Harpers Corner Trail – Dinosaur National Monument

The Harpers Corner Trail is a 3.5-kilometre (2 mi) there and back that takes you to one of the most impressive views in Dinosaur National Monument. You’ll follow a flat trail along a ridge, past fragrant juniper trees and pinyon pines, which provide a welcoming shade, especially in the hot summer season.

You’ll start at a hiking car park on the Colorado side of the monument. From here, the descent towards Harpers Corner is gentle and barely noticeable. The views from the trail over the dramatic canyons are already breathtaking. After 1.7 kilometres (1 mi), you’ll reach a small viewing platform: Harpers Corner. The view extends far beyond the landscape of the Dinosaur National Monument.

Directly in front of you is Yampa Canyon, through which the Green River meanders more than 750 metres (2,500 ft) below you. Depending on the season and the weather, the water is either turquoise blue and crystal clear or coffee-brown. The latter is caused when the river is agitated by a particularly large amount of sediment. Once you’ve had your fill of the first-class panorama, take the same route back to the car park.