2-4 HoursFee applies
Drive the Island Park Road
Dinosaur National Monument
The Island Park Road is an 18 mile (29 km) unpaved road that starts outside of Dinosaur National Monument and ends inside the park near the Ruple Ranch Site. The first 10 miles (16 km) are located outside of the park. The last 8 miles (13 km) reveal beautiful petroglyph panels at McKee Spring, a secluded campground at Rainbow Park, and stellar views of the Green River from Island Park. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. The road is impassable when wet.
High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The Island Park Road is an 18 mile (29 km) unpaved road that leads to Rainbow Park and Island Park. The road starts outside of Dinosaur National Monument and ends inside the park near the Ruple Ranch Site. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The road is typically impassable when wet and during the winter. The first 10 miles (16 km) of Island Park Road are outside of the park, winding through a mix of public and state land. Upon crossing the park boundary, the last 8 miles (13 km) reveal beautiful petroglyph panels at McKee Spring and stellar views of the Green River from Island Park. At Rainbow Park, visitors can enjoy a secluded tents-only campground near a boat ramp where river rafters launch boats for one-day rafting trips. Driving Conditions: All 18 miles (29 km) of the Island Park Road are unpaved, but suitable for most high-clearance vehicles. All-wheel and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are great to have, but not strictly necessary for Island Park Road. The road does not change much in elevation. Amenities: There is no food, fuel, or services along the entire length of the Island Park Road. The primitive Rainbow Park Campground offers picnic tables and vault toilets, but no potable water.
Tags
Scenic DrivingAnimalsBirdsElkCanyons and CanyonlandsGeologyNative American HeritageNatural SoundsNight SkyRiver and RiparianRock Landscapes and FeaturesScenic ViewsThickets and ShrublandsTrailsRoads, Routes and HighwaysWestward ExpansionHomesteadingWildernessDinosaur National MonumentIsland ParkIsland Park Roadisland park trailmckee springpetroglyphspictographsGreen Riverrainbow park campgroundRainbow Parkboat ramp
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
Duration Details
The length of time you spend on the Island Park Road depends on your destination. All the figures provided here are one-way distances, assuming the road is in good, dry condition. Recreational activities, such as viewing scenery, stopping at overlooks, and hiking will add more time to your trip. From the Quarry Visitor Center, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the start of the Island Park Road, located outside of the monument. From there, it takes another 25 minutes to reach the monument boundary. From the monument boundary, it takes about: 1 minute to reach the McKee Spring Petroglyphs 10 minutes to reach Rainbow Park Campground 10 minutes to reach the viewing loop at Island Park 25 minutes to reach Ruple Ranch and the Island Park Trailhead
Fees
Visitors must pay the park entrance fee or show a valid pass at the Entrance Station or Quarry Visitor Center. There is no separate or additional fee for this activity.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessiblity: No sites of interest along this road are paved or ADA compliant. However, the road is relatively flat near the McKee Spring Petroglyphs and in the Rainbow Park Campground. The McKee Spring Petroglyphs can be viewed from the road with binoculars. The campground and boat ramp may be accessible with assistance. Restroom Information: There is no potable water available and no restrooms along the Island Park Road. Vault toilets are available at the Rainbow Park Campground.
Pets
Yes — Leashed pets are allowed on all roads, overlooks, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Pets are not allowed on the Island Park Trail. Handlers must clean up after pets.
Reservations
No
Location
Brush Creek Road