Hike the Ruple Point Trail

From the end of the Ruple Point Trail, hikers are rewarded with a view of Split Mountain Canyon.

NPS Photo

Distance: 9.2 miles (14.8 km) round trip
Elevation Change: Approximately 600 feet (183 meters)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Type of Trail: Out and back, not a loop
Trailhead: Island Park Overlook on the Harpers Corner Road, 27 miles (43.5 km) north of the Canyon Visitor Center.

Ruple Point Trail is one of the longer maintained trails in Dinosaur National Monument. For most of its length, this trail crosses a rolling terrain filled with sagebrush and juniper trees. Towards the end of the trail, a short descent through a pinyon pine forest rewards hikers with cliffs offering breathtaking views of Split Mountain Canyon and the Green River 2,500 feet (762 meters) below. No pets allowed.

Trail maps of Dinosaur National Monument are available from the park bookstore.

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Rules and Regulations

• Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail.
• Carry out all trash.
• Collecting artifacts, fossils, plants, antlers, rocks, or other objects is prohibited.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife.
• Biking on trails is not permitted in Dinosaur National Monument.
• Permits are required for overnight backcountry camping near this trail. Contact the Information Desk at [phone] to request a permit.

Your Safety

• There is no shade on this trail.
• Use caution near the cliffs at the end of the trail.
• Be prepared for desert hiking. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Take water. A minimum of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person is recommended in summer.
• Temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) in summer. To avoid the heat, hike in the morning or evening. Carry a headlamp if hiking near nightfall.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not recommended.
• Watch for wildlife. This is bear and mountain lion country. Keep small children close.
• All natural areas pose risks. Your safety depends on your own good judgment.

Details

Duration

4-12 Hours

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, working service dogs may go wherever their handlers go.

Activity Fee

No

Visitors must pay the park entrance fee or show a valid pass at the Entrance Station or Quarry Visitor Center. There is no separate or additional fee for this activity.

Location

Island Park Overlook

This trail is located at Island Park Overlook on the Harpers Corner Road, 27 miles (43.5 km) north of the Canyon Visitor Center near Dinosaur, Colorado.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

The Harpers Corner Road, which leads to this trailhead, may be closed seasonally due to snow and ice.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

The trail is primarily a narrow footpath approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide. The surface is a rugged mixture of dirt and rock. Getting to the viewpoint at the end of the trail requires walking up and down over uneven rock surfaces. This trail is not wheelchair accessible.