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Ely Creek Backcountry Campsites Closed
The Ely Creek backcountry campsites located along the Jones Hole Trail have been closed until further notice due to bear activity in the area. More »
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Numerous Campsites Closed in the Green River Campground
A recent tree assessment of the Green River Campground identified potential safety issues with numerous cottonwood trees, requiring us to close many of the campsites. Please plan ahead so that you are not disappointed if the campground is full. More »
Scenic Drives
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A network of roads penetrate the rugged country of Dinosaur National Monument, providing access to dramatic views, a chance to see wildlife, or the ability to deeper explore the area by hiking one of the monument's trails. Some of the roads are paved two-lane highways-fine for any passenger car-while others are dirt roads requiring the use of a 4-wheel drive high clearance vehicle. Some monument roads close for the winter. Always check the weather before heading out on any of the monument's dirt roads. 
This geological formation is often refered to as "elephant toes". Kathy Kupper Tour of the Tilted Rocks Tour of the Tilted Rocks is an 10 mile (one-way) auto tour route along Cub Creek Road, starting at the Quarry Visitor Center north of Jensen, Utah. Guidebooks are available for a small fee at either visitor center, or at a self-service post near the beginning of the route. Features along the route include petroglyph and pictograph panels, Josie Bassett's cabin built in 1913, and fantastic views of geologic layers. Wildlife can often be seen, including mule deer, prairie dogs, and many bird species. The last two miles of the route are unpaved but well maintained. The last four miles are unplowed in the winter and are generally not passable by car. Fuel, food, and other services are not available along this route. The nearest services are in Jensen, seven miles south of the Quarry Visitor Center. 
Harpers Corner Road winds around Plug Hat Butte Harpers Corner Road The Harpers Corner Scenic Drive is a 31-mile (one-way) auto tour route from the Canyon Area Visitor Center to Harpers Corner. Dinosaur fossils are not located in this section of the park. The route goes by colorful Plug Hat Butte, which contains a wheelchair-accessible trail and a picnic area. As the road continues to gain elevation, the scenery reflects the changing ecosystems. The last 12 miles include several striking viewpoints and overlooks, some as high as 2500 feet above the Green and Yampa rivers. Steamboat Rock hides the confluence of the two rivers from view at the Echo Park overlook. A one-mile (one-way) trail at the end of the route leads to a vista with nearly 300 degree views into Whirlpool, Lodore, and Yampa canyons. Fuel, food, and other services are not available along this route. The nearest services are in Dinosaur, Colorado, two miles west of the Canyon Area Visitor Center on Highway 40. Harpers Corner Drive is closed at Plug Hat Butte when heavy snow falls. The road reopens in the spring when conditions allow. |
Did You Know?
Do you know the difference between a petroglyph (pictured here) and a pictograph? Petroglyphs are images pecked into rock while pictographs are painted images. Dinosaur National Monument preserves both forms of Native American rock art.