Distance: 0.1 miles
Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Water: No
The hike to the Swelter Shelter is an easy 0.1 mile walk that brings visitors to a small sandstone cove complete with petroglyphs. The site was also used as a shelter of varying uses, but not likely used as a full-time residence.
Swelter Shelter Trail Description
The trail to the Swelter Shelter is easy to follow as it winds through the desert sagebrush habitat. From the parking area, it twists and turns up to the base of the sandstone rock face, where a small shelter has been erected in an alcove in the rock. You are free to explore the alcove and shelter, but never touch the petroglyphs. They are remnants of the past and touching them in any capacity will negatively impact their future presence.
When ready, head back out the same way you came, but please stay on the trail. Walking off-trail destroys the fragile desert vegetation.
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout
Getting There
From the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center, head back toward the main road and take a left. Follow the road for 0.9 miles and look for the small parking areas on either side of the road.