Best Hikes on the Utah Side of Dinosaur National Monument

Unlike the sprawling trail networks of Arches or Canyonlands, the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument offers a smaller, more focused set of hikes — each with its own character. From walking among dinosaur fossils to exploring sweeping desert landscapes or finding shady escapes, these trails deliver unique experiences. If you’re already visiting the world-famous Quarry Exhibit Hall, adding one or two hikes is a great way to round out your trip.

This guide covers every hike in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument near the Quarry Visitor Center and dinosaur quarry, where most visitors are headed. Each entry includes the essentials — distance, difficulty, trailhead location, and key features — so you can quickly choose the best fit for your time, ability, and interests.

Whether you’re after kid-friendly strolls, longer loops with a bit of rock scrambling, interpretive trails, or scenic viewpoints, there’s something here for everyone. You can even explore the peaceful canyon paths once used by Josie Morris, a legendary early 1900s homesteader.

Location & access

All of the hikes on this list are located along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks (Cub Creek Road), the monument’s scenic drive which begins at the Quarry Visitor Center (see the map below to help plan your day). The route extends about 10 miles into the monument and is worth the drive on its own, with viewpoints, rock formations, and stunning Fremont rock art along the way (included in our highlights of Dinosaur National Monument).

• Guidebooks available: Before you set out, check the Visitor Center for a printed guide for the auto tour. It explains highlights you might otherwise miss, including geology, wildlife, and historic sites along the road.
• Road conditions: The last 2 miles are gravel. The road is usually in good shape and passable by regular cars, but in winter, the final stretch isn’t maintained and can become impassable (check current conditions and closures here). This may limit access to the last two hikes on this list — Box Canyon and Hog Canyon trails — during certain times of year.

Safety tips

Hiking in Dinosaur National Monument means hiking in the high desert, which comes with its own set of guidelines. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your hike enjoyable:

• Bring water (and more than you think you’ll need). Water refill stations are available at the Visitor Center and at campgrounds (seasonal).
• Dress smart: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. Shade is limited on most hikes.
• Wildlife awareness: This is bear and mountain lion country. Encounters are rare, but it’s important to stay alert. If you’re hiking with kids, keep them close by, especially on quieter trails.

Best hikes in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

(Hikes are listed in order of distance from the Quarry Visitor Center.)

Fossil Discovery Trail

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 1.2 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Quarry Visitor Center/Quarry Exhibit Hall

Why it’s a top choice: Best hike in Dinosaur National Monument for dinosaur bones out in the wild and other unexcavated fossils — hands-on, educational, and perfect for families.

The Fossil Discovery Trail connects the Quarry Visitor Center with the Quarry Exhibit Hall, home to world-famous dinosaur fossils. Along the way, hikers can see and even touch fossilized dinosaur bones and other types of fossils. This is a kid-friendly hike, though some sections can be slippery when wet. Shade is minimal, so plan accordingly.

This trail is perfect if you’re short on time or already visiting the Quarry Exhibit Hall. When the shuttle is running (seasonal), you can ride up to the Quarry and hike down; otherwise, it’s a 2.4-mile round trip. The first third of the hike (starting from the Quarry) is the most exciting segment, so it’s feasible to see the highlights even if you don’t hike the full trail.

Want the full scoop? Check out our step-by-step Fossil Discovery Trail hiking guide.

Sound of Silence

Type: Loop
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Trailhead: 2 miles from the Visitor Center

Why it’s a top choice: One of the best hikes in Dinosaur National Monument for raw, rugged scenery, endless views, and unforgettable desert silence — ideal for hikers who want solitude and variety.

The Sound of Silence Trail starts at Stop #2 on the scenic drive and takes you through a changing landscape of colorful rock formations, narrow washes, and rolling hills, offering a remote and rugged feel. Trail markings are minimal, so grab a guide at the trailhead or Visitor Center to stay on track.

This loop sees some foot traffic but is far quieter than most Utah National Parks hikes. Visit outside peak season and you might have the trail all to yourself. Shade is very limited, so bring plenty of water, sun protection, and plan your timing accordingly. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can combine this trail with the Desert Voices Trail (next up on this list).

Want more details? See our full trail guide to the Sound of Silence hike.

Desert Voices

Type: Loop
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: 4 miles from the Visitor Center

Why it’s a top choice: Perfect for hikers who want a scenic, kid-friendly loop with interpretive signs and easy navigation.

