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4545 Hwy 40, Dinosaur, CO 81610
Phone: 970-374-3000
Fax: 970-374-3003
Open All Year
Overview. A rugged landscape of steep canyon walls and rushing rivers greets the eyes of visitors to this 325-square-mile area. Located in the northwest corner of Colorado and spilling over into Utah, the park is famous for its dinosaur quarry. Thousands of bones have been excavated from the quarry since Earl Douglass first unearthed eight brontosaurus tailbones in 1909. During the Jurassic period, about 145 million years ago, what is now the Colorado plateau was a flat area crossed by streams. Numberless creatures died of natural causes here, but only a fraction of the fossils remain, mostly in an area that used to be a river. Floodwaters washed skeletons down the river. They were then covered by more layers of sand, which eventually hardened into rock. Crust upheaval and climatic changes created the Rocky Mountains, while rivers carved canyons into the landscape. At the varying elevations, which range from the riverbeds at 4,750 feet to Zenobia Peak at 9,006 feet, vegetation can change from cottonwood stands to sagebrush to ponderosa pine. Bobcats, elk, and black bear are only a few of the park's natural residents. First established in 1915 to preserve the quarry, the park was expanded in 1938 to include the canyons. Today visitors are drawn by both the fascinating fossil record and the miles of hiking trails.What to see and do. The highlight of the park, especially for kids, is the quarry, which is open from 8 AM until 7 PM summers (until 4:30 PM in winter). Enter the park on the Utah side, leaving your car in the parking area during the busy summer season and taking a shuttle to the quarry building, which is the only place in the park to see dinosaur fossils. You may drive the entire way in winter. Inside the handicapped-accessible building, don't miss the fossil-bearing layer forming one wall. In the eight-to-twelve-foot layer, some bones are exposed, allowing you to see them jumbled about just as they were laid down in the river eons ago. After the wall, walk through several exhibits explaining a paleontologist's methods and presenting the kinds of dinosaurs found in the rocks. After you've seen the quarry, drive the Cub Creek Road out to the Josie Morris cabin. You'll go past the two developed campgrounds, Split Mountain and Green River. Take the time to walk the nature trails found along the road. On the Desert Voices Trail, for example, you'll walk a two-mile loop through moderately hilly open country. With the help of signs you'll get a firsthand introduction to the desert and its threats. At two places, the "Swelter Shelter" rock overhang and another rock wall, have a look at the petroglyphs left behind by Native Americans. Your destination is the Josie Morris Cabin, home to a woman who lived on her own here in the wilderness through the first half of the century. Another day at Dinosaur could see a drive along the Harpers Corner scenic drive up into canyon country. Stop at the park headquarters and visitor center located south of the park on Hwy 40. Here you can walk the Cold Desert trail and look at exhibits designed to introduce you to the geography and wildlife found in the canyons. Take along a leaflet explaining what you see at the several overlooks dotting the 31-mile drive. No camping is allowed along the drive, but you will find three picnic sites. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, consider turning off onto Echo Park Road. This rugged trip leads to a primitive campground with river access. At the end of the scenic drive along Harpers Road, take a self-guiding leaflet and a few hours to hike the two-mile round-trip trail. Bring along a camera to record your splendid views of the canyons formed by the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers. You can also spot the Echo Park campground 2,500 feet below. Another drive best suited to off-road vehicles is the Yampa Bench Road. For 38 miles, you'll make your way through scenic backcountry. Rangers caution all drivers to bring extra water, and on unpaved roads, food and camping gear are advised in case rain turns the roads into impassable slicks of wet clay. Other camping and hiking options are available at the far corners of the park. For instance, in the north, Gates of Lodore is open year-round, offering a primitive campground, ranger station, and boat launch for rafters. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Ask at park headquarters for details about Deerlodge Park, Jones Hole, Ruple Ranch, and Rainbow Park. You can make day trips of nature trails, or you can plan on a three-to-five day hike the length of the park. However you explore the terrain, take advantage of its relative isolation and undisturbed nature to catch glimpses of foxes, beaver, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Which wildlife you see depends on which elevation you're in. Consider taking a river trip, either on your own (permits required) or with licensed outfitters. The Yampa and Green run through rapids, so permits and experience are required. First-time rafters would thoroughly enjoy a guided tour through the stunning scenery of soaring canyon walls. Pets: Leashed pets are not permitted in buildings or on trails. Fees: A daily entrance fee is charged.
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Archeological Sites |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Visitor Center |
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Whitewater Sports |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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