Tri-State Trek: Journey Highlights

Our TST adventure kicked off from our meetup spot in Golden, Colorado, and officially began just outside the town of Maybell, where we joined up with a couple more teammates to round out a convoy of five vehicles. The first day greeted us with ominous skies and the looming threat of bad weather, making for a slightly uneasy departure. But with a route that would take us through Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge, Wyoming's Red Desert, and the Killpecker Sand Dunes—spanning three states over the better part of a week—we were in for an incredibly diverse and unforgettable experience. Nature was ready to put on a show, and it didn’t disappoint.

We began on the eastern side of Dinosaur National Monument with a short, scenic hike along the Yampa River. Despite the gusty breeze, the weather held steady. After the hike, we set up camp a few miles away to give the trail time to dry out from earlier rainfall. The forecast looked promising, and spirits were high. The next day, we cautiously continued along our route. Though the trail was still a bit muddy, it wasn’t enough to slow us down. As we made our way along the northwest side of DNM, we caught our first glimpse of the majestic Gates of Lodore—our next hiking destination. These scarlet-hued, 1.1-billion-year-old Precambrian stone formations mark the entrance to Lodore Canyon. Named by Major John Wesley Powell in 1869 after Robert Southey’s poem The Cataract of Lodore, the site lived up to its dramatic reputation. We ended the day crossing the Swinging Bridge—a narrow, suspended span over the Green River—before finding camp in Shallow Canyon, lulled to sleep by the river’s gentle flow and warmed by a fire and hot spiced apple cider.

Day three took us past the historic John Jarvie Ranch on the southern edge of Flaming Gorge. Established in the late 1800s by Scottish immigrant John Jarvie, the ranch is a testament to the grit and resilience of early pioneers. After fueling up in Dutch John and grabbing lunch as a group, we spent the afternoon exploring the fingers and side trails of Antelope Flats. We found an incredible campsite along the Flaming Gorge shoreline, where we were treated to a breathtaking sunset followed by a full harvest moonrise. The next morning brought a thick, dramatic fog that slowly blanketed our camp, creating a surreal and peaceful sunrise.

Continuing northward, we covered about 50 miles through eastern Flaming Gorge into Wyoming. A fun, mildly technical trail zigzagged its way into the town of Green River. Though unmarked and seemingly undocumented, the trail was a blast—I’ll definitely be back to map it out. From Green River, we cruised along the scenic White Mountain Road, stopping at historic markers along the way. Chasing daylight, we made a quick detour to the White Mountain Petroglyphs, where hundreds of ancient carvings—depicting bison hunts, geometric patterns, and handprints—etched into the sandstone offered a powerful connection to the past. We also caught sight of the iconic Boar’s Tusk, a 7,100-foot volcanic remnant rising 400 feet above the Killpecker Creek plain. Composed of rare lamproite rock and dating back 2.5 million years, this landmark has long served as a navigational beacon for Indigenous peoples, pioneers, and travelers alike. As the sun began to dip, we made a beeline for the Killpecker Sand Dunes, arriving just in time to set up camp. The dunes glowed in the warm hues of the setting sun as we gathered around the fire, sharing stories and laughter late into the night.

The next day was all about fun in the sand. We spent hours driving the dunes, and I demonstrated a recovery scenario using traction boards—highlighting their versatility in off-road situations. After wrapping up the northern Red Desert portion of our route, we headed south on the highway for a few hours, making our way to the eastern side of DNM. We set up camp near Diamond Mountain, just outside Vernal, Utah, with a stunning view of the valley and the backside of Split Mountain—one of my absolute favorites in the monument.

With a storm system looming, we knew our time was limited. Determined to make the most of the final day of good weather, we rose early and set off to explore more petroglyphs and hike the 3.2-mile Sounds of Silence Trail. Afterward, we tackled a steep 3,419-foot climb with a 9% grade to reach the top of the Blue Mountain Plateau. I learned a valuable lesson there—don’t forget to engage 4Lo on a climb like that, as my Tundra’s transmission temp warning quickly reminded me. At the summit, we paused for lunch and took in the sweeping views from Harpers Corner Road, gazing down at the jaw-dropping Yampa Bench and the canyons we’d soon be driving through.

As the day waned, we descended about eight miles into the canyon, eventually veering off on a planned tangent to find our final campsite. Nestled deep within the canyon walls, we were treated to a golden-hour display as the sun lit up the towering monoliths around us. We made a stop at Whispering Cave—a massive sandstone fissure offering a cool, shady respite—before settling in for the night at a campground at the trail’s end.

True to the forecast, rain rolled in before dawn, prompting a swift and soggy pack-up. We hit the trail early, retracing our route to avoid getting stranded on impassable roads. Though we had to cut about 30 miles from our planned route, we were grateful for safe passage and the incredible memories we’d made. From ancient rock art to volcanic spires, from fog-draped mornings to fiery sunsets over the dunes, this trip was a vivid reminder of the raw beauty and boundless adventure that the American West has to offer.

As we rolled back onto pavement, tired but fulfilled, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’d just completed. From the adrenaline of dune driving and recovery drills to the quiet awe of ancient petroglyphs and canyon monoliths glowing in the evening sun, every mile was packed with adventure and discovery. Though the weather forced an early exit and trimmed our route, it also reminded us of the unpredictable beauty of the wild—and the importance of flexibility and preparation. In the end, the memories made, the lessons learned, and the landscapes explored far outweighed the short miles we missed. Until the next trail calls, this chapter of our journey closes with gratitude and a deep appreciation for the rugged magic of this Tri-State Trek.