Upper Disaster Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
About Upper Disaster Falls
Upper Disaster Falls sits deep in the remote canyons of Dinosaur National Monument, managed by the National Park Service. The cascade rewards those who make the trek with a rugged, scenic setting away from crowded trailheads — ideal for hikers seeking solitude and raw river-country scenery within the monument. Because the falls lie on NPS land rather than Forest Service trails, visitors should plan ahead and consult park resources before heading out. The approach to Upper Disaster Falls is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a doable day trip for fit hikers comfortable in backcountry conditions. The nearest developed camping is Gates of Lodore Campground, about 9.37 km from the falls, which can serve as a convenient base; otherwise expect a remote experience with limited services. Check current conditions with Dinosaur National Monument staff and pack navigation, water, and safety gear for a wilderness outing.
The Setting
Upper Disaster Falls sits at 5,810 feet within Dinosaur National Monument, fed by the Yampa River, in the high mountains of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back); elevation gain: ~350 feet; difficulty: moderate. The route to Upper Disaster Falls is within Dinosaur National Monument (managed by the NPS); there is no USFS trail name or number associated with this access. The managing agency does not provide standardized surface, grade, or technical class data for this approach. Hikers should be prepared for a backcountry route in a remote setting and verify local conditions with park rangers before attempting the hike.
What to Expect
Expect a remote and rugged wilderness experience. The falls are located in a scenic canyon area, and the journey to reach them is part of the adventure. Wildlife sightings and stunning views of the Green River are common.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Disaster Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $25.00
Permit required
A permit is required for backcountry camping or rafting within Dinosaur National Monument. Contact the park for details.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Disaster Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is higher due to snowmelt. Fall can also be a good time for cooler weather and fewer visitors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Visitors should be aware of potential hazards, including strong river currents, steep terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Always inform someone of your plans before venturing into the backcountry.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 25.5 miles away
187 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 41 years of record
1.91 ft
Water depth at gauge
68°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 68 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge YAMPA RIVER AT DEERLODGE PARK, CO (41 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
187 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
198 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
211 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
216 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
190 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
192 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
200 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Dinosaur hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 495 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,840 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 347 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 514 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,840 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 495 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Access to Upper Disaster Falls typically requires navigating through remote wilderness areas. It is located in the Dinosaur National Monument along the Green River. Reaching the falls may involve rafting or hiking through rugged terrain.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is generally available at designated areas within Dinosaur National Monument, but reaching the falls itself may require additional effort such as rafting or backcountry hiking.
Elevation
5,810 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.650241° N, -108.933450° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan your trip carefully and ensure you have the necessary skills and equipment for backcountry travel or rafting. Check weather and river conditions before your visit.
This trail sits at 5,810 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 23% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Gates of Lodore Campground
5.8 miles away · 21 sites
Overview Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River, near the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. It is at the north end of the monument, 137 miles (220 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center and 106 miles (170 km) from the Canyon Visitor Center. It is a long drive to the area and the wild, remote country adds to its sense of isolation. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here before launching on the Green River. There are 19 sites, some with shade. The site
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Upper Disaster Falls, Colorado
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Upper Disaster Falls, Colorado on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Dinosaur National Monument offers numerous other attractions, including Echo Park, Harper's Corner, and the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where visitors can see dinosaur fossils.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, and birds of prey. Be cautious of bears and other potentially dangerous animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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