Can you reserve a site at Dinosaur Hill Trailhead?

No. Dinosaur Hill Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Dinosaur Hill Trailhead — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

The Dinosaur Hill Trail is a 1-mile loop with a moderate grade and several switchbacks, climbing about 150 feet from the trailhead to the summit. The surface is mostly packed dirt with occasional rocky sections. The trail winds through classic high-desert terrain dominated by juniper, sagebrush, and rabbitbrush, and offers sweeping views of the Grand Valley, the Colorado River, and the Book Cliffs. Geologically, the area is part of the Morrison Formation, a sedimentary layer rich in Jurassic fossils and known for its striking clay and sandstone outcrops.

Dinosaur Hill is famous for its paleontological significance. In 1901, Elmer Riggs of the Chicago Field Museum excavated a nearly complete Apatosaurus skeleton here, one of the most important dinosaur finds of its time. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the excavation process and the science behind fossil preservation in the Morrison Formation. Visitors can view the original quarry site and casts of the fossil femur, and learn how discoveries from this hill helped shape our understanding of Jurassic ecosystems.

Hours and Seasons

Open year-round.

Features and Services

Facilities: Picnic tables and a shelter are available at the trailhead.
Access and Parking: The large, gravel parking lot accommodates cars, trailers, and RVs.
Cell Service: Generally available, though may be intermittent.
Toilets: Pit toilets are located at the trailhead parking area.
Drinking Water: No potable water is available on site – bring your own.
Pets: Allowed on leash.
Camping: The trailhead and trail are day-use only. Public and private campgrounds are available nearby.
Nearby Amenities: Fruita and Grand Junction offer full services including lodging, gas, food, and medical facilities.

Respect and Protect

Paleontological sites are sensitive and important to protect. By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.

Getting there

From the Interstate 70 exit for Fruita, go south on Colorado Highway 340 E / Broadway for ~1.5 miles. Turn left into the signed parking area.

39.13284, -108.73598 · 39°7'58.2"N 108°44'9.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 95°F in Jul, down to 39°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	39	47	59	67	78	89	95	92	83	69	54	40
Low °F	15	21	29	35	45	53	60	58	48	36	25	16
Precip in	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.6	0.7	0.8	1.1	1.2	0.7	0.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

No fees

Stay limit: Day-use only

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Dinosaur Hill Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Dinosaur Hill Trailhead?: No. Dinosaur Hill Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How long can you stay at Dinosaur Hill Trailhead?: Day-use only

Camping near Dinosaur Hill Trailhead

Saddlehorn Campground 1.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ruby Horsethief Canyon Permits 10.9 mi · Permit · we watch it
North Fruita Desert Campground 14 mi · Campground · we watch it
Opal Hill Trailhead 1.2 mi · Facility
Devils Canyon Trailhead 1.3 mi · Facility
Fruita Paleo Area 2 mi · Facility
Saddlehorn Visitor Center 2.2 mi · Facility
Pollock Bench Trailhead 2.8 mi · Facility
Hawkeye Trailhead 9 mi · Facility
Rabbits Ear Trailhead 12.9 mi · Facility
Wildhorse Mesa 15.4 mi · Facility
Jouflas Campground 15.6 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-30.

Dinosaur Hill Trailhead