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Dinosaur Hill
4.5 ★★★★★ 236 Google reviews · Running trail in Fruita, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Dinosaur Hill's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Dinosaur Hill
“But overall, a nice short (~1 hour) hike with some great views and cool discoveries along the way (even on a 100° day!”
“It's a good hike with some rough bits, and it's out in the open (no shade).”
“Not only an easy trail to gain a view of Fruita and the surrounding BLM and national monument lands, but also a terrific place to watch fireworks on independence day.”
Part of the trail is nicely packed walkway but not the entire loop. The back half of the mile long loop is a bit steep with some loose dirt that can be tough (or worse) for elderly and toddlers. But overall, a nice short (~1 hour) hike with some great views and cool discoveries along the way (even on a 100° day!).
Since the Dinosayr Journey Museum opened at 10 a.m., I got in a quick hike. Some sections are more strenuous than others, and my younger self would've bounded up, but I took my time. So very nice views from the top, and it made me appreciate all the work done by folks when I went to the museum
Fun hike. Had not hike for a few years due to health, this trail was the perfect amount of challenges, just enough to remind me how much I love it and that I am worth the difficult!! YOU CAN DO IT MY FRIEND! CHECK OUT THE DINOS, their an added bonus!
It's a good hike with some rough bits, and it's out in the open (no shade). But beautiful. Parts made me feel like I was on Mars. And you get to see where they pulled a brontosaurus out of the ground!~
Trail conditions & character
“The back half of the mile long loop is a bit steep with some loose dirt that can be tough (or worse) for elderly and toddlers.”
“Not only an easy trail to gain a view of Fruita and the surrounding BLM and national monument lands, but also a terrific place to watch fireworks on independence day.”
“If the ground is wet the trail can be muddy and slippery on the inclines.”
“It's a good hike with some rough bits, and it's out in the open (no shade).”
“Part of the trail is nicely packed walkway but not the entire loop.”
“But a great place to hike, and there are maps and restrooms.”
Plan your run at Dinosaur Hill
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near Fruita
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fruita Bike Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 140 reviews
Opal Hill Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
Colorado Riverfront Trail - Fruita Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews