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Dinosaurs once roamed here. Their fantastic remains are still visibly embedded in the rocks. Today, the mountains, desert, and untamed rivers flowing in deep canyons support an array of life. Petroglyphs hint at earlier cultures. Later, homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore.

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River Reflections - Dinosaur National Monument's Official New Film! Welcome to Dinosaur National Monument where dinosaurs once roamed. Learn what fossils discovered here tell us about this landscape millions of years ago. Explore Dinosaur’s compelling cultural history from rock art created by Indigenous peoples to log cabins built by homesteaders in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Discover the Green and Yampa rivers which provide a laboratory for scientific study and wilderness journey.

Visitors can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils exposed on the cliff face inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Experience Dinosaur's remote canyons and wilderness by rafting on the Green or Yampa rivers.

Six campgrounds are located in the monument to give you a variety of options.

Covering over 210,000 acres, Dinosaur National Monument offers a wealth of places to explore.

Hiking is a great way to appreciate Dinosaur's scenery and rugged landscape. Miles of trails and cross-country opportunities exist.

Dinosaur also preserves traces left by earlier peoples who inhabited the area. Several petroglyph sites are easily viewed.

What's happening at Dinosaur? Check here for information on hours, camping, road, and trail conditions.

Last updated: December 20, 2023

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4545 Hwy 40 Dinosaur, CO 81610

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Dinosaur National Monument Family Hiking Guide

Hiking is a great way to experience Dinosaur National Monument’s amazing geology and rock art. The monument contains several easy to moderate day hikes to suit just about everyone, including families with small children. Also in Dinosaur National Monument, more adventurous types can embark on backpacking trips of any length—check in with rangers for free camping permits and to obtain advice on the best areas.

Remember to bring extra water when hiking in Dinosaur National Monument, especially during the heat of summer. A good hat and sunscreen are also essential. It’s always a good idea to stop at a visitor center and discuss your hiking plans with a ranger to make sure you find a hike that suits your abilities and expectations. And remember, pets are not allowed on the trails or in the backcountry at Dinosaur National Monument, so please make other arrangements.

1.  Fossil Discovery Trail:  1.2 miles. The flagship hike in Dinosaur National Monument, this trail takes you through geologic formations representing 80 million years of time on your way to or from the Douglass Dinosaur Quarry.

2.  Sound of Silence Trail:  2.5 miles. A nice hike through several of the monument’s rock layers, with good views of Split Mountain.

3.  Desert Voices Trail:  2 miles. This hike through the desert environment offers excellent views of famous Split Mountain.

4.  Cold Desert Trail:  0.25 mile. How does life adapt to the harsh extremes in this “cold desert” (high elevation desert)? Hike this trail to find out.

5.  Plug Hat Trail:  0.25 mile. The easy Plug Hat Trail introduces hikers to a pinion-juniper forest. From this vantage you’ll also be rewarded with an all-encompassing view of the Uinta Basin.

6.  Harpers Corner Trail:  2 miles. For those who enjoy up-close and personal natural dramas, ones that have allowed geologists and botanists to unlock mysteries of the past, the Harpers Corner Trail will satisfy that urge.

7.  Gates of Lodore Trail:  1.5 miles. This short, easy hike takes you above the Green River, which is flowing somewhat placidly here out of the Browns Park area. Then you can walk to the beginning of the Canyon of Lodore, where river runners are abruptly thrust into the riffles and rapids of this incredibly beautiful, rugged area.

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Dinosaur National Monument Guide — Camping, Quarry, and More

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Where Is Dinosaur National Monument?

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Dinosaur National Monument is a vast park encompassing over 210,000 acres of mountains, canyons, rivers, and deserts along the border of Utah and Colorado. This is where travelers come to see ancient dinosaur bones from over 150 million years ago.

Not only can you see and feel the incredible fossils of prehistoric animals here, but you can also hike and whitewater raft, stargaze, watch wildlife, and capture stunning photos of the landscape and animals that call this place home. Each year, close to 300,000 travelers come to explore this incredible monument. 

How To Get to Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is located on the border of Colorado and Utah. This national monument spreads over 210,000 acres of mountains, deserts, and rivers flowing deep into canyons. The closest city to this park is Vernal, Utah. 

The outdoor areas at Dinosaur National Monument are open year-round, 24 hours a day. The visitor centers at the Quarry Exhibit Hall are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the spring and fall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer. These buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day and may close in some circumstances, such as weather. 

