Photo: NPS Photo / Dan Johnson
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Their fossils are still embedded in the rocks. Today, mountains, desert, and rivers flowing in canyons support a variety of life.
Petroglyphs reveal the lives and connections of Indigenous people to this land. Homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here.
Whether your passion is science, adventure, history, or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore.
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 the Island Park Road to the Rainbow Park Campground and boat ramp. The Island Park Road remains open to Ruple Ranch.
28 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Junior Rangers help to "Explore, Learn, and Protect" our national parks. Anyone can be a Junior Ranger! Once you learn about the monument and the amazing resources found here, you will be able to…
Learn more about Be a Dinosaur Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Bicycling is allowed on any road within Dinosaur National Monument, but is not allowed on any trails. Paved roads within the monument are narrow, and often have no shoulders. Bicyclists should take…
Learn more about Bicycling at Dinosaur on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The 14 mile (23 km) unpaved Echo Park Road takes drivers into the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. This rugged road begins along the Harpers Corner Road, winds through scenic canyon country, and…
Learn more about Drive the Echo Park Road on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Harpers Corner Scenic Drive is a 31 mile (50 km) paved road that offers wheelchair-accessible overlooks with spectacular views of Dinosaur's rivers and canyons. Along the way, visitors can enjoy…
Learn more about Drive the Harpers Corner Road on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The Island Park Road is an 18 mile (29 km) unpaved road that starts outside of Dinosaur National Monument and ends inside the park near the Ruple Ranch Site. The first 10 miles (16 km) are located…
Learn more about Drive the Island Park Road on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
This 10 mile (16) km paved tour along the Cub Creek Road in Utah provides a great introduction to Dinosaur National Monument. Take the Tour of Tilted Rocks to enjoy sweeping geology, historic…
Learn more about Drive the Tour of Tilted Rocks on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The 18 mile (29 km) unpaved Yampa Bench Road offers visitors a look into the quieter side of Dinosaur. Running along a "bench" of land high above the Yampa River, visitors can experience incredible…
Learn more about Drive the Yampa Bench Road on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fee applies
Dinosaur National Monument allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids…
Learn more about Fishing at Dinosaur National Monument on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 8 of 28
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9 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Deerlodge Park Campground is located 51 miles (82 km) east of the Canyon Visitor Center. It is located on the Yampa River at the boat ramp at the head of Yampa Canyon…
Reservable Campground
Deerlodge Park Campground is located 51 miles (85 km) east of the Canyon Visitor Center and 80 miles (129 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center. The campground sits on the…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: All campsites at Deerlodge Park Campground are first-come, first-served. You will pay upon arrival using Scan & Pay through the Recreation.gov mobile app (download the app before your visit), or by cash, check or credit card using the…
Overview
Deerlodge Park Campground is located 51 miles (85 km) east of the Canyon Visitor Center and 80 miles (129 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center. The campground sits on the Yampa River by the boat ramp at the head of Yampa Canyon. Deerlodge Park Campground is open year-round, but winter access can be very difficult due to snow. When the Yampa River exceeds an 18,000 cfs flow rate, the campground will flood. This is typically during the late spring runoff. Before you camp at Deerlodge Park, check the USGS current Yampa River flow rates and the NOAA Yampa river predicted flow rates
The campground has seven shady walk-in sites suitable for tents. The sites have tables and fire pits. There is drinking water and vault toilets available seasonally, but no showers.
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app . Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).
Visitor Centers . The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.
Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).
History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.
Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.
River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page. Private River Trips require a permit.
Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.
Facilities
Deerlodge Campground has seven shady walk-in sites suitable for tents. The campground has vault toilets and drinking water spigots available seasonally, but no showers. All campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings.
Natural Features
Deerlodge Park campground is in a large flat open area underneath large cottonwood trees along the Yampa River
Charges & Cancellations
This is a Scan & Pay campground. There are no refunds, changes, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. San & Pay is similar to putting payment into a fee tube at the campground that cannot be retrieved.
Reservable Campground
Echo Park Campground is located adjacent to the Green River. There are vault toilets, drinking water spigots (seasonal), and a self-pay station. This location has both…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Echo Park Campground is located adjacent to the Green River. There are vault toilets, drinking water spigots (seasonal), and a self-pay station. This location has both first-come first-served individual sites and a group site:
Recreation
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).
Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.
Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).
History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.
Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel. Unimproved hiking trails lead to the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers or to views of the Mitten Park Fault.
River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting is a highlight of Dinosaur National Monument, with multi-day trips available on both the Yampa and Green Rivers. Yampa River trips begin at Deerlodge Park, running through famous rapids like Teepee, Big Joe, and Warm Springs before joining the Green River at Echo Park and continuing to the Split Mountain boat ramp. Green River trips launch at Gates of Lodore, winding through deep canyons before meeting the Yampa and following the same route to Split Mountain. The Yampa, the largest free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River system, has a shorter, snowmelt-driven season. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page. Private River Trips require a permit.
Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.
Facilities
The Echo Park Campground has vault toilets and drinking water spigots (seasonal). All campsites have picnic tables and a campfire rings. Walk-in sites (Sites 18-21) do not have campfire rings. The group site and walk-in sites have food storage lockers.
Natural Features
The campground is set on a bench along the Green River and provides spectacular views of the surrounding canyons, Green River, and Steamboat Rock.
Nearby Attractions
On the Utah side of the monument, the Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to see dinosaur fossils exposed in the rock. Besides the monument, nearby Utah State Parks, the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area and Bureau of Land Management sites provide additional recreational opportunities.
Charges & Cancellations
Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees
Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation.
•Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
•You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Late Cancellations
•Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.
•Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.
•Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.
•Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.
•Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.
No-Shows
Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.
If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
Refunds
Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.
•Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location.
•Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.
•Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River at the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here…
Reservable Campground
Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River, near the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. It is at the north end of the monument, 137 miles (220 km)…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River, near the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. It is at the north end of the monument, 137 miles (220 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center and 106 miles (170 km) from the Canyon Visitor Center. It is a long drive to the area and the wild, remote country adds to its sense of isolation. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here before launching on the Green River.
There are 19 sites, some with shade. The sites have tables and some sites have grills while others have fire pits. During the summer, there is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs (no hook-ups). Access in winter may be difficult due to snow and road conditions.
Recreation
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).
Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.
Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).
History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.
Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.
River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page . Private River Trips require a permit.
Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.
Facilities
Gates of Lodore campground has vault toilets and drinking water spigots (seasonal). All campsites have picnic tables, some have a grill and others a campfire ring.
Natural Features
Just south of the campground, the Green River slices into the mountains and enters the steep-walled Canyon of Lodore. A short trail provides a scenic view of the river.
Nearby Attractions
Charges & Cancellations
This is a Scan & Pay campground. No refunds, changes, cancellations, or other fee changes are allowed with Scan & Pay payments.
Reservable Campground
The Green River Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4,750 feet (1448 m). The highly eroded Split Mountain is visible to the…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
The Green River Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4,750 feet (1448 m). The highly eroded Split Mountain is visible to the north. The campground is about five miles (8 km) from the famous Quarry Exhibit Hall, where you can see 149 million year old dinosaur bones still encased in the rock. A short distance from the campground is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where river rafters come off the Green River after trips through Dinosaur National Monument's canyons.
Recreation
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).
Facilities
Green River Campground has 80 campsites suitable for tents or RVs. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit. Drinking water and flush toilets are available. RVs can not fill their potable water tanks at the campground. There are no showers or water/electrical hook-ups/dump stations for recreational vehicles.
Natural Features
The campground is set on a bench along the Green River and is dotted by Fremont cottonwood trees and sagebrush. Many campsites offer views of Split Mountain. Some sites have shade while others are very sunny.Nearby Attractions
The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to see approximately 1,500 dinosaur fossils exposed in the rock. Besides the monument, nearby Utah State Parks, the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area and Bureau of Land Management sites provide additional recreational opportunities.Charges & Cancellations
Green River Campground is an unstaffed campground. Please manage any changes to your reservation through Recreation.gov.
Cancellations: All camping reservation cancellations will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before or the day of the scheduled arrival date will forfeit the first night's use fee in addition to a $10 cancellation fee.
No-Shows: If you do not arrive for your reservation, you will forfeit the full reservation amount.
Early Departures: If you leave the campground before your scheduled departure date, you must update your reservation on Recreation.gov to be considered for a refund for any unused nights. You must leave your campsite by the established checkout time. Refunds will not be issued for unused nights if the reservation is not updated.
