There are some U.S. national monuments that might feel like U.S. national parks and at least two of these are in Colorado (there are eight national monuments in Colorado).
We were very impressed with Colorado National Monument when we first saw it and we were equally impressed with Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaur National Monument's name rightfully suggests its close association with dinosaurs, but this national monument is even more than that. It's full of natural beauty even where no dinosaur fossils are to be found.
The Gates of Lodore Trail is a fantastic way to see the magnificent natural beauty of Dinosaur National Monument's east side.
The trailhead for the Gates of Lodore Trail is just past the Gates of Lodore Campground. There were a few people camping there when we visited on a Saturday on Father's Day weekend and there was only one vehicle in the circular dirt road where we parked in a wider pull-off area near the trailhead. We saw the couple associated with that vehicle as we started the hike and did not see anyone else until we returned to the small parking area and saw another vehicle pulling up.
There is a small full-color Gates of Lodore Trail Guide available in a box at the trailhead and a contribution of $1 U.S. is recommended for the brochure (similar brochures were available at Dinosaur National Monument's Harper's Corner and the Quarry Exhibit Hall).
The Gates of Lodore Trail Guide states, "Many canyons can be seen only distantly from their rims, or entered via long and strenuous hikes. Here, an easy walk takes you to the threshold of Dinosaur National Monument's canyon country for a look into its history and habitats."
The "Trail Facts" section of the Gates of Lodore Trail Guide states that the trail is "1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) roung trip" and that hikers should "allow about 1 hour for the walk."
There are 16 numbered posts along the trail and the Gates of Lodore Trail Guide has text descriptions for what can be seen at each of these 16 posts.
The magnificent views of the canyon and the Green River are the primary reason for taking this hike, but there is also interesting vegetation on the way, much of which is discussed in the trail guide.
In the end, though, it is the Green River and Canyon of Lodore that are the biggest payoffs for taking this relatively easy hike.
The Denver Post talks about the "Gates of Lodore's sheer beauty" and provides a nice overview of how to get to the Gates of Lodore and about the hike itself.
Driving to and back from the Gates of Lodore trailhead takes more time than the hike itself for most people and a portion of that drive is on a graded gravel/dirt road.
The closest town is tiny Maybell, Colorado.
The Maybell General Store provides a place to fuel your vehicle and purchase beverages, snacks, and even some high-end maps of regional attractions.
Maybell Park provides easy restroom access and a place to rest if needed.
The Gates of Lodore trail has some elevation gain (mostly at the beginning of the hike) and is a relatively easy hike with occasionally rough (rocky) surfaces. For those without mobility issues, it offers significant payoff for generally little effort.
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