--- title: "Yampa Bench Road — EV Backroads" description: "Cross a remote high-desert bench above the Yampa River, then descend to Echo Park inside Dinosaur National Monument." canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/trail-guides/community/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701" last_updated: "2026-08-09" --- [Community trails and camps](/trail-guides/community#community-place-27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701) COMMUNITY TRAIL # Yampa Bench Road Cross a remote high-desert bench above the Yampa River, then descend to Echo Park inside Dinosaur National Monument. Trailhead Dinosaur National Monument Colorado Easy — high-clearance 4WD Distance 46.7 mi Drive time 3 hr Technical rating 2 / 10 (up to 3) High point 7,221 ft Stops 17 Concerns 0 Photos 52 ![the Yampa River bend from Harding Hole Overlook on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8033-000000000033?variant=card-v4) ![the paved approach and the start of County Road 14 on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8001-000000000001?variant=card-v4) ![the roadside speed and route signs on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8002-000000000002?variant=card-v4) View all 52 TRAIL EXPERIENCE ## What to expect on the route Yampa Bench Road is a long, remote backroad across the south side of the Yampa River canyon. The drive starts on Moffat County Road 14 and enters Dinosaur National Monument. It passes pinyon forest, open overlooks, historic sites, petroglyphs, and narrow canyon roads before it reaches Echo Park. The surface includes graded dirt, gravel, rock, sand, mud, and short water crossings. Dry conditions make most of the route straightforward for a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Rain can make the clay surface impassable. There are no services or reliable mobile signals on the route. Carry recovery equipment, water, food, and enough energy to complete the route and its return or exit plan. TRAIL AND VEHICLE ## Road conditions and vehicle needs General difficulty Easy — high-clearance 4WD Technical rating 2 of 10 Optional challenge 3 of 10 Category Overland Minimum vehicle High Clearance 4WD Surface Graded Dirt · Gravel · Sand · Rock · Mud · Water Crossing · Mixed Route shape Point To Point Best direction Westbound High point 7,221 ft Turnarounds and exits This is a point-to-point road. Narrow sections and steep grades make casual turnarounds difficult. Decide the return or exit plan before you enter the remote section. Known concerns Narrow Shelf Road · Mud · Impassable When Wet EV PLANNING ## Plan the energy for the full route Start with enough energy for the complete route, a return or exit route, weather delays, and cabin use. Fast charging is not available on Yampa Bench Road or at Echo Park. Use the Backroads Map to check current chargers before departure. [Check chargers and road-distance gaps](/map?lat=40.35517&lng=-108.44921&z=9&community=1) FAST CHARGING ## 5 chargers nearest the trailhead Distances follow driveable roads. They are not straight-line distances. - [23.1 mi Maybell, CO Jule 150 kW · 4 ports · 25 min drive](/map?lat=40.51762&lng=-108.08792&z=13&networks=jule&connectors=&kw=&gaps=1&period=current) - [33.5 mi MOFFAT COUNTY DINOSAUR PL1 ChargePoint 200 kW · 1 port · 36 min drive](/map?lat=40.24522&lng=-109.00893&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=1&period=current) - [33.5 mi MOFFAT COUNTY DINOSAUR PL2 ChargePoint 200 kW · 1 port · 36 min drive](/map?lat=40.24523&lng=-109.00896&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=1&period=current) - [49.8 mi WREA MAIN ST LVL 3 ChargePoint 62.5 kW · 1 port · 9 hr 12 min drive](/map?lat=40.03695&lng=-107.91235&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=1&period=current) - [54.3 mi MAVERIK CRAIG PL1 ChargePoint 80 kW · 1 port · 1 hr drive](/map?lat=40.51411&lng=-107.53889&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=1&period=current) Calculated from open stations on Aug 21, 2026. [Check current coverage on the Backroads Map.](/map?lat=40.35517&lng=-108.44921&z=9&community=1) LEVEL 2 CHARGING ## Nearby charging for a longer stop These direct distances help you find possible overnight charging. Confirm parking rules, access hours, plug fit, and availability before you rely on a site. - [35.9 mi direct WREA MAIN ST LVL 2 ChargePoint 6.5 kW · 2 ports · J1772](/map?lat=40.03693&lng=-107.91243&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=0&level2=1&period=current) - [48.0 mi direct MOFFAT COUNTY MC COURTHOUSE 1 ChargePoint 6.5 kW · 2 ports · J1772](/map?lat=40.51186&lng=-107.56032&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=0&level2=1&period=current) - [50.8 mi direct YVEA OWNED YVEA CRAIG 1 ChargePoint 6.5 kW · 2 ports · J1772](/map?lat=40.51181&lng=-107.50514&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=0&level2=1&period=current) - [56.9 mi direct RAINBOW MAN DINOSAUR INN ChargePoint 6.5 kW · 2 ports · J1772](/map?lat=40.45592&lng=-109.52307&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=0&level2=1&period=current) - [65.3 mi direct YVRA EMPLOYEE LOT 2 ChargePoint 6.5 kW · 2 ports · J1772](/map?lat=40.48692&lng=-107.21945&z=13&networks=chargepoint&connectors=&kw=&gaps=0&level2=1&period=current) Calculated from open Level 2 sites on Aug 21, 2026. Distances do not follow roads. [Check Level 2 sites on the Backroads Map.](/map?lat=40.35517&lng=-108.44921&z=9&community=1&level2=1&gaps=0) STOPS AND CONCERNS ## 17 places along the route 01 ### Trailhead Mile 0.0 Trailhead · Directional Leave the paved approach at Moffat County Road 14. Read the posted high-clearance warning before you continue. The road becomes remote quickly. ![the paved approach and the start of County Road 14 on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8001-000000000001?variant=card-v4) ![the roadside speed and route signs on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8002-000000000002?variant=card-v4) ![the