There are a couple of airports that can be used when flying to this national monument. The popular options include a nearby regional airport and a major airport that is about 3.5 hours away.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport is the closest major airport to Dinosaur National Monument. This option is about 3 hours and 20 minutes from the park.  Over 300 flights depart each day from this airport to 90 nonstop destinations. Airlines served here include Aeromexico, American, Delta, KLM, Spirit, and Southwest.

There are several rental car kiosks where you can rent a car to make the last leg of your journey. A good thing about choosing to fly into Salt Lake City is that you will pass through countless parks and famous landmarks between the airport and monument that you can stop and explore along the way.

Vernal Regional Airport (VEL)

Vernal Regional Airport is a small airport option about 20 minutes away from the national monument and is the closest option. Daily flights are offered to and from Vernal on United via SkyWest. Upon arrival, you can rent a car for the short drive to the monument. 

This national monument is located in Colorado and Utah, so there are 2 ways to get to the park, depending on which side you want to enter. The east side of the park is located in Colorado. This area gives access to the Green River and Yampa River. It’s off Highway 40, 2 miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado. The west side of the monument is in Utah. Visitors from this side will access Highway 40 and then take Utah Highway 149. 

There is no train service to Dinosaur National Monument.

There is no bus service directly to Dinosaur National Monument, but there is an option that can get you close. Greyhound has a station in Vernal, Utah , about 20 minutes from the park. This is a great way to enjoy the journey and not have the added stress of driving to the area.

The best way to get around at Dinosaur National Monument is by private vehicle. There are several sights to see, and the best way to access those is by driving, parking, and then exploring. The National Park Service offers printable and interactive maps to help you map out your excursions. 

What To See and Do in Dinosaur National Monument

There are so many things to see and do in Dinosaur National Monument. From discovering ancient fossils to white water rafting, hiking, and exploring petroglyphs of the past, there’s something that will interest every visitor.

Echo Park is in the heart of this national monument . The Yampa River flows into the Green River in this location and winds around Steamboat Rock, an enormous geologic feature of the park.

This area of the monument offers many opportunities for hiking and learning about the history of homesteading and ranching in the area. There are also camping, stargazing, and picnicking opportunities. Exciting features of the area are Whispering Cave and the Pool Creek Petroglyphs. 

Hiking is an excellent way to experience Dinosaur National Monument. There are several trails on the monument’s Utah and Colorado sides. Popular Utah trails include the Fossil Discovery Trail, the Sound of Silence Trail, and the Jones Hole Trail. Some visitor-favorite trails on the Colorado side are Harpers Corner, Ruple Point, and Gates of Lodore.

If you plan to hike, remember it’s desert terrain. Come prepared with plenty of hydration and sun protection.

The Jones Hole Creek area is a wonderful place to tour during a visit to Dinosaur National Monument. This area features a canyon carved by a creek, plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, pictographs, petroglyphs, and the Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery. 

There are several hiking trails here. The most popular trail is the Jones Hole Trail, which follows the creek for 4 miles. Another trail is the Island Park Trail. This trail leaves the Jones Hole Trail and takes visitors near the hatchery. 

Pictographs and petroglyphs can be seen at Deluge Shelter, which is about a mile and a half from the fish hatchery trailhead. The Fremont people created these historic artifacts over a thousand years ago. 

The Green River and Ely Creek Falls are incredible sites in this area. For those who like to fish, you can cast a line into the Jones Hole Creek, where rainbow and brown trout can be caught. 

Spending an entire day or more in the Jones Hole Creek area with so much to see and do in this part of the monument is easy. Should you need to spend more than a day, backcountry campsites are available to extend your adventures another day.

Quarry Exhibit Hall is located on the Utah side of the monument. This is one of the highlights of the park and a very popular tourist attraction. The main draw to this facility is the expansive wall of dinosaur bones. Some of the remains that can be seen include bones from the stegosaurus, diplodocus, and allosaurus.

Exhibits and an 80-foot-long mural tell the story of the animals that lived during the Late Jurassic period. This building is open all year, with varying hours depending on the season. It is closed for certain holidays, so check in advance for the opening hours. 

A popular activity at this national monument is river rafting . The Green River and Yampa River wind through this monument and the Unita Mountains, creating a thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts. Some of the top rafting locations in the monument include Warm Springs, Hells Half Mile, Rippling Brook, and Island Park.

Those who want to participate in the rafting opportunities can choose to go on a commercial guided or private trip. If choosing a private trip, visitors must obtain a permit before heading out. Rafting trips can be done in a single day or a multi-day of 4 to 5 days. 

