Dinosaur National Monument · Colorado, Utah

River Trail

1.2 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the River Trail at Dinosaur National Monument: 3 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 200 ft of climbing · 4,791 ft–4,922 ft · earth surface · hiking

4,791 ft 4,798 ft · 1.1 mi high 4,922 ft

Trailheads Green River Campground Trailhead 4,792 ft Drive there · Split Mountain Campground Trailhead 4,797 ft Drive there

Hike the River Trail at Dinosaur National Monument 3 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

1-3 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Green River and Split Mountain Campgrounds

A large river flows in late evening shadow as sun hits a large, rocky mountain in the distance.
Hikers on the river trail get continual views of the Green River and Split Mountain. Photo: NPS

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip

Elevation Change: Approximately 500 feet (152 m)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Type of Trail: Out and back, not a loop. Can be done as a through hike you make arrangements to be picked up at the opposite trailhead.

Trailheads: Split Mountain Campground or Loop A of the Green River Campground

This 1.5 mile (2.4 km) one-way trail follows the Green River, connecting the Green River and Split Mountain Campgrounds. The trail climbs to a bench above the river and offers dramatic views of Spilt Mountain, the Green River and Cub Creek Valley. Wildlife is often seen along the river, including mule deer and a variety of birds. In the spring, wildflowers may briefly cover the surrounding slopes.

Hiking brochures are available at the Visitor Centers.

Rules and Regulations

Leashed pets are allowed on this trail. Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) in length. Handlers must clean up and pack out pet waste.

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. Keep small children and pets close.

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

Accessibility This narrow gravel and rock trail climbs steeply from each end. The north end includes several rock stairs. The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Leashed pets are allowed on this trail.

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.