Gates of Lodore

Left steamboat springs on Wednesday morning headed towards dinosaur national monument.  It’s in the northwest corner of colorado, right near the borders with utah and wyoming. 

Stopped in craig at the local BLM office to get info on dispersed camping near the park.  The woman was very helpful and pointed out a few spots for excellent campsite views.  We decided to head to the north side of the park, which is called gates of lodore. 

This place was wayyy off the grid, about 60 miles to the closest services and we saw about 2 other cars the entire visit.

A fantastic view from our free campsite

Finally using our r-dome!

Entryway to the gates, green river in the background

Thursday we ventured off with the truck to check out nearby sights.

Awesome lunch vista

The expanse makes the truck look like a toy

Hiking to a peak on cold spring mountain

Success!

Gorgeous views from the top with fresh wildflowers

Back down a steep mountain..watch your step!

How was this canyon named?

More petrolgyphs from over 1000 years ago

Beautiful start to the day on Friday.  Packed up and drove down the road to check out a possible drive thru the mountains into Utah.  No one around at the ranger station to ask about the road conditions.  One map said 4wd only but another one said just high clearance,  so we decided to charge it with a quarter tank of gas and 45 miles to cover into the next town.  Swing bridge was skinny and narrowly beefy enough to hold us, but we made it!

Another beautiful morning in the middle of nowhere

Just outside of Vernal, Utah

Stocking up today at wally world, propane and fuel, then likely into the forest near flaming gorge for the next couple nights.