Colorado · National Monument trail

Sound of Silence Trail Stop 3

in Colorado

You might expect a large Fremont Cottonwood tree like this to grow near a more obvious source of water. What does its presence here tell us? The surrounding rocks funnel seasonal rainwater to its thirsty roots.

This tree, with leaves that sing and whisper in the breeze, provides habitat for birds and insects, and shade for all. Rabbits, deer, and elk feed on its shoots and stems. Insects live on it that are food for birds.

Hawks and bats may use cottonwoods as sites to nest or roost. Even in death, tree cavities are refuges for many species of animals. Ahead you will find other refuges used by animals to escape the mid-day sun.

States: Colorado
Trail type: National Monument trail
Centroid nearest city: Salt Lake City, UT · 139 mi · ~4 hr drive
Centroid coords: 40.4406°, -109.2787°

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-3.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 3 and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.