There are 2 buildings serving as visitor centers at Dinosaur National Monument, 1 in each state where the park is located. 

Canyon Visitor Center

Canyon Visitor Center is located on the Colorado side of the monument and is the gateway to the monument’s mountains and river canyons. This visitor center is open daily in the summer and closed during the winter.

There are exhibits and a park film that teach about the natural and cultural history, as well as park rangers who are eager to chat with you and answer any questions. Before heading out, check the on-site bookstore for souvenirs, maps, and gift items. 

Quarry Visitor Center

Quarry Visitor Center is located on the Utah side of the monument. This is the gateway to the infamous Quarry Exhibit Hall and the massive wall of dinosaur bones. This building is staffed with park rangers to answer questions and help you plan your adventures.

There is also a gift shop, exhibits, and a theater that shows the park film. This visitor center is open year-round, with exceptions on holidays. The hours change seasonally, so checking the hours before heading here is wise.

Beginning your park excursions at one of the visitor centers is the best way to kick off an amazing experience at Dinosaur National Monument.

Best Times To Visit Dinosaur National Monument

Any time you can visit Dinosaur National Monument is a good time. Some times are better than others to plan a visit, especially if you’re hoping to participate in a specific activity or event.

If you love viewing the night sky and all things astronomy, you are in for a treat at Dinosaur National Monument. This monument has wonderful dark skies and incredible opportunities to check out the stars and learn from the rangers at the Night Sky Programs.

The best time to visit for night sky viewing is in September. There are several opportunities for Night Sky Programs during this month. Stargazing and observing the moon through telescopes is a magnificent way to enjoy this national monument. 

Exploring this monument without crowds is a wonderful experience as you can explore at your own pace. December is the best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument without dealing with crowds. It is quite cold this month, so bring plenty of warm clothing and cold-weather gear. 

Weather can easily make or break a vacation, so research the typical weather when you plan to visit. If you’re seeking the best time for ideal weather, plan to visit in September. The low temperatures are in the 50s, and the highs reach the mid-70s, perfect weather for hiking and exploring. There are typically just 4 days of rain this month, so rainfall is rare. But just to be safe, pack a rain jacket.

If you want to plan a trip to this national monument while going easy on your budget, plan to come from mid to late September. Once summer travel has ended and schools return to session, the park sees a dip in visitors, which means the surrounding towns have cheaper accommodation rates. Flights are also less costly at this time of year.

There aren’t any annual events that are held at Dinosaur National Monument. From late May to mid-October, several ranger-led events are held. These events include Night Sky Programs, Junior Ranger Programs, Geology Talks, and Campground Programs. Participating in these events is a great way to learn about the natural and cultural history of the monument. 

Where To Stay in Dinosaur National Monument

There is a multitude of lodging opportunities in and near Dinosaur National Monument. Whether you prefer camping or a luxury hotel, you can find the perfect option. Take a look at the accommodations in and near this national monument. 

The only option for lodging within the boundaries of Dinosaur National Monument is setting up under the stars for the night. This national monument has 6 campgrounds with over 120 sites available for those who enjoy a stay in the great outdoors.

The Utah side has 3 of the monument’s campgrounds, and the others are on the Colorado side. Each campground offers stunning views, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see the wildlife that calls this monument home.

The most popular campgrounds at this national monument are Green River Campground and Deerlodge Park Campground. Both of these are open year-round. Green River is located along the banks of the river, nestled into a grove of cottonwood trees. Deerlodge Park is 51 miles east of the visitor center and on the Yampa River. 

Other campgrounds within the park include Split Mountain Group Campground, Echo Park Campground, Rainbow Park, and Gates of Lodore Campground. 

There are several options for visitors who want to stay near Dinosaur National Monument. There are options on both the Utah and Colorado sides, so be sure to determine which will work best for your needs.

Rangely, Colorado

Rangely is an excellent place to stay on the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument. It takes about 20 minutes to get to this town from the monument. Lodges, hotels, campgrounds, and inns are some of the accommodation options; whatever your lodging preference, you can find the perfect choice here. 

There are only a few restaurants in this town, but there’s something for every palate. Coffeehouses, Mexican restaurants, and family-owned diners are where most people dine during their stay. Each restaurant is unique and loved by locals and tourists alike. 

When you aren’t touring the park, there are plenty of other things to do in Rangely. Many visitors enjoy touring the Rangely Automotive Museum or Rangely Outdoor Museum , picnicking by the reservoir, and touring the local wineries.

Book a stay in Rangely for a great place to set up a base camp on the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument.

