west on Interstate 70 to Rifle, Colorado. Take the exit for Highway 13, and follow 13 north toward Meeker. About 40 miles past Rifle, take a left on Highway 64 west toward Rangely. Follow 64 west to Dinosaur, Colorado (about 78 miles). In Dinosaur, turn west (left) on Highway 40 to Jensen, Utah. Turn north (right) on Utah 149 and follow the signs for the Visitor Center. Driving time from Denver is about 5 1/2 hours.

From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east out of the city. Follow I-80 for approximately 25 miles, and then take the exit for Highway 40 east toward Vernal. Follow 40 east to Vernal (about 160 miles). Go through Vernal and follow Highway 40 to Jensen, Utah (10 miles east of Vernal). Turn north (left) on Utah 149 and follow the signs for the Visitor Center. Driving time from Salt Lake City is about 4 hours.

From Denver to the Canyon Area Visitor Center, there are several options depending on your available time. The most direct route is to travel west on Interstate 70 to Rifle, Colorado. Take the exit for Highway 13, and follow 13 north toward Meeker. About 40 miles past Rifle, take a left on Highway 64 west toward Rangely. Follow 64 west to Dinosaur, Colorado (about 78 miles). In Dinosaur, turn east (right) on Highway 40, travel 2 miles to Harpers Corner Road. Turn north (left) on Harpers Corner Road and make the first right into the parking lot. Driving time from Denver is about 5 hours.

From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east out of the city. Follow I-80 for approximately 25 miles, and then take the exit for Highway 40 east toward Vernal. Follow 40 east to Vernal (about 160 miles). Go through Vernal and follow 40 east to Dinosaur, Colorado (about 40 miles past Vernal). The Canyon Area Visitor Center is located 2 miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado at the intersection of Harpers Corner Road. Driving time from Salt Lake City is about 4 1/2 hours.

Seven roads lead into the park, and most roads dead end. A loop drive is made possible by traveling from Hwy 40 to Harpers Corner Road to Echo Park Road and Yampa Bench Road back to Highway 40 and is only possible in dry weather with a high clearance vehicle.

There is no public transportation to or from the monument. For private river runners, vehicle and passenger shuttle service is available from Wilkins Bus lines (435) 789-2476 and River Runners Transport (800) 930-7238.

Dinosaur National Monument

4545 E. Highway 40

Dinosaur, CO 81610-9724

Canyon Area Visitor Center

(970) 374-3000

Temporary Visitor Center

(435) 781-7700

Fax (970) 374-3003

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