Sound of Silence Trail: A Dinosaur National Monument Hike That Lives Up to Its Name

The Sound of Silence Trail is the longest and one of the most rewarding hikes in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument. This colorful desert hike winds through striking rock formations, narrow sandy washes and gullies, and rolling hills, offering panoramic views of Split Mountain, the surrounding Cub Creek Valley, and the distant Green River.

Known for its quiet, isolated beauty, the Sound of Silence Trail is perfect for hikers seeking solitude, dramatic desert landscapes, and a chance to connect with the rugged charm of the Utah side of the park.

Sound of Silence Trail: Quick facts

Type: Loop
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Time: 2 hours
Trailhead: Off the Tour of the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive (Stop #2)
Dog-friendly: No (service dogs only)
Fee: Yes (U.S. National Park Service entrance fee)

Trail connection:
The Sound of Silence Trail can be combined with the Desert Voices Nature Trail. A short connector near the last quarter of the loop links the two trails, adding about 1.5 extra miles and creating one of the most scenic hiking options in Dinosaur National Monument.

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Trail description

The Sound of Silence Trailhead is located at Stop #2 on the Tour of the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive (Cub Creek Road), about 2 miles east of the Quarry Visitor Center and the famous Dinosaur Quarry.

This 3.2-mile loop is rated moderate/strenuous, but most of the trail is manageable for anyone in decent shape, with only a few steep sections and slickrock scrambles. The trail is best hiked clockwise.

The hike begins by crossing a sagebrush valley, then heads west along a wash, giving you an early taste of the rugged terrain.

Soon, you’ll enter a maze of narrow red gullies — a true highlight of the hike. Here, the path becomes tight, often too narrow for two people to walk side-by-side, and intersecting shallow washes can make navigation tricky. If you’re unsure which way to go, stay to the right to follow the trail.

Once out of the gullies, the trail meanders east across rolling hills, offering splendid views of Split Mountain.

The path climbs a rock outcropping before descending again, where a fork appears (~2 miles from the trailhead). Stay to the right unless you plan to extend your hike by connecting to the Desert Voices Trail, which adds roughly 1.5 miles plus a 1/3-mile connector trail. This extension combines wide-open desert views with interpretive stops that highlight Dinosaur National Monument’s unique landscape.

The last section becomes more primitive, leading to a ridge with opportunities for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Cub Creek Valley and surrounding desert.

Descending over sandstone layers, slickrock patches, and loose soil, this part is the most challenging, but eventually the trail reconnects with the initial valley section, bringing you back to the trailhead.

The Sound of Silence hike with kids

Although the Sound of Silence Trail is rated moderate/strenuous and might look like a difficult hike on paper, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Most of the hike is easy, with only a few tricky spots that may require some adult assistance. There are no dangerous drop-offs, making it a great hike for kids who can handle a bit of rock scrambling.

Important for small children: This trail isn’t suitable for little ones who can’t walk long distances without help. When our kids were little, this baby carrier was a lifesaver — it made long hikes like the Sound of Silence Trail not only possible, but genuinely enjoyable for all of us. I still recommend it for families with babies or toddlers today! It’s incredibly comfortable for both parent and child, and folds into a compact size.

Know before you go

• Trail navigation: Parts of the Sound of Silence Trail can be tricky to follow, so pay close attention to cairns and trail markers. A trail guide is available at the trailhead for a modest fee and is worth grabbing.
• Sun + exposure: This is an exposed desert hike, with little to no shade. Plan your hike for early morning or late afternoon in the summer months to avoid the worst of the heat.
• Year-round access: The trail is open all year, but conditions can vary — snow and ice in winter, blazing sun in summer.
• What to pack: Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Facilities: The nearest restrooms are at the Quarry Visitor Center, ~2 miles west of the trailhead.

Related hikes and attractions:

• Josie Morris Cabin (historical stop nearby + options for short hikes)
• Cub Creek Petroglyphs (fascinating Fremont rock art along the scenic auto route)
• Fossil Discovery Trail (fossil hike near the Quarry Exhibit Hall/Visitor Center)
• 7 Best Things to Do in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah