Drive Yampa Bench Road, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado

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The 18-mile Yampa Bench Road connects the Echo Park Road with the monument's southeast boundary. From there, several Moffat County dirt roads lead to US Highway 40. The Yampa Bench Road runs along a large "bench" or flat area above the Yampa River. Several viewpoints, trails and historic sites provide access to the area's dramatic scenery and history. Wildlife such as mule deer, elk, pronghorn may be occasionally seen. The road is winding with some narrow and short steep sections. A few small stream crossings may hold water and mud for extended periods. Several areas of the road also cross soft sand deposits. Under favorable weather conditions, the Yampa Bench Road is considered relatively easy for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Extreme caution is required for both vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather. Areas of sand and mud may be impassable when wet. All vehicles and bikes must remain on roads. ATVs and non-street legal dirt bikes are not permitted on the Yampa Bench Road. Several overlooks provide viewpoints to see the winding path of the Yampa River deep in the canyon below. The north face of Blue Mountain rises above the south side of the road. Several historic homesteads and ranches are located in the Yampa Bench area. Some have only remnants left, others are still working. The Mantle Ranch located along the Yampa River is private land and not accessible to the public. Occasionally, drivers, bikers or hikers may encounter cattle that are grazing on historic leases within the monument boundaries. High clearance vehicles are highly recommended. Camping is not permitted along the Yampa Bench Road.

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