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4-Day: Dinosaur National Monument Split Mountain Campground


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4-Day: Dinosaur National Monument Split Mountain Campground

Dinosaurs once lived in these canyons. The Visitor Center is actually built around canyon walls where dinosaur fossils are embedded. Petroglyphs and Pictographs, the messaging of Freemont Culture, can be found in at least 5 separate sites from half mile to 45 miles from Dinosaur National Monument.

Nearest Colorado Towns: Dinosaur and Rangely.   Summer temperatures can be quite high so select your visit in earlier spring or fall.

4WD Vehicle: May be needed on drive into your selected Campground, and may be dependent on season. Check with the Ranger. 

Amenities: Group sites within the Monument have picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire grates. Parking: up to 6 vehicles. Parking at the group sites within the Monument is off the main road. No firewood available. Check with the Ranger for the status on camp fires. A ban may be in place. Bear cannisters are required.

Reservations: Recreation.gov 877 444 6777; local managers phone 435 7821 7700; reservations can be made 6  months in advance.

Driving:  From Golden about 7 hours/310 miles

Fees:  There are fees and each participant is responsible for their equal share.  Fees may include, but are not limited to permits, parking fees, and shared mileage expenses.

Nearest 24/7 ER:

Ashley Regional Medical Center 151 W 200N Vernal, UT 84078; 435 789 3342; 33 miles from Dinosaur, CO.

Dinosaur National Monument Rangers 970 824 6501 

Moffat County Sheriff: 970 824 4485

Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds: Maphttps://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2664

Camp Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2664

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 4-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1 - Drive to reserved campground, set up camp.

Day 2 - A hike day. Return to campground for dinner.

Day  3 - Visit Canyon Visitor Center or drive over to Utah to spend the day in the "Quarry", where the Visitor Center is built around canyon walls with dinosaur embedded fossils.

Day 4 - Break camp.  A short morning adventure then drive home. 

Miscellaneous: https://www.nps.gov/dino/learn/management/statistics.htm

  • Suitable Activities: Camping
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: varies
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