County Road 14 and high-clearance warning signs on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8003-000000000003?variant=card-v4) 02 ### First Fork — Stay Left Mile 0.3 Directional Keep left at the first fork. The right branch is not the Yampa Bench route. ![the left branch at the first fork on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8004-000000000004?variant=card-v4) ![the open road immediately after the fork on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8005-000000000005?variant=card-v4) ![the correct line through the fork on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8006-000000000006?variant=card-v4) 03 ### Pinyon Forest Views Mile 5.4 Point Of Interest · Viewpoint The road climbs through pinyon and juniper. Openings in the trees give the first long views across the Yampa Bench. ![the road entering the pinyon forest on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8007-000000000007?variant=card-v4) ![the open bench and distant ridges on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8008-000000000008?variant=card-v4) ![a broad viewpoint along the forest edge on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8009-000000000009?variant=card-v4) 04 ### Cattle Guard Mile 7.4 Directional · Point Of Interest Cross the cattle guard and continue on the main road. Close any nearby gate that you find closed. ![the cattle guard across the route on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8010-000000000010?variant=card-v4) ![the rutted road beyond the cattle guard on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8011-000000000011?variant=card-v4) ![the red-soil section after the crossing on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8012-000000000012?variant=card-v4) 05 ### Overlook Mile 9.3 Point Of Interest · Viewpoint A short open section gives a wide view across the bench. Stop only where the full vehicle is clear of the travel lane. ![the gravel approach to the overlook on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8013-000000000013?variant=card-v4) ![the open bench at the viewpoint on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8014-000000000014?variant=card-v4) ![the wide view from the overlook on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8015-000000000015?variant=card-v4) 06 ### Second Fork — Stay Right Mile 13.8 Directional · Point Of Interest Keep right at the signed junction. Follow the main Yampa Bench road toward Dinosaur National Monument. ![the junction approach on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8016-000000000016?variant=card-v4) ![the right branch toward Dinosaur National Monument on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8017-000000000017?variant=card-v4) ![the road-closure and route signs at the fork on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8018-000000000018?variant=card-v4) 07 ### Enter Dinosaur National Monument Mile 15.8 Directional · Point Of Interest Enter Dinosaur National Monument. Park rules apply from this point. Check current road conditions before you travel farther west. ![the monument boundary approach on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8019-000000000019?variant=card-v4) ![the Dinosaur National Monument entrance sign on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8020-000000000020?variant=card-v4) ![the Harper's Corner route information sign on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8021-000000000021?variant=card-v4) 08 ### Canyon Views Mile 25.6 Point Of Interest · Viewpoint The road reaches open canyon viewpoints. Edges are exposed, and the road is narrow in places. Keep moving unless a safe pullout is fully clear. ![the canyon-view pullout on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8022-000000000022?variant=card-v4) ![the road at the canyon rim on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8023-000000000023?variant=card-v4) ![the layered canyon landscape on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8024-000000000024?variant=card-v4) 09 ### Bull Canyon Trailhead Mile 30.6 Trailhead · Directional · Point Of Interest Pass the Bull Canyon trailhead and remain on the main road. Use the signed parking area only if you plan to stop. ![the Bull Canyon trailhead approach on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8025-000000000025?variant=card-v4) ![the trailhead and canyon edge on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8026-000000000026?variant=card-v4) ![the canyon walls beside the trailhead on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8027-000000000027?variant=card-v4) 10 ### Wagon Wheel Point Mile 31.4 Directional · Point Of Interest · Viewpoint Continue past Wagon Wheel Point. The open view shows the scale of the Yampa River corridor below. ![the road through Wagon Wheel Point on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8028-000000000028?variant=card-v4) ![the signed junction near Wagon Wheel Point on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8029-000000000029?variant=card-v4) ![the Yampa River corridor below the point on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8030-000000000030?variant=card-v4) 11 ### Harding Hole Overlook Mile 32.9 Point Of Interest · Viewpoint Use the signed overlook for a high view of the Yampa River and the canyon walls. Keep away from unprotected edges. ![the overlook access road on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8031-000000000031?variant=card-v4) ![the Harding Hole Overlook sign on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8032-000000000032?variant=card-v4) ![the Yampa River bend from Harding Hole Overlook on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8033-000000000033?variant=card-v4) 12 ### Mantle Ranch Road Mile 34.8 Directional Stay on the signed through-route at Mantle Ranch Road. Do not enter private or restricted ranch access. ![the Mantle Ranch Road junction