Colorado · National Monument trail

Sound of Silence Trail Stop 16

in Colorado

For many of us, the simple beauty of the land’s colors and textures may be enough to satisfy, awe, and inspire. These places also allow geologists, paleontologists, biologists, and archeologists to more deeply investigate and study the Earth and our history. On this hike, you have seen the silent reminders of many changes —sometimes occurring over millions of years, or sometimes occurring very quickly.

Sediments, rocks, plants, animals, and the other features of the landscape all speak to those who slow down and take the time to hear what they have to say.

States: Colorado
Trail type: National Monument trail
Centroid nearest city: Salt Lake City, UT · 139 mi · ~4 hr drive
Centroid coords: 40.4416°, -109.2777°

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/sound-of-silence-trail-stop-16.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 Sound of Silence Trail Stop 16 and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.