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133ArchesNationalPark

Dinosaur NationalMonument

Frisco

Salina

CastleDale

Vernal

Dutch John

Colorado NationalMonument

CanyonlandsNational

Park

Palisade

Boulder

GlenwoodSprings

Wolcott

GrandJunction

GreenRiver

Fruita

Provo

Price

Moab

Salt LakeCity

Aspen

Vail

Leadville

Paonia

Montrose

Carbondale

SteamboatSprings

Hot SulphurSpringsCraig

KremmlingLyons

EstesPark

Rocky MountainNational Park

Black Canyon of the GunnisonNational Park

Denver

Delta

Flaming Gorge National

Recreation Area

DINOSAURS AND DESERTS LOOPExplore some of the country’s most amazing red-rock landscapes

and soaring granite peaks on this 1,140-mile tour.

Some of the least-crowded and most beautiful red-rock canyons, rivers and recreational opportunities await on this

fantastic road trip. Start in Salt Lake City and head southeast toward Vernal, Utah, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Dinosaur National Monument. Farther west is Craig, Colo., in Moffat County where two-thirds of the monument sits and where wild horses and herds of elk beckon.

Then drive to Steamboat Springs, an authentic modern ski town known for its summer activities, cowboy culture and vibrant downtown. From there, it’s a gorgeous drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the southern route home to visit three more spectacular national park sites: Colorado National Monument and Arches and Canyonlands national parks in Moab, Utah.

S A LT L A K E C I T Y T O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N N A T I O N A L P A R K A N D B A C K

PHOTOS: Canyonlands National Park, Utah. (Depositphotos)

MyColoradoParks.com . 53

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SALT LAKE CITY TO DUTCH JOHN, UTAH

238 miles, 3 hours and 32 minutes

Looking to avoid the crowds and see one of the country’s most spectacular national monuments?

Head to Vernal, Utah, to see Dinosaur National Monument. You can explore this special place by foot, but don’t miss the opportunity to experience the monument by water. You can raft the gorgeous Green River on a day or multi-day trip that cuts through the monument, passing gorgeous striated sandstone walls and lush coves.

On foot, you’ll see ancient Native American rock art of animal-like figures, abstract designs and human-like figures whose meaning is still a mystery. You’ll also find unmistakable dinosaur bones — more than 1,500 — in the monument’s sandstone walls.

Beyond the park, head to the McConkie Ranch just a 15-minute drive from Vernal to see hundreds of Fremont Indian rock art

panels , most dating from 1 AD to 1300. Owned by Jean McConkie McKenzie, the 500-acre property may have more ancient drawings on a one-mile-stretch than anywhere else in Utah, says Lesha Coltharp, Uintah County travel and tourism director.

“It’s an authentic experience,” says Coltharp, noting it’s a $5 per car suggested donation to visit the ranch. “It’s Jean’s homestead and if she’s home, she’ll show you the pottery she’s collected. She just wants people to experience the area’s history.”

You’ll see the Three Kings, a set of intricate drawings that tower above you on the cliff ’s walls. You’ll also catch a glimpse of an ancient artist’s sense of humor when you spot a drawing of a frightened hunter being chased by a deer.

To explore the Vernal area by ATV, head to Dinosaurland KOA, 930 North Vernal Ave., to rent an ATV and explore trails that cater to all levels and leave from the property. Or take your mountain bike to McCoy Flats, Dry Fork Flume Trail, which is 10 miles from the McConkie Ranch, or Red Fleet State Park. Red Fleet also has a rolling 1.5-mile hiking trail to 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks. Go early in the morning or late afternoon since the tracks become difficult to see when the sun is directly above you. The park also rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to explore Red Fleet Reservoir.

Stop by the Utah Field House of National History State Park Museum, 496 East Main St., for more area information or visit Dinoland.com.

HIDDEN GEM

Explore Dinosaur National

Monument and more in

Vernal, Utah.

By Tori Peglar

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DESERT OASISCool down in the heat of summer by renting a stand-up paddleboard

at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in Utah.

A number of wakeless paddling trails near the dam and near Sheep Creek Overlook enable you to explore canyons that rise anywhere between 100 and 1,000 feet. You won’t even have to worry

about waves from motorized boats.

“It’s really spectacular,” says Ryan Kelly, Flaming Gorge marketing director. “It’s a great way to get that deep canyon

experience without going on a commercial trip downstream.”

