Dinosaur National Monument
so much more than dinosaurs
Dinosaur National Monument: Fossils, Canyons & Night Skies in Northwest Colorado
Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Colorado–Utah border and offers the whole package: a cliff face packed with dinosaur fossils, towering canyon walls carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers, ancient rock art, dark-sky stargazing, and miles of scenic drives and overlooks. Base yourself in the Town of Dinosaur, Craig, or Maybell and explore this wild corner of Northwest Colorado.
Why This Monument Belongs on Your Bucket List
- See real fossils in the rock. Inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (NPS), a cliff face preserves hundreds of dinosaur fossils in place—an unforgettable time-travel moment.
- Roads with views. Drive Tour of the Tilted Rocks near the quarry or head to Harpers Corner Road on the Colorado side for big rim-top overlooks and short, family-friendly walks.
- Wild rivers. The Green and the Yampa slice through colorful canyons—join a guided trip or enjoy scenic pullouts along the Wild Rivers corridor.
- Rock art & deep time. Spot petroglyphs and pictographs (look, don’t touch) and learn more on Ancient Canyons and the Dinosaur National Monument (Wikipedia) overview.
- Dark skies. With little light pollution, stargazing can be spectacular—bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust. See tips in our Activities section and the NPS Stargazing page.
Harpers Corner Road: Colorado’s Signature Rim Drive
Local tip: The turnoff for Harpers Corner Road is just about a mile east of the Town of Dinosaur on US-40. This paved scenic spur runs into the heart of the monument’s Colorado side, with signed overlooks, picnic pullouts, short rim hikes, and sweeping views into the Green and Yampa river canyons.
- What you’ll see: Layered canyons, meandering rivers, and classic high-desert panoramas. Several overlooks have short, mostly level paths to fenced viewpoints—perfect for families and casual hikers.
- Harpers Corner Trail: A must-do rim walk at the end of the road with dramatic vistas (watch kids near drop-offs). Bring water and sun protection; shade is limited.
- Photo timing: Sunrise lights up east-facing walls; sunset casts a warm glow across the canyons. Golden hour is prime for wildlife watching—keep your distance and never feed animals.
- Make it a loop day: Combine Harpers Corner with the Gates of Lodore trail or Echo Park viewpoint. See our 2–3 day itinerary ideas below.
- Maps & road info: Conditions can vary by season and weather. Check NPS Current Conditions and grab maps on our Area Maps page.
Top Experiences (Plan a Perfect Day)
1) Morning at the Fossil Wall
Start at the Quarry Exhibit Hall to see dinosaur bones still embedded in the cliff. After the exhibit, take the short Tour of the Tilted Rocks for photo stops and river views.
2) Midday Scenic Drive or Hike
For classic overlooks, point your car up Harpers Corner Road (Colorado side). If you prefer to stretch your legs, browse local Hiking ideas and pick a short trail near your route. Quick orientation: Directions.
3) Afternoon on the Water (or Along It)
Want a mellow scenic float or bucket-list whitewater? Outfitters run both the Green and Yampa rivers in season—get inspired on our Rafting page and review NPS river safety.
4) Golden-Hour Rock Art & Wildlife Watching
As the sun softens, visit signed rock-art pullouts or explore destinations highlighted in Ancient Canyons. Please admire from a distance; oils from hands can permanently damage panels.
5) Stargazing After Dark
Pack layers and a red-light headlamp. On a clear night, the Milky Way often stretches across the sky. Pair a starry night in the monument with a lakeside sunset at Elkhead Reservoir.
Trip Basics
Where to Stay
Use Craig for the widest choice of hotels and services—browse our Lodging page. For proximity, consider motels in the Town of Dinosaur (closest to Harpers Corner turnoff) or cozy spots in Maybell. Camping is available in and around the monument (see regional Camping). Local visitor info: Craig Chamber & Economic Development.
Getting Here & Getting Around
- Main routes: US-40 runs east–west through Craig, Maybell, and Dinosaur; CO-13 connects Craig south to I-70 and north to Wyoming. See Directions.
- Fuel & services: Top off in Craig, Maybell, or the Town of Dinosaur—services inside the monument are limited.
- Entrance note: The road into the heart of the Colorado side—Harpers Corner Road—turns off US-40 just about a mile east of the Town of Dinosaur.
- Road conditions: Weather, seasonal closures, or unpaved segments can affect access; carry water and a paper map. Check NPS Conditions.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring–fall bring comfortable days for hiking, scenic driving, and river trips (permits/outfitter demand peaks early summer). Winter is quiet and beautiful on bluebird days; some roads and facilities may be limited. For broader trip ideas any season, see Activities and Our Treasures.
Don’t Miss These Classic Stops
- Quarry Exhibit Hall: Iconic fossil wall with balcony viewpoint (NPS).
- Harpers Corner Road: Panoramas into the Green and Yampa canyons; short rim hikes at signed overlooks.
- Gates of Lodore: Serene canyon on the Green River—access by trail or river.
- Echo Park: Dramatic confluence vistas, folding geology, and historic sites.
Responsible Adventure & Rock-Art Etiquette
- Look, don’t touch: Oils from hands can permanently damage petroglyphs and pictographs. Enjoy from a respectful distance.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash. Stay on established trails near sensitive soils and archaeological sites.
- Wildlife: Observe at a distance; never feed animals.
Want more rock-art and canyon inspiration? Explore Ancient Canyons and consider adding Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge to your itinerary.
Build a 2–3 Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Quarry Exhibit Hall → Tour of the Tilted Rocks → Echo Park overlook → Dinner in Craig.
- Day 2: Harpers Corner Road rim overlooks + short hikes → Gates of Lodore trail → Stargazing pullout.
- Optional Day 3: Guided rafting (Yampa/Green) or 4-wheeling on public lands (see 4-Wheeling) → Museums in Craig.
FAQ: Plan Smarter
Policies can change with seasons and visitation levels. Check the Quarry Exhibit Hall page (NPS) for hours and any ticketing details.
Yes—at the Quarry Exhibit Hall the fossil wall is viewable from accessible walkways and a balcony.
The monument has multiple campgrounds and there are additional options around Craig, Maybell, and Elkhead Reservoir. Start with regional Camping and confirm availability and rules via the NPS campground pages.
Pets are welcome in some areas when leashed but are restricted on many trails and in buildings. Review current NPS pet guidelines and never leave pets unattended.
Time-crunched? Drive part of Harpers Corner Road for rim overlooks into spectacular river canyons, or do the Tour of the Tilted Rocks close to the quarry.
Coverage is spotty to nonexistent in canyon country. Download maps in advance from our Area Maps page and carry extra water.
More to Explore Nearby
Current Conditions & Alerts: Road openings, hours, river flows, and quarry access can change by season and weather. Check the NPS Conditions & Alerts before you go.
DISCOVER