Vernal, Utah

Vernal is the closest town to the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument. This town is about 17 miles from the park and has several lodging, dining, and recreation options.  Accommodations range from well-known hotels, locally owned motels, and budget-friendly inns. There are also several options for private rentals throughout the town. 

This town has dozens of restaurants with a wide variety of cuisine. Whether you crave authentic cultural foods, a sizzling slice of pizza and hot wings, or a juicy burger, there’s a solution here.

Recreation and entertainment abound here. Natural history parks, museums, live theaters, golf courses, and whitewater rafting are available. If you’re looking for a home base when visiting this national monument, look no further than Vernal. This town has everything you could need and more.

Where To Eat in Dinosaur National Monument

There aren’t any restaurants or dining options within the boundaries of Dinosaur National Monument, but there are plenty of options in the towns near the park. Should hunger strike, you are just a short drive from a delicious meal. Check out some of the top restaurants close to this park. 

Antica Forma is a well-known Italian restaurant in Vernal, about 20 minutes from Dinosaur National Monument. This restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta.

Salads, made-to-order pizzas, and signature pasta dishes are just some of the items found on the menu at this restaurant. Customers rave about garlic bread, asparagus soup, calamari, lasagna, and margherita pizza.

Antica Forma is a great place to unwind and refuel after a long day exploring the park. Be sure to take some time to enjoy this remarkable restaurant when visiting Dinosaur National Monument. 

Vernal Brewing Company is located in downtown Vernal, about 16 miles from Dinosaur National Monument. This gastropub and brewery is a top-rated restaurant.

The menu features unique culinary creations, including sandwiches, pizzas, pasta creations, and fresh salads. Popular menu items include the cheese steak fries, the bacon mushroom Swiss burger, and the Mediterranean pizza. Dozens of craft beers on tap are the perfect accompaniment for your meal. 

For a gourmet meal you won’t forget and a refreshing drink to end your day, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to dine at Vernal Brewing Company when visiting this area of Utah.

1. The New National Monument Was Established in 1915

President Woodrow Wilson established the Dinosaur National Monument on October 4, 1915. It was originally 80 acres and built to protect the Carnegie Quarry. 

2. The Fremont Are Indigenous Inhabitants

Artifacts and evidence show that people have lived in the area for at least 10,000 years. It’s believed that some of the main inhabitants were the Fremont people, and the petroglyphs and pictographs found within the monument’s boundaries are attributed to this group. Descendants from the Fremont still reside in the area.

3. The Park Expanded in 1938

On July 14, 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the park by 200,000 acres. 

4. Fossils Are on Display

Over 1,500 dinosaur fossils can be seen on the cliff face at Quarry Exhibit Hall. Not only can you see these ancient fossils, but there are several places where you can touch them. These fossils are believed to be 150 million years old. 

5. A Famous Paleontologist Discovered Significant Fossils

In 1909, a paleontologist, Earl Douglass, came to the Dinosaur National Monument area on a mission from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. His objective was to find intact dinosaur bones and send them to the museum for display. He searched for many weeks and discovered the first bones of what is now called Carnegie Quarry. This rock formation held over 350 tons of fossils and became one of the most significant paleontological finds in the 20th century. 

With so much to see and do at this national monument, you can rest assured that visiting this fantastic park will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. There’s something every traveler will enjoy at this park, from incredible hiking trails and discovering prehistoric fossils and petroglyphs to fishing and camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter dinosaur national monument.

The fee for entering Dinosaur National Monument is $25 per private vehicle, $20 for those entering on motorcycles, and $15 per person for individuals who enter on foot. These passes are good for 7 consecutive days. Visitors with NPS interagency passes such as the America The Beautiful annual pass can enter the monument at no additional cost.

How much time is recommended to explore Dinosaur National Monument?

This massive national monument can take up to a couple of weeks to explore. Most visitors will spend a day or 2 at this park, but spending a full week is ideal with so much to see.

What is the weather like at Dinosaur National Monument?

The weather at Dinosaur National Monument varies throughout the year. The winter temperatures can get as low as the mid-30s, and the summertime highs reach nearly 90 degrees. It typically rains 3 to 5 days of each month.

Is camping in RVs permitted at Dinosaur National Monument?

The campsites are open to both tent camping and RVs. There aren’t any hookups, so be prepared to make adjustments if you are accustomed to those.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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7 Best Things to Do in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

The #1 reason to visit Dinosaur National Monument is pretty obvious – the name gives the biggest attraction away. Even though dinosaurs were the reason we made a stop here on our U.S. Southwest road trip as well, it turns out there are quite a few unique things to see and do in the monument other than dinosaur fossils, so in this article I’ll go over the BEST things to do in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah that I believe are well worth putting on your itinerary!

