Distance: 2.2 miles
Type: Lollipop loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Water: No
The Desert Voices Trail shows off some stunning scenery in Dinosaur National Monument, providing gorgeous vistas of the uplifted mountains and hills. The moderate 2.2 mile loop is most easily accessed by the Green River Boat Ramp, nearby the Green River Campground. It can also be combined with the Sound of Silence Trail for extra mileage.
Desert Voices Trail Description
From the trailhead, proceed through the thick sagebrush growing along the road. The loop for the trail begins just beyond where the road bends back in the other direction.
From the beginning of the loop, you’ll head straight, as instructed by a sign. Wander in and out of a wash as you maintain a gradual ascent below gorgeous sandstone layered walls. You’ll soon enter into a beautiful little valley where you’ll cross a wash, then begin climbing up a hill.
As you continue climbing west, the views become more and more panoramic, enticing you farther. It’s along this stretch that you reach the connector trail for the Sound of Silence Trail. To round out the Desert Voices Trail, head left where you’ll go up and over a small divide. This also happens to be the crux of uplift, providing scenic views all around.
On the other side of the uplift, you’ll make an easy descent as you begin winding through a juniper forest. Toward the bottom of the climb, the trail will hug the bottom of a sandstone wall, occasionally snaking through more juniper trees. Once past the wall, you’ll approach another ridgeline in the uplift before climbing up and over, unleashing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape once again.
Below the second divide, you’ll make an occasional descent through rocks and rocky terrain. Continue winding through the rocks and juniper trees, where you’ll then begin descending a burnt red hillside ahead. The trail along here drops steadily down, closing out the loop at the bottom of the hill. Head right at the junction to return to the trailhead.
Getting There
From the Visitor Center, drive 2.6 miles along the main park road. Turn left at the junction signed for the Green River Campground and Boat Launch and follow it to the large parking area near the boat ramp. Look for the trailhead toward the north side of the parking area.