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of the monument. It is located on a dirt road that is impassable when wet…
Reservable Campground
Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of Dinosaur National Monument. It is located on a rugged dirt road that is…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: All campsites at Rainbow Park Campground are first-come, first-served. You will pay upon arrival using Scan & Pay through the Recreation.gov mobile app (download the app before your visit). The year-round camping fee for Rainbow Park…
Overview
Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of Dinosaur National Monument. It is located on a rugged dirt road that is impassable when wet. The campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. Rainbow Park Campground is open year-round, but there is no winter maintenance on the unpaved road.
Recreation
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).
Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.
Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).
History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.
Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.
River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page. Private River Trips require a permit.
Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.
Facilities
Natural Features
This campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. It has wonderful views of geologic features such as the Mitten Park Fault.
Reservable Campground
The Split Mountain Group Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4,800 feet. The highly eroded Split Mountain towers over the…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Winter Walk in Season is approximately from early October through mid-April. The exact dates are determined by local weather conditions. When weather conditions cause the water system to be shutdown, the Winter Walk In rate of $12.00 per…
Overview
The Split Mountain Group Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4,800 feet. The highly eroded Split Mountain towers over the campground. The campground is near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where you can see 149 million year old dinosaur bones still encased in the rock. Adjacent to the campground is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where river rafters come off the Green River after trips through Dinosaur National Monument's canyons.
Recreation
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).
Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.
Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).
History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.
Hiking . There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.
River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44 miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page. Private River Trips require a permit.
Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.
Facilities
The campground offers four group sites that accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles. Each campsite has a picnic table, campfire ring with grill and can accommodate up to 25 people and six vehicles. Drinking water and flush toilets are available from early April to early October. However, no water, sewer or electric hookups are available for recreational vehicles. RVs can not fill their potable water tanks at the campground.
Natural Features
The campground is set on a bench along the Green River and is dotted by Fremont Cottonwood and sagebrush. Campsites offer views of Split Mountain. Limited shade is provided by the few trees in the campground.Nearby Attractions
In addition to the monument, nearby Utah State Parks, the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area and Bureau of Land Management sites provide additional recreational opportunities in the area.Charges & Cancellations
No-Shows. A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival.
If a customer does not arrive at the campground by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
Refunds
Find permits, tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Permit
Welcome to the river permit lottery application site for Dinosaur National Monument-home to the Green and Yampa Rivers, two of the west's premier whitewater rivers…
Overview:
Welcome to the river permit lottery application site for Dinosaur National Monument-home to the Green and Yampa Rivers, two of the west's premier whitewater rivers.
Green River: Gates of Lodore
The Green River flows south out of Browns Park into Dinosaur National Monument and cuts through the Uinta Mountains, the largest east-west extending mountain range in the lower 48 states. Within the monument and along this stretch of the Green River lies the imposing Canyon of Lodore, which received its name from John Wesley Powell's expedition in 1869. Three of the rapids so impressed Powell that he named them Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls and Hell's Half Mile.
The 19-mile run down the Green River from the Gates of Lodore to Echo Park is different today than in Powell's time, largely because of the dam at Flaming Gorge which regulates the flow. This allows for a longer rafting season, but one that is not much affected by spring run-off. However, there are many named and unnamed rapids, well-spaced as in most pool-drop rivers and plenty of beautiful river side campsites and hikes, dominated by the almost 2,000 feet high red cliffs.
Yampa River
The Yampa River begins at Deerlodge Park and rushes downstream 44-miles to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by such famous rapids as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs.
Below the Confluence of the Yampa and the Green River
All trips continue downstream on the Green River from Echo Park through the 17-miles that is Whirlpool Canyon. It was named by Powell because of the squirrelly and unpredictable water the explorers experienced here.
The last section of the Green River is the nine miles of Split Mountain Canyon beginning at the Rainbow Park boat ramp flowing swiftly downstream, punctuated by four named rapids and assorted riffles before reaching the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp.
The river corridors within Dinosaur National Monument, with the exception of Echo Park, are proposed wilderness and consequently managed as such. This means you will not hear or see motors or vehicles anywhere along your trip with the possible exception of Echo Park where a dirt road comes down to the water's edge.
Camping facilities exist at the Lodore and Deerlodge launch sites. Each has campsites, water available seasonally, an information station, staffed ranger station and vault toilets. These remote sites do not provide trash receptacles because of issues with bears.
