I'm not gonna make it. 
I hope to do this run again in future years if you keep doing it, Allen!
I hope to do this run again in future years if you keep doing it, Allen!
Trail Run Planning Dinosaur Ntnl Mnmt Area - Sept 18-21, 2026 - Cool Cruiser Truck Club Camping Collab Continued - Please read first post
- Thread starter allen.wrench
- Start date
Wild-FJ
Rising Sun Member
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If anyone is interested - several of us are going back to the Denver Metro area via the Flat Tops.
After we exit Elk Springs, next Monday, we will head to Meeker, CO to resupply and then spend Monday night
somewhere to be decided at days end in the White River National Forest in the Flat Tops area.
We will exit the "Coffee Pot" road and get back on I-70 at Dotsero on Tuesday afternoon.
Any interest, let me know.
Craig
After we exit Elk Springs, next Monday, we will head to Meeker, CO to resupply and then spend Monday night
somewhere to be decided at days end in the White River National Forest in the Flat Tops area.
We will exit the "Coffee Pot" road and get back on I-70 at Dotsero on Tuesday afternoon.
Any interest, let me know.
Craig
Runnin on E
Wincher
Friday weather looks like rain but Sat and Sun look good. But of coarse that can change. I don't have an attached awning but I will bring my pop up canopy.
DaveInDenver
Rising Sun Ham Guru
FYI, Coffee Pot can be kind of a mess when it rains. It sounds like you're planning to run it west to east so you'd be going downhill, which should be the less sketch if it's sloppy. It can be pretty crazy with side-by-sides but Monday shouldn't be too bad, maybe a few bow hunters.
Wild-FJ
Rising Sun Member
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David,
Yes, we will be driving west to east. We will exit on Tuesday, driving down Coffee Pot road.
Ah yes, the side by sides like the flat tops (too many too often, my point of view). Sounds like you know the area?
Have you ever driven Cline top road on the west side going up to the flat tops? Beautiful drive on Cline Top road
but with something like 28 switchbacks it makes that road - a slow route road.
Will you be joining us on the Dino or the flat tops run?
Yes, we will be driving west to east. We will exit on Tuesday, driving down Coffee Pot road.
Ah yes, the side by sides like the flat tops (too many too often, my point of view). Sounds like you know the area?
Have you ever driven Cline top road on the west side going up to the flat tops? Beautiful drive on Cline Top road
but with something like 28 switchbacks it makes that road - a slow route road.
Will you be joining us on the Dino or the flat tops run?
DaveInDenver
Rising Sun Ham Guru
I have done Cline a few times. It's mostly an access road, not particularly difficult, generally well maintained.
No on Dinosaur.
Yes, get up to the Flat Heads often. Mostly stay west, a bit fewer Denver weekend warriors. I tend to do more backpacking up there to avoid the SxS traffic.
marcus clarkus
New-ish
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- Nov 26, 2025
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Unfortunately I will not be able to borrow a propane fire pit — hopefully someone else has one!
Runnin on E
Wincher
I don't see Coffee Pot Rd except north of Glenwood Springs which is 100 miles SE of where we will be. Also Flattops is down that way too. I don't know the area so I am going off of what I can see on GAIA topo and Overland in search. I guess I'll find out when we are all together on Fri. See you then.
If there is a need for one, someone can come by Erie to grab either a Howl R1 or R4 depending on needs.
Wild-FJ
Rising Sun Member
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Coffee Pot Road begins about 1 mile north of Dotsero, CO. 39.6686, -107.06788
This is where we will exit on Tuesday. On Monday, we will enter at Hiner Springs turn off ( FR301)
off the New Castle Buford Road. 39.845098, - 107.578911.
I can provide details between the 2 coordinates Friday eve.
See ya' on Friday.
This is where we will exit on Tuesday. On Monday, we will enter at Hiner Springs turn off ( FR301)
off the New Castle Buford Road. 39.845098, - 107.578911.
I can provide details between the 2 coordinates Friday eve.
See ya' on Friday.
Runnin on E
Wincher
I didn't realize that the original Dino thread turned into the "after party" discussion. I was trying ti find the trail cautioned by D.I.D which is not part of the Dino route.
A few updates on road conditions. Current Conditions - Alerts
These were posted yesterday, before another round of hard rain this morning. It's been raining pretty good here in Vernal the last few days.
@allen.wrench I think some of the roads on our route are effected. But I don't know the route as well as you.
And for Fires, just Stage 1 right now:
Fires are only allowed within a developed recreation site or improved site, or in an approved firepan at designated river campsites. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, in a developed recreation site, or in an area barren of flammable material.
I called and asked about Solo stoves. They said they are ok too.
These were posted yesterday, before another round of hard rain this morning. It's been raining pretty good here in Vernal the last few days.
