Hiking Guide: Gates of Lodore
January 16, 2026
Here is Part One of our new ongoing Hiking Guide series!
Holiday’s Gates of Lodore trip offers numerous opportunities for off-river exploration with dynamic scenery that provides exceptional variety over the course of the trip. Whether it’s a calm meander through creekside cottonwoods or tackling a “desert stair-master” in pursuit of a river view, hikers of all abilities will find this stretch of the Green River to be a diverse and engaging exploration of Dinosaur National Monument’s finest wilderness.
Pot Creek Overlook
Location: Pot Creek Camp
Distance: 0.5 – 1 mile
Trail: Mostly flat with a short, steep climb at the end
Description: Pot Creek is a common first-night camp, with an upper and lower camp that each offer wide, sandy beaches tucked between the narrow, red walls of Lodore Canyon. When camping here, the Pot Creek drainage offers a perfect evening or early-morning stroll that takes you out the back of the upper camp to the top of a rocky overlook that allows you to see nearly a mile back upstream.
The walking is flat and sandy until the last quarter mile, where it steepens sharply with large step-ups and a few small climbing moves that get you to the top of the overlook, affectionately referred to as “Pot Rock” by guides and guests alike.
Rapid Scouts
Location: Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, Hell’s Half Mile
Distance: 0.25 – 1 mile
Trail: Varied, ranging from steep dirt trails to rocky walking along the shore
Description: Scouting major rapids is a unique opportunity that provides a deeper glimpse into how our guides read and run the river. At a typical scout, the guides will secure the boats above the rapid and walk the shore to a location where they can analyze the river and identify any major hazards, ensuring the whole crew is on the same page for the upcoming rapid. Guests may choose to accompany their guides or remain on the boats during these short walks, but regardless of your choice, lifejackets will remain worn for the entire duration of the scout and the rapid that follows.
There are three scouted rapids in Lodore Canyon: Disaster Falls at mile 6.5, Triplet Falls at mile 11, and Hell’s Half Mile at mile 12. The length and terrain of the scouts vary between each rapid, but you can expect a combination of dirt trails and rocky shorelines, less than one mile, and completed in your river shoes.
Rippling Brook
Location: Mile 13
Distance: 2 miles
Trail: Well-maintained with steady elevation gain, a few rocky sections and obstacles
Description: Breathtaking canyon views and a serene trickling waterfall make this popular stop at Rippling Brook nearly impossible to pass up. This hike is accessible from either of the two Rippling Brook camps or from the day use area in between, but whichever your starting point, be prepared to climb consistently until you reach your destination, about 2 miles up the trail.
While steep, this trail is easy to follow, and there are plenty of stops to soak in the scenery while catching your breath. All your hard work is rewarded at the turnaround point of this hike – a lush grotto complete with a spring-fed waterfall that beckons you to cool off and settle into this magical space. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, and many find hiking poles useful during steeper sections.
Limestone Overlook
Location: Limestone Camp
Distance: 3 miles
Trail: Steady elevation gain on a fairly well-maintained trail, loose and exposed in sections
Description: The Limestone Overlook hike is a steep route that provides hikers expansive river views and a front-row seat to the dramatic geologic history that unfolds in the last miles of Lodore Canyon. The climbing here is similar to that of Rippling Brook, though a less-travelled trail lends itself to slightly looser and more technical terrain.
Typically offered as a pre-dinner or post-coffee excursion from camp, dry hiking shoes are a must, and hiking poles may be useful for steeper climbing and descending.
Echo Park & Whispering Cave
Location: Echo Park Boat Ramp
Distance: 1 – 2 miles
Trail: Smooth and well-maintained dirt road, very little elevation gain
Description: Echo Park features numerous rock art panels and some intriguing geologic features, allowing hikers to explore the significant change in scenery that occurs below the confluence with the Green and Yampa Rivers. The entirety of this route is on a dirt road that serves as one of few outside access points to the river, so it is not uncommon to share this stop with cars, campers, and other non-river runners.
The first rock art panel is only a short walk from the boats for a short yet rewarding hike. About a half mile further, you will reach Whispering Cave which serves as a cool shady respite on a warm day. This is a great turnaround point for those seeking a shorter route, but when time allows, there is the option to continue another half mile down the road to a second petroglyph panel with a unique style unlike anything else along the river. Walking remains easy throughout with a few sandy patches and an occasional shallow water crossing, meaning both hiking shoes or sandals are perfect for this route.
Jones Hole
Location: Jones Hole Camps or Day Use Area
Distance: 5 miles
Trail: Smooth and well-maintained, very little elevation gain
Description: Jones Hole Creek is a small paradise sought after by boaters, hikers, and fishers alike. Located below the confluence of the Yampa and Green Rivers, this quintessential hike is enjoyed on both our Gates of Lodore and Yampa River trips.
Begin at any of the four Jones Hole camps or the Day Use Area and follow a flat, well-traveled trail that leads you along the banks of Jones Creek, through lush vegetation and towering canyon walls. After cooling off in the inviting clear waterfalls along the trail, there is an option to continue out to some Fremont-Era rock art, or simply to continue directly to the turnaround point – a 15-foot waterfall up Ely Creek. This hike totals about 5 miles of walking, but thanks to the out-and-back route, the distance is easily customizable to meet all ability levels.
And if you’re not feeling the walk, simply head up a short distance from the boats to enjoy the world-class trout fishing that Jones Creek has to offer – just be sure to acquire your Utah fishing license before the trip!