PLEASE NOTE: This guide details things to do in the UTAH section of Dinosaur National Monument.

Dinosaur National Monument straddles the northern part of the Utah-Colorado border and is divided into two sections : the Utah and Colorado sides of the monument. Each section has its own entrance and visitor center (Quarry Visitor Center – Utah; Canyon Visitor Center – Colorado) . The two sections are NOT connected by any roads within the monument.

7 Best things to do in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

#1 Quarry Exhibit Hall

(The most obvious thing to do in Dinosaur National Monument goes first. Obviously!)

There are several places in Utah to visit if you want to see dinosaur fossils, but Dinosaur National Monument is probably the most impressive of them all. Again, just make sure to visit the UTAH SECTION of Dinosaur National Monument . The Utah side of the monument is the one to go to for dinosaur fossils; the Colorado side of the monument has none.

Generally, when visiting any national park or monument, it’s always a good idea to start the tour at the visitor center, so I suggest not skipping the one in Dinosaur National Monument either. Then, take a short trip (less than half a mile from the visitor center) to the Quarry Exhibit Hall where you’ll get a rare chance to see more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils .

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is built over a site of partially excavated bones of dinosaurs that roamed this area approximately 150 million years ago. (Courtesy of Earl Douglas, an American paleontologist who discovered the site in 1909.)

The Quarry Exhibit Hall presents an unforgettable way to see (and touch!) real dinosaur bones. It’s a pretty chilling experience whether you’re a dino enthusiast or not.

There is a nice collection of dinosaur bones displayed on the rock face, but the Camarasaurus skull (below) was our favorite.

If you come during the summer months, access to the quarry area is provided by a (free) shuttle bus due to very limited parking at the quarry.

#2 Tour of the Tilted Rocks

If you don’t want to do a lot of walking on your visit and would prefer to see as much as you can from the comfort of your vehicle, the monument’s auto tour – the Tour of the Tilted Rocks – is singlehandedly the next best thing to do in Dinosaur National Monument for you!

…On the chance you’re the complete opposite, you’ll be satisfied, too. There are several places along the route that will give you the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the area.

The Tour of the Tilted Rocks is the monument’s scenic road that packs several of its highlights into roughly 10 miles (one way). It will take you around one hour to complete.

The route starts at the visitor center and has 15 marked points of interest . Consider purchasing an inexpensive guide at the monument’s visitor center for detailed information about each stop. Some of the highlights include amazing petroglyphs and a historic cabin (both included on this list).

The Tour of the Tilted Rocks is paved except for the final 2 miles. It’s easily passable in any standard car (no super low clearance) – weather allowing. The last few miles aren’t maintained in the wintertime which can make access difficult or impossible at times (you’re looking at approx. 5,000 feet elevation – weather averages and snowfall at the end of the post).

#3 Petroglyph panels

Out of the several petroglyph sites in Dinosaur National Monument, two are located in the Utah section of the monument right along the scenic drive (Tour of the Tilted Rocks – above):

• Swelter Shelter
• Cub Creek Petroglyphs

The artwork at both sites was created by the Fremont people who inhabited these canyons between 200 and 1300 A.D.

The Swelter Shelter is a small petroglyph panel with only a few designs. It’s located 1 mile east from the visitor center along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks (scenic drive) just about 200 feet from the road – no hiking required, easy access to the panel.

As for the Cub Creek Petroglyphs , this is – hands down – one of the MOST IMPRESSIVE petroglyph sites we’ve had a chance to see up close so far in the Southwest U.S. (another in our top few is this hidden gem – also in Utah). These petroglyphs are an absolute must-do in Dinosaur National Monument if you were to ask me, and you can spend as little or as much time here exploring the site.

The Cub Creek Petroglyphs are located along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks (scenic road) past the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs, about 9 miles east from the visitor center. There are several panels here – some require a little scrambling to access. This site also features rare Fremont rock art.

There are several hiking trails to choose from in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument that are fun and relatively easy, even for kids. Just keep in mind that this is desert hiking – bring good shoes, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Some of the trails in the monument are very low-key and more than suitable for non-hikers as well, so if you’re looking for things to do in Dinosaur National Monument and don’t hike, keep an open mind and don’t scroll past just yet!

The unique thing about hiking in Dinosaur National Monument (besides the gorgeous scenery for the most part…) is that the trails here are very lightly trafficked compared with other nearby national parks. Chances are good you’ll have most of the trails pretty much all to yourself, especially if you come outside of the busy season (early fall through early spring is generally slow time in the monument).

Near the visitor center:

• Fossil Discovery Trail – a relatively short educational hike featuring various fossil areas. This trail is suitable for non-hikers as well, though one section may be too much in the summer heat, and some sections may be slippery.

Within 2-5 miles from the visitor center:

• Sound of Silence – a loop hike a little over 3 miles long with spectacular views. A must-do in Dinosaur National Monument if you like to hit the trails!!
• Desert Voices – a 2-mile nature hike with stellar views. Can be combined with the Sound of Silence Trail. Higher traffic than Sound of Silence.
• River Trail – 2 miles on a path that connects two of the monument’s campgrounds. Exposed, some drop-offs, scenic views. This trail allows leashed pets.

10 miles from the visitor center:

• Box Canyon Trail – a super short scenic stroll (barely a hike) near the Josie Morris Cabin .
• Hog Canyon Trail – a longer hike in the same area of the historic cabin (1.5 miles round trip, easy).

#5 Josie Morris Cabin

The Josie Morris Cabin is the last stop on the scenic drive (Tour of the Tilted Rocks). The road ends here.

The historic cabin is part of a homestead that once belonged to Josie Bassett Morris who was a rather fascinating character of the Old West .

The National Park Service doesn’t share much information about Josie beyond some of the basics, but I had this bizarre obsession to find out more about her – and I’m so glad I did! You gotta read about the life of Josie Bassett Morris before visiting her cabin for a deeper understanding of what the cabin stands for.

You can go inside the cabin and walk around the homestead grounds. It’s so incredibly peaceful here and lush and scenic – Josie sure knew how to pick her spot! This is the best spot in Dinosaur National Monument for a picnic.

See what the cabin looked like back in the day compared with today (I may be biased, but I find the BEFORE pictures entirely fascinating).

#6 Stargazing

It’s no secret that many famous locations across Utah are considered a hot spot for dark skies. But did you know that Dinosaur National Monument is ALSO a prime spot to watch the starlit skies despite of not being widely talked about?

We’ve never seen the Milky Way clearer than right here in Dinosaur National Monument.

The best way to experience the spectacular canopy of stars is of course by camping here, but if you prefer to just pop in and out, the monument is open 24 hours a day.

#7 Green River Campground

There are 3 established campgrounds on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument (details here ). The most accessible one that doesn’t cater exclusively to groups is the Green River Campground, located 4 miles from the Quarry Visitor Center along Cub Creek Road (Tour of the Tilted Rocks scenic drive).

Here is what’s unique about the Green River Campground in Dinosaur National Monument:

• Just imagine all the dinosaurs stomping around…
• Desert camping right by the river. (Some sites have a private beach and river access.)
• The night skies!
• Many sites have decent shade.
• Several sites are very spacious and secluded.
• The time stands still here. It’s just one of those places.

Other than that, this is a pretty basic campground, so don’t expect any showers or hookups here. But you do have your basics like flushing toilets and running water.

Bonus points: this campground is generally much slower to fill compared with other Utah national park campgrounds.

FYI: Watch out for chipmunks! They were oh so cute until about the time they got comfortable enough to want to dine with us. Which didn’t take long at all. They’ll also chew through anything of yours that’s chew-worthy which sums up to pretty much everything you own, so don’t leave things out unattended.

Oh but the highlight of our stay at the Green River Campground???

A snake catching and eating a mouse right in front of our eyes. Yup, that was definitely new.

Best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

Below is the average year-round weather for the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument to help you with planning. The peak season is highlighted and runs from May to September.

Know before you go:

• In order to see dinosaur fossils , remember that you must head to the Utah section of the monument . (The Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument is extraordinary in its own way, but you won’t find any dinosaur fossils there.)
• Access to the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument is off Highway 40 in northeastern Utah, about 6 miles north of Jensen, Utah. (See the map at the beginning of this page for details.)
• During the peak season, the FREE shuttle that connects the Quarry Visitor Center with the Quarry Exhibit Hall runs about every 15 minutes between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. It’s a short fun ride (for a second there you’ll feel like entering the actual Jurassic Park!). In the off-season or if you travel with a pet, you can drive up to the Quarry Exhibit Hall in your own vehicle.
• There is a fee to enter the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument. The 7-day auto pass (valid for 7 consecutive days) costs $25.00 if you don’t have the annual America the Beautiful Pass. Check the monument’s website for current operating hours, updates, and any closures.
• Pet policy: pets are not allowed on most trails within Dinosaur National Monument, on the shuttle, or in any of the buildings. Two areas in the Utah section of Dinosaur National Monument that allow pets are: the short trail to the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs, and the River Trail. Other than that, leashed pets are allowed within 100 feet of developed areas and roads, in parking lots, campgrounds, and river launches.
• No services are available in Dinosaur National Monument. The closest towns are Jensen, Utah (6 miles away from the Quarry Visitor Center) and Vernal, Utah (13 miles NW of Jensen).

