River Trail

Hike between campgrounds on the River Trail in Dinosaur National Monument

This trail follows the west bank of the Green River and connects two campgrounds on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument.

The River Trail links the Green River Campground and Split Mountain Campground. Both have identical trailheads, but this description starts at the Green River Campground.

From the north side of Loop A, the trail heads north along the Green River. Sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush fill the banks, and the river flows quietly off to your right. You hike along undulating clay hills, climbing about 100 feet in elevation around 0.5 mile. From the high point, you can see Split Mountain Campground spread out among the big cottonwood trees ahead of you. The trail continues contouring along the west bank, until you drop down to river level just past 1 mile.

As you enter Split Mountain Campground, you pass by a River Trail sign identical to the one where you started. This former part of the campground is overgrown and deserted, with grass slowly reclaiming the cracked asphalt, and a few long-empty buildings and bathrooms. The manicured sites of the newer, present-day Split Mountain Campground are just north of the gate.

Next to Split Mountain Campground is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp, where most river trips through Dinosaur National Monument end. Here the Green River emerges from Split Mountain gorge, having taken the harder course and “split” through the great uplift. You might see gear, boats, and river runners around the ramp area.

Consider hiking the 1.5-mile Desert Voices Loop that leaves from the boat ramp, or return to Green River Campground via the River Trail.

Directions

From Vernal, Utah, head east on US Hwy 40 for about 13 miles to the small town of Jensen, Utah. Following signs for Dinosaur National Monument, turn left onto UT 149. You arrive at the entrance station and visitor center in 10 miles. From here, continue straight on the park road. Pass the turn off for Split Mountain Campground, and follow signs to Green River Campground a few miles down the road on your left. The trail begins on the north side of Loop A, next to Site 10.