Dinosaur Ntnl Mnmt Area - Aug 29 to Sept 1, 2025 - Cool Cruiser Truck Club Camping Collab Continued - Please read first post

Inukshuk

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@Mrs Hulk and I are in Steamboat Springs for the night at a hotel.

For the actual run, we may want to switch to a channel in the 15-22 range. For those of us who have a GMRS license, we can transmit with significantly more power than other channels.
Well wave as we drive through

100% agreed on frequencies. I have a HAM HT if needed but my primary is GMRS mobile. 15w
 

allen.wrench

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Sorry, should have been more clear - I was meaning the camp site on the river you guys will be using on Friday night. We'll probably arrive in the area Saturday afternoon so I was thinking that might be a good spot to camp before we head to the Quarry on Sunday morning. And if you know of any other good dispersed sites in that neck of the woods let me know!

I gotcha now Doug. Yes, tonight's Friday night spot (coordinates: 40.40484, -109.24060) is wonderful for dispersed camping. There might be a couple rocky spots and a couple tight maybe muddy spots getting to it, but that's the hardest. Just a little northwest, at coordinates 40.42007, -109.26021, is also nice if you want to be closer to the river.

You are correct Matt about 147.540 ham radio and Channel 6 FRS/GMRS. These worked out well previously. And we'll adjust frequencies/channels as we find necessary.

Safe driving everyone! I expect to head out soon from Syracuse UT and get into camp tonight around maybe 1700 MT.

Forgot to say some mapping systems might recommend getting to Friday's camp from the north side of the river, via a Cub Creek Road bridge. I am reminded now the gate that get's you on trail after crossing the Cub Creek Road bridge was closed last year and likely closed this year. Please approach from the south side from Hwy 40.

Allen
 

allen.wrench

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Good catch @crunchy.taco.supreme that NPS says Echo Park and Yampa Bench Roads are closed due to recent weather. I see the website now, link:

On the drive out to the area I'll try to contact Dinosaur Monument rangers to get a little better understanding of conditions. If Echo Park and Yampa Bench are definitely no-go, then we have a few options. For example we can see what's available to explore on Stuntz Ridge and Blue Mountain Plateau. Potentially we could explore Miner's Draw Road to the south by a few miles. This will very much be an opportunity to see totally new areas and just how things go with weather impacts now & then.

If folks are also able to invesgate options in the area that would definitely be appreciated. We will discuss together what we can do, working together we will explore and adjust as necessary for us.

I'm on my way to Dinosaur and now expect to arrive about 1600 MT.

Allen
 

allen.wrench

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I spoke with Sonia at NPS (435) 781-7700

It is muddy more than forecasting would have known. Echo Park and Yampa Bench are definitely no-go.

If we're careful with the bentonite mud we're allowed to explore other areas. There is plenty still possible.

As everyone makes their way to camp tonight be aware of the sticky slippery bentonite mud. Definitely air down. Go as slow as possible and as fast as necessary - per Bill Burke training The rain was more than forecast predicted. And like I said we'll adjust as necessary.

If you learn something along the way please let everyone know. See you safe & soon!

Allen
 

allen.wrench

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I spoke with Sonia at NPS (435) 781-7700

It is muddy more than forecasting would have known. Echo Park and Yampa Bench are definitely no-go.

If we're careful with the bentonite mud we're allowed to explore other areas. There is plenty still possible.

As everyone makes their way to camp tonight be aware of the sticky slippery bentonite mud. The rain was more than forecast predicted.
 

allen.wrench

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Alright everyone, several of us have reached the Friday camp spot at coordinates:
40.40484, -109.24060

Should look like the red bubble in the screenshot:
IMG_3476.png


The rain has drained enough to allow to get to camp tonight.

Be aware if you're on the blue you went a little too far.

Allen
 

On the RX

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Make sure you don't camp in a flood plane! And make sure you have an exit plane if the water rises!
 

Inukshuk

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Camp road was not limousine friendly. We are nearby here is anyone wants an easier late night arrival. Try not to wake us :love::welcome:
40.4088341, -109.2264702
Well clear of flood zones. And clear skies.
 

TheYETI

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Hey guys, Here are the Group photos. I have Raw versions of these as well if anyone wants a high res version contact me. IMG_1284.jpgIMG_1281.jpgIMG_1233.jpg
 

Hulk

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allen.wrench

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Newly discovered dinosaur fossil from 150 million years ago excavated at Dinosaur National Monument | The Colorado Sun
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing that news Matt.

I will start up a 2026 Dinosaur Adventure thread in a lil bit to coordinate this year's fun. Just trying to take care of a few more pressing immediate priorities first. In the next few weeks when I make the 2026 threads, I will definitely add the fossil news and plan to have the fossil visitor center on the agenda 😄

I really appreciate it.

Allen
 

Mag71k5

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That's awesome! Thanks for sharing that news Matt.

I will start up a 2026 Dinosaur Adventure thread in a lil bit to coordinate this year's fun. Just trying to take care of a few more pressing immediate priorities first. In the next few weeks when I make the 2026 threads, I will definitely add the fossil news and plan to have the fossil visitor center on the agenda 😄

I really appreciate it.

Allen
Really looking forward to this! Missed last year as I was mid build. Whats your general idea on dates and such? Thanks for putting this together!
 

allen.wrench

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@Mag71k5 great question. Short answer: Very likely same/similar timeframe to last year.

If y'allz would like it a lil colder with slightly shorter daylight, then maybe we do early Sept. Last year Mid-Aug was perfect, but all the same I bet I can sweet talk Mama Nature for good weather in Sept if you guys want.

Since you're asking here, I might as well say: If anyone has interest & preference for the specific timing this year, then please reply here. And don't worry if you don't see this, I'll post the same in the full 2026 thread when I build it up. I'm sexy-flexy like that :)

Allen
 
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