Gates of Lodore is located on the northern tip of Dinosaur National Monument. It is a long drive to the area and the wild, remote country adds to its sense of isolation. Here, the Green River, after winding across the broad valley known as Browns Park, turns toward the south and makes a direct path into the mountains in front of it. The Green enters into deep canyons filled with rapids that challenged Major John Wesley Powell who passed through here in 1869 on his voyage down the Green and Colorado Rivers. Powell named the location based upon a poem by Robert Southey entitled “The Cataract of Lodore.”
Powell was not the first person to venture into this land. Trappers and traders had crossed the Browns Park area. Native American tribes hunted and fished in the region for generations. Homesteaders, ranchers and occasional outlaws would eventually call the area home.
Picnic Area
Picnic tables are available in the campground. Visitors are welcome to use unoccupied sites for picnicking. Several tables are located under shade trees and have views of spectacular scenery. The campground has vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (usually early May through late September).
River Rafting
Multi-day raft trips depart from Gates of Lodore. On these trips, rafters enjoy a 45-mile (72.4-km) trip along the Green River, passing through Class I-IV rapids. Colorful canyon walls that rise over 2,500 feet above the river. Wildlife like mule deer and bighorn sheep are often seen.
Raft trips must be arranged in advance. Learn more here.
Hiking
The Gates of Lodore Trail leaves from the south end of the campground and heads to a scenic viewpoint into the canyon. The trail is 3/4 mile one-way.
The Gates of Lodore area also provides access to difficult cross country routes that head into Dinosaur’s remote wilderness. These routes should only be attempted by those with route finding and navigation skills and who are properly equipped. Check with the ranger at Lodore before heading into the backcountry.
Nearby
While you are visiting Gates of Lodore, you may also want to check out the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge or the historic John Jarvie Ranch.
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to check availability, call 970.926.0216 or complete the contact form.