Lately I’ve been thinking about the most photogenic places I’ve visited within the past couple of years. Tbh, I don’t like to visit a place unless it will shine bright in my Instagram feed, what can I say?
Dinosaur National Monument is exactly one of those photogenic, Instagram-worthy spots. This monument is 100% “on brand” for me. It has sandstone features, historic petroglyphs, remote campsites, and a swimming hole. Yes please!
We took this trip in early September for Labor Day Weekend. This remote monument is on the northern border of Utah and Colorado. It’s oddly remote enough to make me wonder if I’ll ever visit again. Maybe I’m sentimental but I loved reminiscing about this trip.
The time we visited during September couldn’t be more ideal. The summer crowds were gone along with the bugs that typically plague the Green River and all who enter it. The mornings and evenings were crisp, while the afternoon was so warm we were in tank tops and cooling off in the cloudy river water.
We camped at Echo Park Campground. Both sunrise and sunset were unforgettable here. The yellow sandstone walls that surrounded the camping area turned a deep orange during dusk and dawn.
Most of our day was spent hiking on trail and off. We visited popular park features along our hike, such as the dotted petroglyph patterns found high above Pool Creek. We also cooled off in Whispering Cave, a small yet drafty crevice that is along Echo Park Road.
The drive to Dinosaur National Monument was half the adventure. As usual, we didn’t plan too much. The sites seem to come to us during this trip.
THE DEETS
Where: Dinosaur National Monument at Echo Park Campground
What: Green River, Whispering Cave, Petroglyphs at Pool Creek
When: Labor Day Weekend
In Any Direction 