Round Trip Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 7427 - 7574 feet
Cellphone: 0 bars
Time: 1 hr. 30 mins.
Trailhead: Harpers Corner
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic views of Green and Yampa Rivers
The Harpers Corner trail is located in the Colorado Section of the Dinosaur National Monument. The trail follows a ridge to an overlook where there are spectacular views of the Green and Yampa Rivers near their confluence at Steamboat Rock. At present, there is no entrance fee for the Colorado Section of the monument.
The trailhead is 32 miles from the Visitor Center at the end of the paved Harpers Corner Auto Tour Road. The Harpers Corner road is closed to cars during the winter.
Trail guides can be obtained at the trailhead and at the Visitor Centers for 25 cents. The guides aren't needed to find your way but they contain useful information about various items such as plant and animal life and the geology and will help you get the most out of your hike.
The trail descends several short switchbacks followed by an easy path through the pinon and juniper woodland. There are a few up and downhill spots that require no more than a moderate amount of effort as the trail works its way toward the end of the point.
Views of the Yampa River and Steamboat Rock in the Echo Park area open up on the east side of the ridge.
Visitors with a high clearance vehicle would probably love visiting the Echo Park area. There are also a few campsites in Echo Park for anyone looking to have an extended stay.
The views of the Green River on the west side of the ridge are also spectacular. During heavy runoff you can sometimes hear the water which is 2500 feet below. Look closely and you may also see rafters who float the river daily during the warmer months.
The confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers is to the east of the point hidden behind the towering cliffs of Steamboat Rock. The Green River comes through Lodore Canyon, passes behind Steamboat Rock, where it is met by the waters of the Yampa River, and then continues through Echo Park, around Steamboat Rock and around the point of Harpers Corner.
From here the Green River is on its way to its confluence with the Colorado River between Moab, Utah and Lake Powell.
There are a few spots on the trail where you will want to keep hold of any small children due to the steep drop offs.
The Harpers Corner trail is the must do trail for the Colorado Section of Dinosaur National Monument. The canyons here are some of the deepest in this part of the country. Especially canyons that are this easy to access. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.
