NPS PHOTO/Mike Weinstein

The Ruple Point trail is the best way to get a glimpse of inaccessible Split Mountain Canyon on foot.

Length: 8 miles round trip. Not a loop.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
Trailhead location: At the Island Park Overlook on the Harpers Corner Auto Tour road 27 miles north of the Canyon Area Visitor Center.
Brochure: None.
Description: 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.
Special considerations: There is no shade except at the very end of the trail. The trail is hard to follow as you descend at the end. The National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of Dinosaur National Monument is available from the park bookstore.