Places to Go: Echo Park

Large tan cliffs rise above a river.
Steamboat Rock rises above the Green River and dominates the view in Echo Park.

NPS

 

Echo Park is located in the heart of Dinosaur's canyon country. Here, the Yampa River flows into the Green River, which winds around the massive feature known as Steamboat Rock. The meeting of the two rivers along with nearby geologic faults created some of the monument's most dramatic scenery.

Echo Park provides opportunities to enjoy remarkable surroundings, view petroglyphs and explore the area's homsteading and ranching history. You may see river rafters float past on the Green River. Picknicking, hiking, camping, and star gazing are available activities in this area. A spectacular display of stars is visible in the night sky due to the lack of light pollution from towns and cities.

 
Road to Echo Park
The road to Echo Park includes several sharp corners and steep grades just after it leaves the Harpers Corner Road.

Directions

Echo Park is located 38 miles from the Canyon Visitor Center which is near Dinosaur, Colorado. From the Canyon Visitor Center, head north for 25 miles on the paved Harper's Corner Road (closed seasonally). Turn right onto the unpaved Echo Park Road, which is impassable when wet and only recommended for high-clearance vehicles. Four-wheel drive may be necessary depending on current road conditions. The Echo Park Road quickly descends down several sets of steep switchbacks and ends at a day-use area after 13 miles. RVs and trailers are strongly discouraged due to sharp turns, steep grades, and rough roads.

The Harpers Corner Road is closed in winter and spring, typically from December 31 to April 15; closing and opening dates are weather dependent.

Check the weather forecast before attempting to drive to Echo Park. Rainstorms can form quickly and make the Echo Park Road impassable even to high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles.

 
Picnic Area
Picnic tables are available in the Echo Park Campground. Several are located near the banks of the Green River and surrounded by spectacular scenery. The campground has vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (usually late-May through late September).
 
Hikers walk along the beach near the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers.
Hikers walk along the beach near the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers.

NPS, Dan Johnson

Hiking

There are no established trails in the Echo Park area, but there are several routes. The easiest is a short, level walk to the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Here you can see the brown, muddy waters of the naturally flowing Yampa River mixing with the clear greenish tinged waters of the Green River. Use caution along the river banks, as they can collapse without warning. This walk starts from the end of the road, just past the river access point. Follow the river shore to the northeast. During periods of high river flows, the sandy beaches may be covered by water.

Other routes include hiking to Mitten Park or past Jenny Lind Rock and into lower Sand Canyon. Anyone planning to explore these areas should carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Carry plenty of water and appropriate gear for the weather.

 
A rafter passes by Steamboat Rock
A river rafter floats around Steamboat Rock

NPS

River Rafting and Boating
Multi-day raft trips pass by Echo Park. Many of these raft trips will stop at Echo Park to refill water bottles or take a hike. Rafting Dinosaur's rivers requires both skills, in-depth planning and a permit. More information on how you can raft Dinosaur's rivers …

 
A group of visitors takes a look at the gash in the sandstone known as Whispering Cave.
A group of visitors takes a look at the gash in the sandstone known as Whispering Cave.

NPS

Whispering Cave
Located approximately one mile from the Echo Park campground along the Echo Park Road, this fissure in the sandstone rock provides a cool and shady spot to rest on a hot day.

 
Pool Creek Petroglyphs

Pool Creek Petroglyphs
These unusual petroglyphs are located approximately 1½ miles from the Echo Park Campground. They can be easily seen with an easy walk from the road. These petroglyphs feature dot-pattern designs and are high above the creek along the rock face.

 
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Echo Park Campground

Basic Information

Accessibility Information

Last updated: February 2, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

4545 Hwy 40
Dinosaur, CO 81610

Phone:

435 781-7700

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