@allen.wrench I think some of the roads on our route are effected. But I don't know the route as well as you.
And for Fires, just Stage 1 right now:
Fires are only allowed within a developed recreation site or improved site, or in an approved firepan at designated river campsites. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, in a developed recreation site, or in an area barren of flammable material.
I called and asked about Solo stoves. They said they are ok too.
Last edited:
MarkEva
Rising Sun Member
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Matt's link shows the following:
Echo Park Road: Closed due to storm damage.
Yampa Bench Road: Currently being inspected for storm damage. May close later.
Much of our intended route is not in the Monument, not managed by the NPS, and not reported here. I'm a little concerned about damage there.
Harpers Corner & Echo Park Areas, CO
Roads
Harpers Corner Road: Paved, open.Echo Park Road: Closed due to storm damage.
Yampa Bench Road: Currently being inspected for storm damage. May close later.
Campground
Echo Park Campground: Open, vault toilets, drinking water available, first-come, first-served. Pack out your own trash. No cell phone service in this area.Much of our intended route is not in the Monument, not managed by the NPS, and not reported here. I'm a little concerned about damage there.
allen.wrench
Rising Sun Member
Thanks Matt for that update to fire restrictions. I really appreciate it! The top post is updated now, as of 09172026 1152 MT.
Work today has taken my priority. My time on the forum is entirely voluntary as I can.
Fair nuff Mark. As for the road closures, we will work together and adjust as necessary. Last year a storm closed the descent to Echo Park as well. Instead of going to Echo Park earlier, we adjusted our route plan to spend our last night in Echo Park after the road was reopened by the Rangers.
This year getting to Stuntz Ridge for our first camp tomorrow night is largely via pavement Harpers Corner Rd, and a few miles of BLM dirt road. It will likely have some muddy spots, please drive appropriately. If anyone finds BLM closes access to Stuntz Ridge please let the group know.
Saturday as planned will have us going downhill the majority of time on somewhat rocky dirt trails. Some pavement driving will be easy enough. There might be some mud on the dirt trails too, but I expect we will figure it out. Saturday night might be cold on the south side of the river, dress appropriately.
Sunday as planned will have us going uphill if conditions allow it, exploring some petroglyphs. Will also have some pavement, then dirt road again to Echo Park campground. Based on last year, I expect the NPS folks will have the road open. If they do not, we will adjust.
Monday we will see the condition of Yampa Bench Rd and explore it as much as we can.
We practice driving as slow & safe as possible, as fast as necessary. We plan as much as makes sense, and at the same time adjust as necessary. We work together, we will figure it out, and have a great time.
Allen
Work today has taken my priority. My time on the forum is entirely voluntary as I can.
Fair nuff Mark. As for the road closures, we will work together and adjust as necessary. Last year a storm closed the descent to Echo Park as well. Instead of going to Echo Park earlier, we adjusted our route plan to spend our last night in Echo Park after the road was reopened by the Rangers.
This year getting to Stuntz Ridge for our first camp tomorrow night is largely via pavement Harpers Corner Rd, and a few miles of BLM dirt road. It will likely have some muddy spots, please drive appropriately. If anyone finds BLM closes access to Stuntz Ridge please let the group know.
Saturday as planned will have us going downhill the majority of time on somewhat rocky dirt trails. Some pavement driving will be easy enough. There might be some mud on the dirt trails too, but I expect we will figure it out. Saturday night might be cold on the south side of the river, dress appropriately.
Sunday as planned will have us going uphill if conditions allow it, exploring some petroglyphs. Will also have some pavement, then dirt road again to Echo Park campground. Based on last year, I expect the NPS folks will have the road open. If they do not, we will adjust.
Monday we will see the condition of Yampa Bench Rd and explore it as much as we can.
We practice driving as slow & safe as possible, as fast as necessary. We plan as much as makes sense, and at the same time adjust as necessary. We work together, we will figure it out, and have a great time.
Allen
allen.wrench
Rising Sun Member
Last roster check before we head out tomorrow.
Should we expect you in camp tomorrow? Or plan on next year?
Allen
- Needs to check-in:
- @Corbet
- @LxCali (WC)
- @timmbuck2
Should we expect you in camp tomorrow? Or plan on next year?
Allen
marcus clarkus
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Nice, are you or anyone else bringing one? If not then I have one I can bring (and maybe some other people can grab wood, I have a little).
Out
MileHigh80Guy
Rising Sun Member
I have to bow out. Been trying to wrap this 80 up the last 2 weeks, with my ass thoroughly kicked, too many little things are adding up and not enough miles to make sure it’s road trip ready it’s not gonna happen this year. Pretty crushed, was looking possible a few days ago.