The launch locations have been kept fairly primitive to help the visitor transition to the wilderness environment of the canyon. Due to the remoteness of the area and long drive times, many groups camp at their launch site the night before their river launch.
At the Split Mountain take-out, there are reservable group campsites (flush toilets seasonally, no showers) as well as vault toilets year-round and a seasonally operational groover dump site. Nearby is the world famous dinosaur quarry where you can see 149 million year old dinosaur bones encased in the rock.
Permit
Welcome to the Split Mountain daily section permit site for Dinosaur National Monument -- home to the Green and Yampa Rivers, two of the west's premiere whitewater…
Overview:
Welcome to the Split Mountain daily section permit site for Dinosaur National Monument -- home to the Green and Yampa Rivers, two of the west's premiere whitewater rivers. This is where you can obtain rafting permits for one day trips launching at Rainbow Park and taking out at Split Mountain.The last section of the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument is the nine miles of Split Mountain Canyon beginning at the Rainbow Park boat ramp and flowing swiftly downstream, punctuated by notorious rapids, assorted riffles, and stunning views as the river cuts swiftly through the mountain before reaching the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp.
As with the rest of the river corridors within Dinosaur National Monument, this is a proposed wilderness and consequently managed as such. This means you will not hear motors or see vehicles anywhere along your trip.
Primitive camping facilities exist at the Rainbow Park launch site and are quite popular in the summer months. The Rainbow Park Campground has only four sites that hold eight people each. There is no running water available at these sites, but there is a vault toilet. The launch location has been kept fairly primitive to help the visitor transition to the wilderness environment of the canyon. Due to the remoteness of the area and long drive times, many groups camp at their launch site the night before their river launch.
At the Split Mountain take-out, there are reservable group campsites (flush toilets seasonally, no showers) as well as vault toilets year-round and a seasonally operational groover dump site. Nearby is the world famous dinosaur quarry where you can see 149 million year old dinosaur bones encased in the rock.
Ticket Facility
Due to Covid-19, Dinosaur National Monument will be managing the number of visitors entering the Quarry Exhibit Hall and using the park’s shuttle system. Timed tickets…
Due to Covid-19, Dinosaur National Monument will be managing the number of visitors entering the Quarry Exhibit Hall and using the park’s shuttle system. Timed tickets will be required for all visitors traveling between the Quarry Visitor Center to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, with primary transportation between the two occurring on an open-air shuttle. Visitors are encouraged to wear facial coverings while inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall and Quarry Visitor Center. Social distancing is encouraged inside buildings and throughout the park.
The Quarry Exhibit Hall is constructed over the world-famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry. The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view a wall that contains approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones in a cool and comfortable space. From the Quarry Exhibit Hall, you can gaze upon the remains of numerous different species of dinosaurs including Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus along with several others. Exhibits, including an 80-foot long mural, reveal the story of these animals and many others that lived in the Morrison environment during the late Jurassic.
All visitors, including children age three and older, will need a ticket to visit the Quarry. Children age two and under do not need a ticket, but must be held on an adult’s lap when on the shuttle. You may reserve up to 8 tickets per day.
Dinosaur National Monument charges an entrance fee to enter the park. All visitors are required to pay the entrance fee by credit card or cash. The monument will honor annual and lifetime passes for entry including: Dinosaur National Monument Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency 4th Grade Pass. Dinosaur National Monument also accepts site-specific digital entry passes purchased from Recreation.gov. If you have one of these passes, you will not need to pay for entry into the monument, but you will need to have your pass available at the entrance station for verification. All pass holders will still need to obtain Quarry tickets to ride the shuttle or visit the Quarry by car or on foot.
Ticket Times
• Tickets will be available in 30 minute blocks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Please be prompt and ready to depart the Quarry Visitor Center and enter the Quarry Exhibit Hall within the 30 minute entry window on your ticket. Visitors will depart the Quarry Visitor Center on the first available shuttle that is closest to the time printed on their ticket. Visitors who are not able to use the shuttle due to accessibility concerns or if they are traveling with pets will be given alternative instructions of how to enter the Quarry at the time listed on their ticket. Please have your ticket printed, or available on your phone, for review by monument staff. Once at the Quarry, you may stay as long as you choose. The Quarry closes and the final shuttle from the Quarry returns to the visitor center at 4:45 p.m. A ticket is required for each day you wish to visit the Quarry.
