Current Conditions

 

We try to update this page in a timely manner, however, due to the range in elevations and soil types for our roads and trails, conditions can change rapidly in Dinosaur National Monument. During winter, some areas may receive heavy snow while others are clear and dry. If you are traveling to the monument and would like additional information, please call the visitor center at [phone] or email us.

 

January 21, 2020 Update

Varying amounts of snow currently cover most of the monument. Unpaved roads are not maintained in the winter. Travel on unpaved roads in the monument when wet or snow covered is not recommended due to sticky clay and soft soils.

Weather in the winter can be extremely variable. Visitors should check the weather before heading out to explore and always let someone know about their plans.

 

Dinosaur Quarry Area (Utah)
Cub Creek Road: open for 8 miles. The last two miles to Josie's Cabin are closed to vehicles due to snow but are open for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, conditions permitting. There may be snow, or ice in shady areas.
Split Mountain Road: open.
Fossil Discovery Trail: snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud. More information...
Sound of Silence Trail: snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud There may be elk/deer trails that create some confusion on location of trail. A $1 guide book for this trail is available at the Quarry Visitor Center or trailhead. More information...
Desert Voices Trail: snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud. More information...
River Trail: snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud More information...
Box Canyon Trail: no access to trail head by vehicle while the road to Josie's Cabin is closed. Snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud. More information...
Hog Canyon Trail: no access to trailhead by vehicle while road to Josie's Cabin is closed. snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud. More information...
Green River Campground: closed for the winter. More information...
Split Mountain Group Campground: open for first come, first serve camping. No water available. More information...

 

Rainbow Park / Island Park Area (Utah)
Island Park Road: travel not advised when the road is wet or snow covered due to clay soils. Muddy in areas due to freezing and melting snow, 4x4 recommended.
Rainbow Park Campground: open when accessible by road, no water. More information…

 

Jones Hole Area (Utah)
Road to Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery USFWS: paved, open; plowed, but snow and/or ice may be present. Call the hatchery for current road conditions: 435-789-4481
Jones Hole Trail: snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud. More information…
Ely Creek / Island Park Trail: snow-covered, potential ice and/or mud. Trail between Ely Creek waterfall and Ruple Ranch and may be difficult to follow anytime of the year. More information…

 

Harpers Corner/Echo Park Area (Colorado)
Harpers Corner Road: closed at Plug Hat Butte, five miles from US Highway 40 due to snow until late spring. Road may close temporarily at monument headquarters when road plowing is occuring. Watch for animals on the road, especially at dusk and dawn.
Echo Park Road: road not accessible due to Harpers Corner Road closure. Travel to Echo Park Road is not advised when the roads are snow covered, wet or muddy.
Echo Park Campground: open when accessible by road, no water available.
Yampa Bench Road: snow covered.Travel is not recommended on this road when wet or snow covered, due to sticky clay soils. High clearance, all wheel drive vehicles are always recommended for this road. Check weather conditions prior to driving.
Access Roads to Yampa Bench Road and Monument Boundary: snow covered
Harpers Corner Trail: no access to trailhead by vehicle. Snow-covered. A $1 guide book for this trail is available at the visitor centers or trailhead. More Information...
Ruple Point Trail: no access to trailhead by vehicle. Snow-covered. More information...

 

Deerlodge Park (Colorado)
Deerlodge Road: paved and open. Snow-covered. 4x4 recommended.
Deerlodge Park Campground: open, no water available. More information…

 

Gates of Lodore (Colorado)
Colorado Highway 318: paved, may be areas of snow, especially in shaded areas.
Moffat County Roads 34 & 34N: snow-covered, plowed to monument border. Some washboarding and tire ruts.
Gates of Lodore Trail: snow-covered. A $1 guide book for this trail is available at the trailhead or monument visitor centers. More information...
Gates of Lodore Campground: open, no water available. More information…