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the fossilized skull of camarasaurus dinosaur

Dinosaur National Monument

warningPark Closure1 warning calendar_monthMay–Jun, Sep–Octbest time schedule2 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_number~$15entry
Dinosaur National MonumentYour own route Plan a trip here →
Park Closure Rainbow Park Closure

The Rainbow Park Road, Rainbow Park Campground, and Rainbow Park Boat Ramp are closed as of September 25, 2026 due to significant storm damage until repairs are completed, likely through spring of 2027. The 3/4-mile Rainbow Park Road is closed to vehicles from the junction with t

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Dinosaur National Monument, established in 1915, protects a significant fossil deposit and ancient rock art. Visitors come to see the impressive display of dinosaur bones and to explore the area's rich cultural history, which spans over 10,000 years.

Read more

The monument features two main districts: the Canyon Area and the Dinosaur Quarry. Each district has its own visitor center and offers various trails for hiking. The site is also home to the Green and Yampa Rivers, which provide opportunities for rafting, though caution is advised for inexperienced paddlers.

In pictures

A large sandstone canyon with golden grasses and green trees growing inside.
A large sandstone canyon with golden grasses and green trees growing inside.

Things to do

Hike the Jones Hole Trail
2-10 Hours · Winter/Spring

8.5 miles (13.6 km) round trip, out and back trail. Jones Hole Trail is a popular hike along a babbling brook...

Be a Dinosaur Junior Ranger
Winter/Spring

Junior Rangers help to "Explore, Learn, and Protect" our national parks. Anyone can be a Junior Ranger! Once y...

Hike the Confluence Trail
30-120 Minutes · Spring/Summer

1.25 miles (2 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Confluence Trail provides a short and easy walk to...

Hike to the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs
10-30 Minutes · Winter/Spring

400 feet (122 m) out and back trail. Easy. This short hike to Swelter Shelter offers visitors an opportunity t...

Picnicking in Dinosaur
Winter/Spring

The Plug Hat Butte picnic area is located along Harpers Corner Road on the Colorado side of the monument.

Hike the Gates of Lodore Trail
45-120 Minutes · Winter/Spring

1 mile (1.6 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Gates of Lodore Trail is a short but scenic walk to...

Hike the Harpers Corner Trail
1-2 Hours · Spring/Summer

2 miles (3.2 km) round trip, out and back trail. Moderate difficulty. The Harpers Corner Trail runs along a na...

Hike the Ruple Point Trail
4-12 Hours · Spring/Summer

9.2 miles (14.8 km) round trip, out and back trail. Moderate to difficult. For most of its length, Ruple Point...

Hike the Plug Hat Trail
15-45 Minutes · Spring/Summer

0.25 miles (0.4 km) round trip loop trail. Easy. The Plug Hat Trail offers scenic views of Dinosaur's rugged l...

Hike the Box Canyon Trail
20-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

0.25 miles (0.4 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Box Canyon Trail is a relatively level and shady...

Hike the River Trail at Dinosaur National Monument
1-3 Hours · Winter/Spring

3 miles (4.8 km) round trip, out and back trail. Moderate difficulty. The River Trail in Dinosaur National Mon...

Hike the Hog Canyon Trail
30-90 Minutes · Winter/Spring

1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip, out and back trail. Easy. The Hog Canyon Trail is a pleasant hike into a box ca...

Practical

At a glance

Opened
1915
Open
Daily open 24 hours
Price
Per Person $15, Commercial Entrance - Per Pe $15, Motorcycle $20
Accessibility
Some trails are wheelchair accessible
Address
11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035
Opening hours
Daily open 24 hours
Phone
4357817700
Price
~$15
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect queues during peak season, especially at the Quarry Exhibit Hall.
Tickets are required for certain activities, check the website for details.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and are not permitted on trails or in buildings.

Photo: NPS Photo / Dan Johnson