Below the Flaming Gorge Dam runs a mellow stretch of the Green River that's great for family

river floating. Rent a raft and float seven miles downstream to Little Hole takeout where a pre-arranged shuttle can pick you up. Or rent a houseboat to explore the 91-mile-long reservoir.

For great scenery, visit Red Canyon Overlook, the area's most Instagrammed spot.

Learn more at FlamingGorgeCountry.com.

54 . Colorado Edition 2020

DINOS & DESERTS

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The dinosaurs may have been prehistoric but they knew what they were

doing. They found a scenic oasis of adventure and stayed so long it

is their final resting place. See what they saw and go beyond the bones

to experience everything the area has to offer.

The dinosaurs may have been prehistoric but they knew what they were

THEY CAME HERE FOR A REASON.

DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT

EXPERIENCE THE

A N D B E Y O N D !

W HY W ESTYWESTMINSTER | COLORADO

Shop, dine and unwind with us here in Westminster. With nearly 4,000 businesses

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5 BROWSE F.M. LIGHT & SONS WHY GO: This iconic

store in Steamboat Springs, Colo., has been providing locals and tourists with items celebrating the town's cowboy heritage since Nov. 9, 1905.

TIP: Get a selfie next to Lightning, the fiberglass quarterhorse that has stood on the sidewalk outside the store since 1949.

1 EXPLORE DINOSAUR NATIONAL

MONUMENT WHY GO: Two-thirds of this striking national monument is in Colorado's Moffat County, making the area a must-see.  

TIP: Head to Quarry Exhibit Hall to see 1,500 dinosaur fossils on a cliff wall and touch fossils from 149 million years ago.

2 EXPLORE DOWNTOWN WHY GO: Stroll

Steamboat's historic downtown, which is full of great restaurants, art galleries and shops.

TIP: Walk the flat Yampa River Core Trail, a block from Lincoln Avenue, or rent bikes to cover more distance.

3 VISIT DEER-LODGE PARK WHY GO: See

hundreds of elk year-round at this area on the monument's eastern edge. There are restrooms and eight camping sites.

TIP: To get there, go west from Craig on Hwy. 40 to mile marker 44. Take the Deerlodge Park Road north for 12 miles, following the paved road to the campground.

4 STOP AT SANDWASH BASIN

WHY GO: See one of the country's last remaining herds of free-roaming wild mustangs.

TIP: Sand Wash Basin is 45 miles west of Craig, Colo. Drive west on Hwy. 40 past Maybell. Turn north on Hwy. 318 and drive about 15 miles. Turn right on County Road 75.

WESTERN COLORADO From wild horses near Craig, Colo., to one of Colorado’s most authentic modern cowboy towns, Steamboat

Springs, don't miss these top eight sights on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Learn more at the Moffat County Tourism Association, 250 Victory Way in Craig, Colo., or at

VisitMoffatCounty.com. Learn more about Steamboat Springs, Colo., at SteamboatChamber.com.

VERNAL, UTAH, TO CRAIG, COLO., AND THEN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO.

Variable miles and hours

6 SOAK IN HOT SPRINGS WHY GO: Steamboat

is home to two different hot springs experiences.

TIP: For family fun, head to Old Town Hot Springs where waterslides, a lap pool and more await. For a beautiful setting, head to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Kids are only allowed during daytime since nights are clothing-optional. Parking is limited.

7 RAFT THE RIVERS WHY GO: Raft the

Yampa, Green and Little Snake rivers, the state's healthiest

riparian environments.

TIP:  Jump on a raft with Good Vibes

Rafting or call Red Coyote

Shuttle for shuttles.

8 STROLL TO FISH CREEK FALLS WHY GO: Walk just a

quarter mile on a gravel, ADA- accessible trail to reach this breathtaking 280-foot waterfall.

TIP:  From Lincoln Avenue (Hwy. 40), go north on 3rd Street and take a right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Drive four miles to the trailhead. It's $5/vehicle for day use.

56 . Colorado Edition 2020

DINOS & DESERTS

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Visit S TEAMBOAT SUMMER.COM

PUT A LITTLE MORE WOW

VA C AT I O N

Up here in Steamboat, you’ll find all the natural beauty and sunshine-filled activities that Colorado is famous

for. So get up here and ride a bike, ride a horse, or ride a mountain coaster. Hike, fish, golf, shop, dine and

just take in the incredible scenery in the town that’s a little bit more of what makes Colorado, Colorado.

