As the second largest county in the state with over two million acres of public lands to explore–including the adventure-filled Dinosaur National Monument–some might just call Moffat County Colorado’s best kept secret. The reasons to add Moffat County to the top of your road-trip bucket list this summer are immense! Discover our favorite aspects below.
This story was created in partnership with Visit Moffat County.
Remote Wilderness Treasures
From following in the footsteps (or paddle strokes) of John Wesley Powell to telling stories around the campfire beneath remote canyon walls, there are countless ways to get outside in Moffat County, Colorado.
Dinosaur National Monument
One of the largest draws in Moffat County is Dinosaur National Monument. But just because this is a “can’t-miss” recreation area doesn’t mean it’s busy! This sizable park receives under 400,000 annual visitors a year; a mere portion of the whopping four million people who trek each year to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. What’s big here isn’t the crowd—it’s the bones. Dinosaur National Monument contains the highest concentration of dinosaur bones from the Late Jurassic Period anywhere in the world. Here, over 2,000 dinosaur fossils are found embedded on a single rock wall.
After you’ve had your fill of dino history, there are a lot of other activities to do. Hike along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks or take a scenic drive along Harpers Corner Road. Guided river trips down the Yampa and Green offer an especially serene way to experience the monument. (And are especially interesting to history buffs who have studied John Wesley Powell’s early explorations of the American West.) No matter how you explore Dinosaur in modern times, chances are you’ll want to return for more!
Irish Canyon
Irish Canyon is a genuine hidden gem in Colorado. Located in the most northwestern corner of Moffat County, Irish Canyon is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern thanks to its unique geology, plant species, and historical significance. One look at the towering canyon walls and you’ll see how it once made a great hideout for outlaws like Butch Cassidy and other famous characters of the West. Today, it’s a peaceful destination for remote camping. You’ll want to make sure to hike around and look for ancient petroglyphs that appear almost out of nowhere on the canyon walls.
Elkhead Reservoir
Elkhead Reservoir is the recreationalist’s paradise in Moffat County, Colorado! Fishermen and lake enthusiasts of all kinds flock to this 900-acre oasis on hot summer days. Cast a line and see what hits: you could be lucky enough to land a bass, crappie, pike, or rainbow trout—or all of the above. Along the lakeshore you’ll find 11 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. In the winter, there are trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and ice fishing is a popular pastime, too. A new campground overlooking the water makes it possible to take your time and while away an entire weekend here.
Yampa & Green Rivers
The aforementioned Yampa and Green Rivers are reason enough to travel to Moffat County. These untrammeled whitewater rivers are almost entirely unspoiled, and exist today as they have for millenia. Luckily, our methods of exploring them have improved with time! Several local outfitters take guests on single and multi-day raft trips, ranging from laidback floats to world-class whitewater adventures. Even if you simply picnic on the riverbank of the Yampa during your road trip through Moffat County, it’s a high-country treasure you won’t want to miss.
Unbeatable Wildlife Experiences
There are very few places in the United States where you can get up-close-and-personal with wild horses. Moffat County, Colorado, is one of them. Plus, you have the opportunity to experience many other iconic Rocky Mountain creatures.
Wild Horses
As of recently, you have two options for viewing wild horses, or mustangs, in Moffat County: the Sand Wash Basin or the new Wild Horse Refuge. Sand Wash Basin is a 155,000 acre wilderness area where the mustangs have roamed free for hundreds of years—dating back to when they were first introduced to North America by the Spanish. This herd is well known for its many beautiful paints, although all its members make for beautiful photo opportunities. Remember to bring a telephoto lens! It’s important to keep at least 100 feet of distance between yourself and the horses at all times.
You can also see horses at the Wild Horse Refuge—a new 22,500-acre sanctuary created for rounded-up mustangs. These horses would have otherwise faced confinement and an uncertain future, but have instead been gifted with freedom once more. This privately owned project welcomes the public to make reservations at least three days in advance to visit. A guide will help you navigate the terrain, and can all but ensure you’ll get to see the horses on a given day.
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge
Travelers hoping to see quintessential Rocky Mountain wildlife should point their vehicles in the direction of Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. In this 12,150-acre wilderness area, the wildlife spotting opportunities are countless. Pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, and moose all frequent the terrain. But even if you only spot a few pronghorn, the peaceful birdsong here makes for a lovely morning on the free range. Remember that while visiting Moffat County, Colorado, it’s imperative to keep your distance from wildlife and to leave only footprints!
Charming and Welcoming Communities
With so much to experience outdoors, you might be left wondering if anyone actually lives in Moffat County. Indeed they do! The hubs of Craig, Maybell, and Dinosaur are teeming with western hospitality in the form of cozy lodging, delicious meals, and convenient amenities. Your road trip will be well-equipped whether you choose to base your stay at one of these friendly communities or simply pick up camping supplies there.
Small Town Events with Big Character
You’d expect an event like the Grand Old West Days from a destination like Moffat County, but what about a county fair with a guacamole and queso contest? That’s reason enough to plan your journey! You also won’t want to miss the Great American Horse Drive put on by Sombrero Ranches. This springtime event involves cowboys wrangling hundreds of horses through downtown Maybell to their summer pasture. Visitors can either spectate from the side, or advanced riders can actually partake in the six-day roundup as a guest of the ranch. And finally, the Moffat County Balloon Festival is a tried-and-true favorite. It takes place in early August and is certainly a less dusty way to participate in the fun here in Colorado’s Great Northwest. Explore the full list of events and start planning your trip, today.
