The best walks and hikes in Dinosaur National Monument

For a family-friendly outing, consider the Desert Voices Trail. It's a relatively short loop of about 2.2 miles (3.6 km) that offers a great introduction to the desert landscape. Another excellent choice is the short path to the historic Josie Morris Cabin, which provides a glimpse into the life of a homesteader and serves as a starting point for other easy walks into Box Canyon and Hog Canyon.

Yes, but options are limited. Pets are permitted on the River Trail, which connects the Split Mountain and Green River campgrounds. They are also allowed on the short trails around the visitor centers and along paved roads. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times and are not permitted on other trails, in the backcountry, or inside buildings like the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

The trails in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic canyon vistas, the unique geological formations, and the profound sense of quiet found on the trails.

Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for hiking in Dinosaur National Monument. During these times, the weather is generally pleasant with moderate temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, especially on exposed trails, so if you hike then, be sure to start early in the morning and carry plenty of water. Winter can bring snow and ice, making some trails inaccessible.

Yes, the Sound of Silence Trail is a popular 3.2-mile (5.1 km) loop. This trail offers an immersive experience, taking you through an intermittent stream bed, across desert badlands, and over slickrock sections, showcasing the monument's diverse geology.

The Cub Creek area on the Utah side of the monument is the best place to see ancient rock art. Several panels of petroglyphs and pictographs created by the Fremont people around a thousand years ago are visible from the road or via short, easy trails. This area provides a fascinating look into the region's human history.

Yes, the Fossil Discovery Trail is a 1.2-mile path that conveniently connects the Quarry Visitor Center to the Quarry Exhibit Hall. It's a great option if you're short on time and want to see fossils embedded in the rock layers along the way.

While many of the maintained trails are shorter, there are opportunities for longer hikes and backpacking in the monument's vast backcountry. Routes in areas like Jones Hole Canyon or the Yampa Bench offer more strenuous, full-day adventures. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight trips. You can find more information on permits and regulations on the official National Park Service website.

For spectacular panoramic views, the Harpers Corner Trail is unmatched. Located on the Colorado side, this relatively easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) round trip leads to a viewpoint over 2,000 feet above the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers, offering a breathtaking perspective of the vast canyon system.

Dinosaur National Monument features over a dozen maintained trails that are popular with visitors. Beyond these marked paths, the monument's more than 200,000 acres contain extensive backcountry areas with routes for more experienced hikers seeking solitude and adventure.

Yes, Dinosaur National Monument charges an entrance fee per vehicle or per individual. The fee is valid for seven consecutive days and provides access to all areas of the monument in both Utah and Colorado. For the most current fee information, it's best to check the official NPS website before your visit.

You can obtain a park map, which includes the main hiking trails, at the Quarry Visitor Center or the Canyon Visitor Center upon arrival. For digital planning, you can explore all the routes, view their difficulty, and download them for offline use within the komoot app.