Beyond the Bones - Harper's Corner hike
Name:
Beyond the Bones - Harper's Corner hike
Date:
September 28, 2013
Event Description:
Continue the celebration of 75 years since the Expansion of Dinosaur National Monument with a scenic drive and hike in Harper’s Corner! Join Conservation Colorado in the land before time….a forgotten place where dinosaur bones lay; where rivers carve deep canyons; and hide secrets of ancient people; a land where the people are few and wildlife abounds.
The hike:
The trails in the (Colorado) Canyon Visitor Center Area/Harpers Corner Road areas offer a look into desert shurb communities and outstanding views into the Uinta Basin and Green and Yampa River Canyons. Depending on park conditions, interest, and abilities, we have the opportunity to take up to three short hikes. The first one begins at Cold Desert Canyon Visitor’s Center, which is a short east trail that introduce you to many common plants in the desert shrub community. It totals about 0.5mi or 0.8km. The next hike is Plug Hat Butte, an easy level, paved trail through pinyon/juniper forest, affording excellent overlooks of a colorful landscape. It totals about 0.25mi or 0.4km. The final optional hike is Harpers Corner (at the end of Harpers Corner Road), which is an easy hike with views into Green and Yampa River canyons, Echo Park, and the Mitten Park Fault. It totals 2.0 mi or 3.2 km.
Other information:
The hike:
The trails in the (Colorado) Canyon Visitor Center Area/Harpers Corner Road areas offer a look into desert shurb communities and outstanding views into the Uinta Basin and Green and Yampa River Canyons. Depending on park conditions, interest, and abilities, we have the opportunity to take up to three short hikes. The first one begins at Cold Desert Canyon Visitor’s Center, which is a short east trail that introduce you to many common plants in the desert shrub community. It totals about 0.5mi or 0.8km. The next hike is Plug Hat Butte, an easy level, paved trail through pinyon/juniper forest, affording excellent overlooks of a colorful landscape. It totals about 0.25mi or 0.4km. The final optional hike is Harpers Corner (at the end of Harpers Corner Road), which is an easy hike with views into Green and Yampa River canyons, Echo Park, and the Mitten Park Fault. It totals 2.0 mi or 3.2 km.
What to bring:
Hiking is a great way to appreciate the monument’s intriguing history and rugged scenery. Elevations range from 5,000 feet at river level to over 8,000 feet. Before you begin any hike, be prepared for changing conditions in this desert environment. Most trails are exposed to full sun. In the summer, bring at least one liter of water per person for each hour hiking. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended on all trails.
- Water
- Sun Screen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sack Lunch & Snacks
Other information:
- Conditions may require last minute changes to schedule and/or the exact places visited.
- Conservation Colorado makes every effort to depart and return on-time, but folks should be prepared in the event than conditions on the return trip result in delays.
- Conservation Colorado does ask folks to sign a liability waiver .