Booking Windows
• Tickets will become available on July 24th at 8 a.m. MT for arrivals beginning on July 28th through August 13th. Following this initial release of inventory, reservations will be available in two week increments starting on August 11th.
• Beginning July 28th, a certain percentage of tickets will be held from general reservations and become available on a rolling daily basis. These tickets will be available to visitors two days in advance of any planned visit. These tickets will also be available each morning at 8 a.m. MT. Example: On August 3rd, tickets will be available for August 5th; on August 4th tickets will be available for August 6th.
Facility
Located near Dinosaur, Colorado, at the base of the Harpers Corner Road, the Canyon Visitor Center is the gateway to the monument's mountains and river canyons. This…
4545 Hwy 40, Dinosaur, CO (970) 374-3000 Directions
Facility
The Quarry Exhibit Hall is where you can see a wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones. This includes the remains of numerous species, such as Allosaurus…
Jensen, UT (435) 781-7700 Directions
Facility
Located 7 miles (11 km) north of Jensen, Utah, off Highway 149, the Quarry Visitor Center is the gateway to the Quarry Exhibit Hall and the wall of dinosaur bones. This…
11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT (435) 781-7700 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Dinosaur National Monument Hours
The outdoor areas in the monument is open 24 hours per day. Facilities such as visitor centers and the Quarry Exhibit Hall have specific hours of operation. Visit the Operating Hours & Seasons page for more information on facility hours. Some areas of the monument may close in the winter due to snow.
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants. Admission is good for seven consecutive days. You can come and go any time with your seven-day pass.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. You can come and go any time with your seven-day pass.
Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Admission is good for seven consecutive days. You can come and go any time with your seven-day pass.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Fees for commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicle regardless of actual number of passengers.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Fees for commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicle regardless of actual number of passengers.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Fees for commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicle regardless of actual number of passengers.
Non-commercial group fees (per vehicle): Vehicle capacity of 15 or less: $25 Vehicle capacity of 16-25: $15 per person age 16 and older, not to exceed $60. Vehicle capacity of 26+: $15 per person age 16 and older, not to exceed $150. You may use Annual and Lifetime passes. A pass will cover the pass holder and up to three people traveling with the group. Pass is valid for reentry for 7 days.
National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other bona fide national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver for park entrance fees, provided that the visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities the group proposes to use support those purposes. Fee waivers must be obtained in advance and cannot be issued at the entrance station or visitor center.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Fees for commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicle regardless of actual number of passengers.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. (minimum required fee is $25 commercial fee plus the per-person entrance fee for each passenger not to exceed $50.00)
Available to U.S. citizens and residents, only. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Pass admits up to 15 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle or up to 2 motorcycles (including passengers), or passholder and 3 persons walking in.
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Dinosaur's climate is semiarid with temperatures averaging between 0°F to 30°F in January and 50°F to 100°F in July. Extreme winter low temperatures may reach -40°F and summer highs can top 110°F. Elevations within the park vary between 4,700 and 9,000 feet. Winter snow may be heavy at higher elevations while only light to moderate snow is found at lower elevations. Summer thunderstorms may cause heavy downpours and localized flooding, but fail to dampen parched soils less than a mile away.
Planned Activity: Night Sky for the Naked Eye
Join park rangers for a short talk followed by stargazing or moonviewing (weather permitting). Meet at the Campfire Circle near Site 22 in the Green River Campground. Keep flashlights pointed at the ground, red covers available. Parking for non-campers is available in the day use area.
Please Note: Program topics can change due to unforeseen schedule changes. Programs may also be canceled due to adverse weather, for visitor or employee safety, or because of staffing shortages caused by emergencies such as fire or medical conditions.
Dinosaur National Monument is located on the Colorado and Utah border with parts of the monument in both states. Dinosaur fossils are only visible in the Utah portion of the monument, not on the Colorado side.
The Quarry Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall (where you see the dinosaur fossils) are located approximately 7 miles north of Jensen, Utah. The Canyon Visitor Center is located in Dinosaur, Colorado.
Mailing address: 4545 Hwy 40, Dinosaur, CO 81610
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
