Drive the Island Park Road

Throughout the day, light and shadow may twist around canyons to illuminate Island Park's scenery.

NPS / Dan Johnson

High-clearance vehicles are recommended.

The Island Park Road is an 18 mile (29 km) unpaved road that leads to Rainbow Park and Island Park. The road starts outside of Dinosaur National Monument and ends inside the park near the Ruple Ranch Site. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The road is typically impassable when wet and during the winter.

The first 10 miles (16 km) of Island Park Road are outside of the park, winding through a mix of public and state land. Upon crossing the park boundary, the last 8 miles (13 km) reveal beautiful petroglyph panels at McKee Spring and stellar views of the Green River from Island Park. At Rainbow Park, visitors can enjoy a secluded tents-only campground near a boat ramp where river rafters launch boats for one-day rafting trips.

Driving Conditions: All 18 miles (29 km) of the Island Park Road are unpaved, but suitable for most high-clearance vehicles. All-wheel and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are great to have, but not strictly necessary for Island Park Road. The road does not change much in elevation. 

Amenities: There is no food, fuel, or services along the entire length of the Island Park Road. The primitive Rainbow Park Campground offers picnic tables and vault toilets, but no potable water.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

The length of time you spend on the Island Park Road depends on your destination. All the figures provided here are one-way distances, assuming the road is in good, dry condition. Recreational activities, such as viewing scenery, stopping at overlooks, and hiking will add more time to your trip.

From the Quarry Visitor Center, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the start of the Island Park Road, located outside of the monument. From there, it takes another 25 minutes to reach the monument boundary. From the monument boundary, it takes about:

• 1 minute to reach the McKee Spring Petroglyphs
• 10 minutes to reach Rainbow Park Campground
• 10 minutes to reach the viewing loop at Island Park
• 25 minutes to reach Ruple Ranch and the Island Park Trailhead

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Leashed pets are allowed on all roads, overlooks, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Pets are not allowed on the Island Park Trail. Handlers must clean up after pets. 

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

Brush Creek Road

From the Quarry Visitor Center, take State Road 149 south for 4 miles (6 km) until you reach the Brush Creek Bridge. Just after crossing the bridge, turn onto Brush Creek Road (3500 South). Follow the road for 5 miles (8 km) until you reach the first fork. At the fork, follow the signs for Island Park and continue north along Brush Creek Road for 4 miles (6 km) until you reach the turnoff. Island Park Road is unpaved and continues for 10 miles (16 km) before crossing back into the monument.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Regardless of the season, this road is impassable when wet. The road is also typically impassable in winter.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair Accessiblity: 
No sites of interest along this road are paved or ADA compliant. However, the road is relatively flat near the McKee Spring Petroglyphs and in the Rainbow Park Campground. The McKee Spring Petroglyphs can be viewed from the road with binoculars. The campground and boat ramp may be accessible with assistance. 

Restroom Information: 
There is no potable water available and no restrooms along the Island Park Road. Vault toilets are available at the Rainbow Park Campground.