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A Visitor’s Guide to Dinosaur National Monument

Visit the real Jurassic Park at this homage to dinosaurs—including more than 1,500 150-million-year-old fossils—near the border of Utah and Colorado.

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Chances are you’ve heard of Dinosaur National Monument but have never been there. Or, if you’re a Colorado native, you visited it as a kid but haven’t been back since. Dinosaur National Monument is only about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver, through Steamboat Springs via one route and Rangely and Rifle on another, making it an easy—not to mention awe-inspiring—weekend getaway or stopover on a tour of northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah (think Moab and Arches National Park).

Dino monument has “dinosaur” in its name for a reason, but there is plenty to do after you discover its fossils—from hiking, river rafting, and camping to learning about the Fremont people, who lived in this area about 1,000 years ago, and homesteaders. It’s considered a cold or semi-arid desert, so December through February are the coldest months to visit. But, as Coloradans know so well, the weather can be quite pleasant in those months, depending on the year, your tolerance level, and whether or not you plan to camp during your stay. Here, what you need to know to make the trek to the original Jurassic Park.

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• Colorado by Nature: Dinosaur National Monument’s Echo Park

So, You Want to See Some Bones?

Most of Dinosaur National Monument sits in Moffat County, Colorado, but you have to go to the Utah side to see the fossils. The nearest sizable town on the Utahn side is Vernal (population: 10,291), while the nearest town to the Colorado side is Dinosaur, Colorado (population: 312), which boasts diverting dinosaur-named streets but few motels or eateries.

Start your tour of at the Quarry Visitor Center, 19 miles from Vernal. From late May to mid-September, it’s open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. From mid-September to late May, it’s open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Here, you can ask rangers questions about the monument, buy an inexpensive guide to the Tour of the Tilted Rocks (a scenic drive on nearby Cub Creek Road), visit the gift shop, and then take a shuttle or hike to the Quarry Exhibit Hall (0.25 miles from the visitor center). Kids can also get their national monument stamps and take part in the Junior Ranger program.

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is where you’ll see the majority of the monument’s dinosaur fossils. Many natural history museums display casts of dinosaur fossils, and while Dino National Monument has some casts on display, it also exhibits real dinosaur fossils from the Jurassic Period—about 150 million years old— that you can actually touch (a shiver-inducing experience). These are some of the same dinosaur bones that paleontologist Earl Douglass found in 1909, establishing the dinosaur quarry that later become Dinosaur National Monument. You can also buy an inexpensive guide to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, and it has similar peak-season and off-season hours as the Quarry Visitor Center. In peak season, a shuttle leaves for the Exhibit Hall from the Visitor Center every 15 minutes, and there are special rules for shuttling there in the off-season. Or, you can hike there (or back) on the Fossil Discovery Trail .

The aptly named Fossil Discover Trail cuts through tilted rock layers, exposing a variety of rocks and three separate fossil areas, including one featuring a few large pieces of dinosaur bones just as paleontologist Douglass would have found them. Further on, you’ll see petroglyphs of the Fremont people—one of several places to spot them in the monument. The trail offers an amazing opportunity to see real dinosaur and other prehistoric fossils and petroglyphs in and on rock walls as you hike through a series of steep ridges, but be prepared for desert hiking and slippery-when-wet conditions.

How to Explore Dinosaur National Monument on Foot

Just like the monument was originally established to preserve the quarry but later extended to include more than 210,000 additional acres, you’ll come for the dinosaur fossils and stay for the rivers, canyons, and desert mountains. Additional hiking trails in the area include the Sound of Silence Trail and River Trail, a four-mile trek that follows Green River and provides dramatic views of one of Dinosaur’s most prominent features, Split Mountain. In the morning and at dusk, hikers often spot wildlife along the river. According to the National Park Service (NPS) website, Box Canyon and Hog Canyon, both on the Utah side, are excellent hikes for young kids. These are Dinosaur National Monument’s lower elevation trails.