on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8034-000000000034?variant=card-v4) ![the Mantle Ranch Road sign on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8035-000000000035?variant=card-v4) ![the dead-end warning at the side road on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8036-000000000036?variant=card-v4) 13 ### Turn Right on Echo Park Road Mile 42.5 Directional Turn right on Echo Park Road. The descent is narrow, steep, and winding. Meet oncoming traffic only at a safe wide place. ![the Echo Park Road approach on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8037-000000000037?variant=card-v4) ![the right turn onto Echo Park Road on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8038-000000000038?variant=card-v4) ![the Echo Park directional sign on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8039-000000000039?variant=card-v4) 14 ### Chew Ranch Mile 43.8 Point Of Interest · Historic Site The historic Chew Ranch is beside the route. Leave buildings and artifacts as you find them, and follow all posted access limits. ![a historic wagon at Chew Ranch on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8040-000000000040?variant=card-v4) ![the Chew Ranch buildings and fenced grounds on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8041-000000000041?variant=card-v4) ![the ranch approach road on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8042-000000000042?variant=card-v4) 15 ### Petroglyphs Mile 45.5 Point Of Interest · Rock Art Follow the signed short path to the petroglyph viewing area. Do not touch, trace, wet, or climb on the rock art. ![the signed path to the petroglyphs on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8043-000000000043?variant=card-v4) ![the rock-art interpretation panel on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8044-000000000044?variant=card-v4) ![the protected petroglyph panel on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8045-000000000045?variant=card-v4) 16 ### Whispering Cave Mile 46.0 Point Of Interest Stop near Whispering Cave only where parking is allowed. Walk into the shallow cave carefully and protect the fragile rock surfaces. ![the entrance to Whispering Cave on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8046-000000000046?variant=card-v4) ![the view through Whispering Cave on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8047-000000000047?variant=card-v4) ![the route and rock walls near the cave on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8048-000000000048?variant=card-v4) 17 ### Trail End — Echo Park Mile 46.5 Directional · Point Of Interest · Campsite The route ends at Echo Park. The developed campground has no electric hookups, no mobile service, and no RV or trailer access. Check the return route before you stop. ![the Echo Park campground entrance sign on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8049-000000000049?variant=card-v4) ![the canyon walls at Echo Park on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8050-000000000050?variant=card-v4) ![the open Echo Park landscape on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8051-000000000051?variant=card-v4) ![a primitive campsite at Echo Park on Yampa Bench Road in Dinosaur National Monument.](/api/v1/community/places/27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701/photos/27012701-2701-4701-8052-000000000052?variant=card-v4) Check current access and land-manager rules before you drive. [Open on Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/colorado/trails/2701-yampa-bench-road)[Open official access source](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/yampa-bench-road.htm) ## Map and trip planning TRIP INFORMATION Official name Moffat County Road 14 / NPS Road 14N Distance method Measured along the GPX track Source distance 46.8 mi Current status Open · checked Aug 6, 2026 Source rating 4.4 of 5 · 22 reviews Land manager National Park Service Agency district Dinosaur National Monument County Moffat County Best season Late spring through fall in dry weather. Winter access and wet-weather travel are not reliable. Typically open Late spring through fall when the road is dry. Confirm current conditions with Dinosaur National Monument. Nearest town Maybell, Colorado Nearest services Maybell has limited fuel and basic services. There are no services on Yampa Bench Road or at Echo Park. Cell service Spotty Camping Nearby Permit Not required Fee Required Access Check Dinosaur National Monument road conditions before departure. Do not enter the route during or after heavy rain. The road can become impassable when wet. High-clearance 4WD is recommended. Seasonal gates or short-notice closures can apply. Published August 10, 2026 Load interactive terrain map Open Google Maps only when you need it. Route and terrain [Open on Backroads Map](/map?lat=40.35517&lng=-108.44921&z=9) TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE Load elevation profile Terrain elevations load only when requested. PLAN THIS TRAIL ## Start your next adventure on Yampa Bench Road. [Open Backroads Map](/map?lat=40.35517&lng=-108.44921&z=9&community=1)[Directions to the start](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=40.355168%2C-108.449207) Download GPX Print guide Save trail offline SHARE Share Copy link [Email](mailto:?subject=Yampa+Bench+Road&body=Cross+a+remote+high-desert+bench+above+the+Yampa+River%2C+then+descend+to+Echo+Park+inside+Dinosaur+National+Monument.%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.evbackroads.com%2Ftrail-guides%2Fcommunity%2F27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.evbackroads.com%2Ftrail-guides%2Fcommunity%2F27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701)[X](https://x.com/intent/post?text=Yampa+Bench+Road&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.evbackroads.com%2Ftrail-guides%2Fcommunity%2F27012701-2701-4701-8701-270127012701) ## Sitemap See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.