Desert Voices Trail winds through colorful desert terrain with fantastic views and interpretive signs along the way. It starts at the north end of the Split Mountain Campground (group camping during peak season). While rated moderate, the trail is mostly easy, with just a few tricky sections. The trail is well marked but exposed, so plan accordingly.

This hike connects to the Sound of Silence Trail via a short midpoint connector. Hiking both loops together creates nearly 6 miles of desert exploration, combining solitude, variety, and incredible scenery. Desert Voices sees moderate traffic in peak season but is generally quiet compared with other Utah National Parks trails.

River Trail

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 2.4–3.4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: 4–5 miles from the Visitor Center

Why it’s a top choice: Best hike in Dinosaur National Monument for pet owners (the only trail in the Utah section that allows leashed dogs), with easy river views after initial steep climb.

The River Trail connects Split Mountain Campground (group camping in summer) and Green River Campground, starting at either end. One-way is roughly 1.2 miles, but note that depending on parking and which trailhead you use, the round trip can reach 2.4–3.4 miles. (Starting from Split Mountain Campground adds roughly a half-mile to reach the trailhead, making the round trip about a mile longer than starting from Green River Campground.)

The trail follows a ridge above the Green River, giving hikers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. Terrain is mostly flat with just a few gentle hills, and the trail is fully exposed. It’s a convenient option if you’re staying at a campground, want an easy hike with wildlife viewing opportunities, or are traveling with a dog, since this is the only trail in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument that allows pets.

Box Canyon

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 0.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: 10 miles from the Visitor Center

Why it’s a top choice: Best short hike in Dinosaur National Monument for families and anyone visiting the historic Josie Morris Cabin — shaded, easy, and scenic. Note: Access may be limited in winter when the road isn’t maintained.

The Box Canyon Trail sits in a more remote area of the monument, at the end of the scenic Tour of the Tilted Rocks drive, just north of the Josie Morris Cabin parking lot. This quick trail leads you into a dead-end canyon once used by Josie to corral her livestock.

Shaded by cottonwoods and surrounded by lush greenery, Box Canyon feels different from the monument’s usual desert landscape. It’s easy, scenic, and perfect for families, even in the heat of the day. If you’re already stopping to explore the Josie Morris Cabin, this short trail is a great add-on, and if you have extra time, you can pair it with nearby Hog Canyon (listed next) for a slightly longer hike.

Curious about Box Canyon? Don’t miss our Box Canyon Trail guide (while short, this was one of my favorite trails in Dinosaur National Monument!).

Hog Canyon

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: 10 miles from the Visitor Center

Why it’s a top choice: A peaceful, shady canyon walk that pairs perfectly with a visit to Josie Morris Cabin — great for families and history buffs. (Like Box Canyon, this trail may be inaccessible in winter as the last few miles of the dirt road aren’t maintained.)

The Hog Canyon Trail starts at the Josie Morris Cabin area just beyond Josie’s chicken coop and leads into the canyon where she once corralled her livestock. Compared to nearby Box Canyon, Hog Canyon is longer and a little more rugged but still easy, with mostly flat terrain and plenty of shade.

There’s no official endpoint. The trail gradually narrows and becomes more overgrown until turning back makes the most sense. Watch for poison ivy, which is noted as common along the route.

Hog Canyon and Box Canyon are best enjoyed together if you’re already visiting the Josie Morris Cabin. Box Canyon is a quick half-mile, while Hog Canyon adds about a mile and a half, giving you roughly 2 miles total of easy walking in this lush, quiet corner of the monument.

Final thoughts

Easy short hikes like Box Canyon and Hog Canyon highlight a softer side of Utah’s high desert and prove that you don’t have to tackle a strenuous trek to enjoy big scenery.

For those looking for more rocky terrain and a bit of a challenge, Desert Voices and the Sound of Silence Trail offer longer loops with stunning views, exposed slickrock, and the quiet solitude that makes this area so special.

For a hands-on educational experience, the Fossil Discovery Trail lets you walk among unexcavated dinosaur fossils while connecting to the Quarry Exhibit Hall — a must for families and anyone fascinated by the monument’s prehistoric past.

The River Trail is another option, especially if you’re bringing your dog along.

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of the best hikes in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, whether you’re chasing shade, history, or canyon views.