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LOCATION 1, XX. TO LOCATION 2, XX.

XXX miles, XX hours and XX minutes

3 GO TO THE CRAFT STUDIO

WHY GO: Whether you are a Pinterest fanatic who is constantly creating or have not picked up a paintbrush since high school art class, you’ll lose track of time making leather, jewelry and wood pieces, painting ceramics and making sand designs at the craft studio.

TIP: Crafts always take longer than you think, so avoid going at the end of the day just before the studio closes.

1 GET ACTIVE WHY GO: The Boone Family Mountain Center

at the Estes Park location houses all adventure activities, including an indoor climbing wall and bouldering wall.

TIP: At Snow Mountain Ranch, hike the 2-mile round-trip Waterfall Trail, which after undergoing construction, is wider than before and enables you to reach the top of the waterfall.

2 FLY THROUGH THE AIR WHY GO: At Snow Mountain Ranch, tube down a long white slide. Guests staying at the ranch can reserve their

time slot one week in advance online. Visiting for the day? Reserve your spot the day of in the Programs Building. Call the morning of your visit to check on open times at 970-887-2152, ext. 4135.

FOR KIDS: At Snow Mountain Ranch, younger kids can swing on a mini-zipline unassisted at Spruce Saddle Adventure Zone. Kids ages 8 and up should head to Forest Zip Line where you climb a 35-foot ladder to ride a 600-foot-long zip line.

4 SADDLE UP WHY GO: From the Estes Park location, you can go on a trail ride right into

Rocky Mountain National Park.

TIP: Don’t want to ride? Take a wagon ride at the Estes Park location.

5 STAY AWHILE WHY GO: Both YMCA locations have lodges and cabins for

overnight stays.

TIP: Spend the night and get a Stay Pass wristband, giving you free access to most activities.

Learn more at YMCARockies.org and SnowMountainRanch.org

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LYONS TO ESTES PARK, COLO.

21 miles, 30 minutes

FUN FOR ALL Choose between the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center on the park’s east side or Snow

Mountain Ranch on the west side for great activities and lodging options.

Colorado Edition 2020

BEST OF COLORADO

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PARK AVENUEAfter stopping at Arches National Park visitor center, you’ll drive up steep switchbacks on a paved park road. At the top, the Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers area is the first you’ll reach. Park Avenue Trail is the most popular hike in the park because of its ease and scenery. However, many visitors stop at the Park Avenue Viewpoint, snap a few pictures, and return to their cars without really exploring this amazing trail along a dry wash bed between enormous towering walls of red sandstone. The trail is about 1 mile long.

DOUBLE ARCHSee this rare sight where two giant arches share the same foundation. The taller of the two arches is the tallest in the park at 112 feet high. To see this unique sight, take your first right after Balanced Rock to the Windows area of the park. It has the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. Park in the Double Arch Parking Area and walk the easy short .5 mile, round-trip hiking trail. It leaves directly from the parking lot and is relatively flat and gravel-surfaced.

DELICATE ARCHYou've likely seen photos of this dramatic, 65-foot-tall rock arch already — now check out the real thing. Short option: Park at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint and take the short trail to a long-distance look. Longer option: Hike the 3-mile (round-trip) trail from Wolfe Ranch to see it up-close. Either way, get here really early in the morning or during the evening to beat the heat and the crowds. Parking can be really difficult if you arrive when everyone else does.

3 ROADSIDE STOPSSee the best in Arches National Park.

By Tori Peglar

These scenic stops and road-trip advice are sponsored by Nokian Tyres. Get more road-trip tips and information at NokianTires.com.

1. CHECK YOUR BATTERY Before your road trip, check your battery’s charge. Heat saps its strength, so make sure you have a full charge, especially driving through Arches National Park.

2. INFLATE YOUR TIRES Avoid a tire blowout or wasting gas mileage by inflating each tire to your car’s recommended tire pressure. That number is usually located in your car’s owner’s manual or on a sticker inside your passenger door.

3. EXAMINE YOUR TREADS Stick a penny in a tire tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see his whole head, you need new tires. The shallower the tread, the less responsive your tires are to wet, snowy or icy conditions.

4. HAVE A SPARE Pack a spare and make sure it's properly inflated and has solid tread depth.

FOUR ROAD-TRIP TIPS

DINOS & DESERTSROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLO., TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

366 miles, 5 hours and 40 minutes

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