Dinosaur National Monument · Colorado, Utah

Desert Voices Trail

2.0 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the Desert Voices Trail: 1.7 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 250 ft of climbing · 4,804 ft–5,062 ft · earth surface · hiking

Exhibits

5,060 ft 5,050 ft · 1.7 mi high 5,060 ft

Along the way Desert Voices Trail Interpretive Exhibit Desert Voices Trail Interpretive Exhibit Desert Voices Trail Interpretive Exhibit SMCG Boat Launch Interpretive Exhibit SMCG Boat Launch Interpretive Exhibit SMCG Interpretive Exhibit

Trailhead Desert Voices Trailhead 4,800 ft Drive there

Hike the Desert Voices Trail 1.7 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

1-3 Hours · no dogs

Start Desert Voices Trailhead

A trail on red colored soil leads through low shrubs with views of a rocky mountain in the distance.
Hiking on the Desert Voices Trail provides dramatic views in any season. Photo: NPS Photo

Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) round trip

Elevation Change: Approximately 300 feet (91 meters)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Type of Trail: Loop

Trailhead: Split Mountain Area

The Desert Voices Trail offers spectacular views of Split Mountain and several adjacent rock layers. Trail signs describe the area's geology and ecology. There are also many signs that were written and drawn by children. Trail maps of Dinosaur National Monument are available from the park bookstore .

A 0.25 mile (0.4 km) connector trail allows you to combine this with the Sound of Silence loop trail for an even longer hike.

Rules and Regulations

Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail.

Carry out all trash.

Collecting artifacts, fossils, plants, antlers, rocks, or other objects is prohibited.

Do not feed or approach wildlife.

Biking on trails is not permitted in Dinosaur National Monument.

Your Safety

There is no shade on this trail.

Be prepared for desert hiking. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Take water. A minimum of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person is recommended in summer.

Temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) in summer. To avoid the heat, hike in the morning or evening. Carry a headlamp if hiking near nightfall.

Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not recommended.

Watch for wildlife. This is bear and mountain lion country. Your safety depends on your own good judgement.

All natural areas pose risks. Your safety depends on your own good judgement.

Pets Pets and animals who provide only comfort or emotional support are prohibited on this trail. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, working service dogs may go wherever their handlers go.

Accessibility Trail surface is a mixture of dirt and rock. The trail is minimum of 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide in some areas. There are a few steep areas and some steps.The trail is not wheelchair accessible. While the trail is rugged and may be difficult to traverse for some individuals with mobility disabilities, the terrain does not preclude those who are willing to take on the challenge.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 35 trails in Dinosaur National MonumentFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.