SCENIC DRIVES

In every direction from Craig there lies an undiscovered treasure . . . awesome scenery, history, and world-class recreation. You can find them right here! Just fill your car with gas and follow the easy maps available at the Craig Visitors Center. They guide you through the lush valleys, deep canyons, and cool forests surrounding Craig.

 

CALIFORNIA PARK

Since the reconstruction and graveling of the California Park Road (FDR #150) during the summers of 1979-80, this has become a popular scenic drive as passenger cars can now travel the full length without any trouble. To get to California Park, go east from Craig on Highway 40 to Hayden. Go north of Hayden on Routt County Road 80 to the forest boundary.

As you enter the Forest from the south, you go over Quaker Mountain (elevation 8,900 feet) which is dense aspen/spruce/fir then down into California Park. California Park is a large open grass prairie, rimmed by mountain peaks on either side. As you continue north, you will cross three mountain streams and the Slater Creek divide, and into the Slater Park area which is another open grass prairie. The road then goes off the forest to the northwest and will join up to the Black Mountain road for those who want to make a loop drive of approximately 80 miles. This drive crosses several small fishing streams and has many spots for a summer picnic and informal pull-out camp spots. The road is not maintained in the winter months although it is open for snow mobiles.

CUB CREEK ROAD

Desert, dinosaurs, and more. Discover what else the park has to offer along the Cub Creek Scenic Drive. This self-guiding auto tour begins at the Dinosaur Quarry Visitors Center and provides views of Split Mountain.

  • Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Distance: 22 miles round trip.
  • Conditions: Last 2 miles unpaved, narrow and occasionally dusty.
  • Vehicle Requirements: Suitable for passenger vehicles.
  • Side trips: Sound of Silence, Desert Voices, and Hog Canyon nature trails.
  • Hot Tips: Pick up a Cub Creek Sampler brochure at any visitor center to best enjoy this scenic drive.

ECHO PARK ROAD

From Harpers Corner Scenic Drive, the Echo Park Road makes a dizzying plunge into the heart of the Dinosaur National Monument. Unique geologic features, prehistoric rock art, and the spectacular canyon confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers await those who journey to Echo Park.

  • Time: 1 1/2 hours from Harpers Corner Scenic Drive.
  • Distance: 26 miles round trip.
  • Conditions: Unpaved, dusty, steep, winding and narrow. Impassable when wet!
  • Vehicle Requirements: Can be driven with caution in any passenger vehicle having good ground clearance; not suitable for trailers, motor homes, or other heavy vehicles.
  • Side trips: Six to eight mile round trip hike through Sand Canyon to Echo Park.
  • Hot Tips: Carry extra water, food and a first-aid kit. Be sure your vehicle is in good condition, that the radiator is full and that you have at least one spare tire.

HARPERS CORNER

Harper's CornerStart at the Dinosaur Headquarters Visitor Center (open daily in summer, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for orientation and a 10 minute slide program. A guide for the Harpers Corner Scenic Drive may be purchased there.

From Headquarters, the road winds up and around the Plug Hat Butte where there are picnic tables and a short nature trail. The road then climbs gradually over uplands toward the canyon rims where overlooks provide panoramic views of the gorges carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers. Late afternoon travelers are often rewarded with colorful sunsets.

  • Time: 2 to 4 hours.
  • Distance: 62 miles round trip.
  • Conditions: Paved road.
  • Vehicle Requirements: Suitable for all vehicles.
  • Side trips: Echo Park Road, Plug Hat Nature Trail.
  • Hot Tips: For the best views, walk the Harpers Corner Trail at the end of the road.

ISLAND PARK ROAD

Driving to Island and Rainbow Parks reveals the quieter side of the Green River as it winds through open, colorful badlands. Don't miss historic Ruple Ranch at Island Park, and superb rock art at McKee Spring. You can reach the Island Park Road from the Dinosaur Quarry by exiting the Monument and following Brush Creek Road toward Vernal. A fork in the road will direct you.

  • Time: 1 1/2 hours.
  • Distance: 51 miles round trip to Rainbow Park; add 11 miles for Island Park.
  • Conditions: Unpaved, rough dirt and gravel road. Impassable when wet!
  • Vehicle Requirements: Suitable for most passenger cars, not suitable for trailers.
  • Side trips: Connects with road to Jones Hole: 33 miles of paved road to national fish hatchery and Jones Hole Trail.
  • Hot Tips: This road leads to the launch site for one-day boat trips. Early morning and late afternoon drivers may encounter vehicles with wide loads.

SANDWASH BASIN

Sandwash Basin covers 160,000 acres of public lands between Vermillion Bluffs and Sevenmile Ridge. The Sandwash ravine cuts through the western side of the basin like a mini version of the Grand Canyon. Recreational activities include horseback riding, primitive camping, motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle riding, rock hounding, snowmobiling, and seasonal large and small game hunting.

Wild HorsesThis area, full of dry stream beds, gullies, and washes, is also a wild horse herd management area. Managed and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, Sandwash Basin presents unique opportunities for people to view wild horse herds and their habitat.

For the best chances of viewing these herds, travel County Road 67 to Sheepherder Springs. County Road 48, 80, 52, 126, and 67 are good routes to follow when looking for horses.

For a safe and enjoyable journey, contact the local Bureau of Land Management Resource Area Office where you will receive current updates on herd movements, fire restrictions, road conditions, and brochures.

  • Conditions: Roads are not maintained during the winter and can be difficult to travel. Roads may be impassable during wet weather.
  • Vehicle Requirements: Four-wheel drive is recommended, but two-wheel drive vehicles can be used.
  • Hot Tips: Stay on marked roads for the safest viewing trip. Horses can be seen on ridge tops during the warmest time of day.

YAMPA BENCH ROAD

Adventure and solitude await those who take the time to explore this rough paralleling the Yampa Canyon. The bench provides a glimpse back into the rugged west, before the era of barbed wire fences, asphalt and wayside exhibits. Hiking and backcountry camping opportunities are endless. Overnight stays require a free permit. A map is a must.

  • Time: 2 1/2 hours to half a day.
  • Distance: 25 miles one way. Access roads add to this.
  • Conditions: Unpaved, steep, bumpy and dusty. Impassable when wet!
  • Vehicle Requirements: 4 wheel drive recommended, but negotiable with high clearance 2 wheel drive; not suitable for trailers or motor homes.
  • Side trips: Wagon Wheel Point, Harding Hole Overlook.
  • Hot Tips: Desert temperatures make morning or late afternoon trips more comfortable.