There’s quite a bit of landscape, geology, and history packed into the more than 210,000 acres (84,984 hectares) of Dinosaur National Monument, straddling the border between Utah and Colorado. How can you see all of this? Well, you might not be able to see it all, but if you take one or more of the five scenic drives offered in this national monument, you’ll view quite a bit.
There are two scenic drives in the Utah side of the park, and three in the Colorado side, all of which allow pets. Some of these roads are paved, while others are dirt and gravel. Below is a quick rundown of the drives. To read more detailed information, click on each drive’s name.
Scenic Drives On The Utah Side
A view along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks scenic drive in the Utah portion of Dinosaur National Monument / NPS - Jake McFee
Tour of the Tilted Rocks
Length: 10 miles (16) km; paved
You’ll view geology, historic homesteads, petroglyphs, and pictographs. You can also stop and hike any of the trails you see. The road is usually accessible for passenger cars. Seasonal closures may affect the last 4 miles (6 km) of the road.
Island Park Road
Length: 18 miles (29 km); unpaved
This road starts outside of Dinosaur National Monument and ends inside the park near the Ruple Ranch Site. The first 10 miles (16 km) are located outside of the park. The last 8 miles (13 km) reveal beautiful petroglyph panels at McKee Spring, a secluded campground at Rainbow Park, and stellar views of the Green River from Island Park. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended and the road is impassable when wet.
Scenic Drives On The Colorado Side
Harpers Corner Road
Length: 31 miles (50 km); paved
There are numerous wheelchair-accessible scenic overlooks offering vistas of the national monument’s rivers and canyons, and paved paths, trails, and picnic areas. The road is accessible for most vehicles when clear of ice and snow. Harpers Corner Road is closed in winter, and reopens in spring when conditions allow.
A view along the Echo Park Road scenic drive on the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument / NPS - Molly Swindle
Echo Park Road
Length: 14 miles (23 km); unpaved
This rugged road begins along the Harpers Corner Road, winds through scenic canyon country, and ends near the banks of the Green River at Echo Park. High-clearance vehicles with all-wheel-drive (AWD) are strongly recommended. RVs and trailers are not advised. The road is impassable when wet.
Yampa Bench Road
Length: 18 miles (29 km); unpaved
This scenic drive runs along a "bench" of land high above the Yampa River, offering expansive views and historic sites. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are strongly recommended for this rugged road, which is impassable when wet.
Note: Remember to drive the posted speed limits. The roads are steep in places, winding, and the unpaved roads are also rough and bumpy. Wildlife might dart across the roads, too.
