Colorado · National Monument trail

Harpers Corner Trail Stop 4

in Colorado

If you were going to homestead, would you settle here on this high ridge or down by the river? Near the rivers, or any place with a reliable water supply, would be a better choice. See if you can spot the buildings of the Chew Ranch far below on a small tributary of the Green River called Pool Creek.

The Chew family settled this pioneer cattle and sheep ranch around 1900. Today, it is maintained as an historic site. Before the Chew family came to the area, Pool Creek was the home of a colorful character named Pat Lynch.

Pat wandered into the area in the early 1880s and for 30 years lived a hermit’s life in caves and cabins along the lower Yampa Canyon and Pool Creek. The latter area is often called Pat’s Hole after him. The canyon walls have sheltered people since ancient times.

States: Colorado
Trail type: National Monument trail
Centroid nearest city: Salt Lake City, UT · 152 mi · ~4 hr drive
Centroid coords: 40.5261°, -109.0153°

About Dinosaur National Monument

National Monument

This trail is inside Dinosaur National Monument, a national monument managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle (verify current rate on the park page). An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/harpers-corner-trail-stop-4.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Harpers Corner Trail Stop 4 and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.