Exploring Dinosaur Nat’l. Mon.
We decided to move from the busy raft put-in site at Deerlodge Campground, but we had to find a spot we can park the camper and trailer out of the way! The spot we found is off a county road at the border of the park on BLM land about 1500 feet higher in elevation with great views towards the Yampa river valley and canyons. The weather was windy, but warm and sunny so we took a motorcycle ride on the Yampa Bench road in the park. The road follows the river on a high bench with occasional overlooks down onto the river.
The ride started with a long view through a burned out area towards the river canyon.
We then descended the twisting, turning road along the side canyons.
At Wagon Wheel Point Overlook we got our first look at the river and saw the rafters that had cast-off on Tuesday from Deerlodge!
At Harding Hole Overlook we looked over sheer cliffs to see the oxbow turn in the river.
At Castle Park Overlook we looked down on a lush green private ranch on the river, as well as the Park Service rafters that had cast-off on Tuesday as well.