Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
3 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By GJRonK (2629 McR Points) on Jul 20, 2016

Rider Reviews

GJRonK
2629 McR Points
September 8, 2016
Note: The viewpoint of the Green River at Harper'…
Thumbsup
GJRonK
2629 McR Points
February 10, 2020
Just to stress, this is really wide open after…
Thumbsup

Written Directions

On Highway 40, about two miles east of Dinosaur, CO, start your route by turning north in to Dinosaur National Monument (on Google Maps the road shows up as "Canyon Harper Corners Road"). Follow this road into the park as it winds its way north to the end at what is called Harpers Corner. There you'll find a parking area, a trail head and a GREAT scenic overlook (see below)!

Scenery

In 1869, John Wesley Powell traveled down the Green River in Utah and mapped a colorful, wild area known in any detail until then only to native Indians. In 1915, the initial area was made into a national monument. It is now 210,000 acres and is accessed at two points. The western Quarry Area in Utah has the digs for the dinosaur bones and interesting exhibits. There, also, is the 1870's cabin of Josie Basset (of the Butch Cassidy time). The eastern section, called the Canyon Area, has some fun high level riding. That's what this entry is about. Here, you travel along a road on a relatively flat section of the Colorado Plateau at about 7600'. The river is over 3,000' below. There are 23 layers of rock that you can see from a half dozen overlooks of the river carved canyons surrounding the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. From dirt 4WD roads one can visit even more country and places of Indian petroglyphs. If lucky, you may see a bighorn sheep. But from along this sparsely traveled upper road, you can still see deer, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, and the frequent buzzard gliding overhead. At the attractive visitor center, you can see some history of the area and a slide show. There is no charge to enter the monument.

Drive Enjoyment

Mostly great riding with wide easy curves and no potholes. There are a number of spots with heaving under the pavement which causes bumps.

Tourism Opportunities

Most of the lookouts have pit toilets and picnic tables. Gas and food would be at nearby Dinosaur, CO.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

The photos show what the area and views are like.
 

Top Images

Share Your Comments ( 3 )
  Earn McR Points
GJRonK
September 8, 2016
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Note: The viewpoint of the Green River at Harper's Corner is only after a 2 mile out hike. Most other viewpoints along the route are either from the bike or a few steps away. The best picnic area is at the Canyon Overlook on the right about 20 miles from the park entrance. As you are at about 7,800' elevation along the way, it can get breezy and cool.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful
GJRonK
February 10, 2020
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Just to stress, this is really wide open after the first few miles, so the enjoyment comes from the open, on-top-of-the-view feeling. Almost like being in Kansas while on the road itself, but the views are more magnificent.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
knoxone
June 25, 2021
85 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
45 MPH one way to a scenic overlook with several other overlooks along the way
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful