Dinosaur National Monument · Colorado, Utah

Harpers Corner Trail

1.1 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the Harpers Corner Trail: 2 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 150 ft of climbing · 7,464 ft–7,570 ft · earth surface · hiking

7,570 ft 7,525 ft · 1.1 mi high 7,570 ft

Trailhead Harper's Corner Trailhead 7,574 ft Drive there

Hike the Harpers Corner Trail 2 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

1-2 Hours · no dogs · Spring, Summer, Fall · season The Harpers Corner Road leading to this trail is typically impassable due to seasonal snow and ice. If you are visiting when snow is on the ground, contact the Information Desk at (435) 781-7700 to find out if the Harpers Corner Trail is open.

Start Harpers Corner Road

A person in a ball cap leans on a railing and looks towards large cliffs and mountains.
A hiker enjoys the view of the Yampa River Canyon from the end of the Harpers Corner Trail. Photo: NPS Photo

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip

Elevation Change: Approximately 100 feet (30.4 meters)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Type of Trail: Out and back, not a loop

Trailhead: End of the Harpers Corner Road, 31 miles (33.7 km) north of the Canyon Visitor Center.

The Harpers Corner Trail runs along a narrow ridge to a spectacular viewpoint. Along the way, hikers can gaze across the remote canyon country. The Green River flows through Whirlpool Canyon over 2,500 feet (762 meters) below the trail. The pinyon pine and juniper trees provide shade on hot days and are frequented by a variety of birds. The end of the trail features and overlook with sweeping views of the river canyons.

Hiking brochures are available at the Visitor Centers. A more detailed guide book for this trail is available at the park bookstore .

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.

Lighting strikes are more common at high elevations. Don't attempt this trail in a thunderstorm.

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. Keep small children close.

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

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 The trail is primarily a narrow footpath approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide. The surface is a mixture of dirt and rock. There are some steep grades. While the trail is rugged and may be difficult to traverse for some individuals with mobility disabilities, the terrain would not preclude those who are willing to take on the challenge. The trail is not wheelchair accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

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.