On the Colorado side, the heart of the Monument’s canyon country, Ruple Point Trail, a 9.5-mile loop, goes through rolling, sagebrush-speckled terrain, and ends with a jaw-dropping view of Split Mountain Canyon and Green River below. At the end of Harpers Corner Road is Harpers Corner Trail, a three-mile trail that also culminates with a view of Green River and the surrounding canyons. Other Colorado-side trails include Mitten Park Trail in the remarkable Echo Park , reachable by raft, or the rough, unpaved Echo Park Road (high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended) off Harpers Corner Road. These are the higher-elevation trails.

More remote trails include Bull Canyon Trail, Island Park Trail, Gates of Lodore Trail, and Jones Hole Trail. Off-trail hiking is an option for the more adventurous explorer, but make sure to bring a map and compass and know how to use them, and check in with a park ranger before heading out. Most of Dino’s hiking trails aren’t pet friendly, but River Trail on the Utah side and Cold Desert Trail on the Colorado side do allow pets. Make sure to be aware of where your pet can and can’t go because, well, desert conditions, cars, and pets don’t always mix.

Where to Stay While Visiting the  Dinos

Weather permitting, camping is one of the best ways to experience Dinosaur National Monument. The area includes six different campgrounds with over 120 sites. Three campgrounds are located on the Utah side of the monument (Green River, Split Mountain, and Rainbow Park with Green River being the closest to the Quarry) and the three are on the Colorado side (Echo Park, Deerlodge Park, and Gates of Lodore). Prices and availability of water vary with the seasons. Check out the NPS website for more information.

Nearby Vernal, Utah, has plenty of lodging options. Mom-and-pop run motels line Main Street, which becomes a highway at either end of town where you’ll also find recognizable hotel chains. You’re not likely to find lodging in Dinosaur, Colorado, so plan on hoteling it in Vernal if you aren’t camping.

If You Do One Thing…

Tour the area by car. Dinosaur National Monument offers two scenic drives. The Tour of Tilted Rocks , a scenic drive along Cub Creek Road, passes through pictograph- and petroglyph-marked cliff walls, Split Mountain, a longstanding ranch, and an old homesteading site with views of rust- and ochre-colored canyons on a 24-mile, roundtrip drive.

You can also view petroglyphs and pictographs at Jones Hole Fish Hatchery, Pool Creek along the Harpers Corner Drive, and a handful of other places at the Monument. Petroglyphs (carvings into rock walls) are more common at the Monument than pictographs (paintings on stone). You’ll recognize human shapes and animal shapes such as sheep and lizards and also notice abstract designs.

The second auto tour, the Harpers Corner Scenic Drive , is a 31-mile, one-way route that takes you from the Canyon Visitor Center to Harpers Corner by Plug Hat Butte and several outstanding lookouts over the Green and Yampa rivers. Steamboat Rock hides the confluence of the two rivers from view at the Echo Park overlook.

No matter when you visit Dinosaur National Monument and how long you stay, there’s always something new to discover at this striking and historic monument.

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An Unforgettable Visit to Dinosaur National Monument

Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Grant

If there is one national park site that deserves to be redesignated a “National Park,” it’s Dinosaur National Monument. Spanning across the border of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado, this park is best known for its dinosaur fossils. But there is much more to enjoy here. When visiting Dinosaur National Monument, we urge you to allow yourself plenty of time to explore this vast and varied park.

In addition to dinosaur fossils, the park is home to dramatic canyons carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers. You’ll also find evidence of native peoples and modern homesteaders. Additionally, one of the best ways to see the park is on a whitewater rafting trip. Yep, this national monument pretty much has it all!

We first visited Dinosaur National Monument together in 2014. That was a very quick trip, tent camping just one night in the park. We’ve been wanting to come back ever since and quickly added it to our 2022 summer itinerary when historic flooding in Yellowstone forced us to alter our entire summer trip. 

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Planning a Visit to Dinosaur National Monument

When planning your visit to Dinosaur National Monument, the first thing you need to know is that there are two main sections of the park. The dinosaur fossils are found on the Utah side, which is accessed from the not-really-a-town of Jensen. Note: the town of Vernal, UT is just about 15 minutes west of Jensen and is a reasonably-sized city.

Here, you’ll find the main visitor center and the fossil quarry. There are also a few hikes, prehistoric rock art and a homesteader’s cabin from the early 1900s. This section of the park is easy to visit and truly is the heart of the park. But it’s not the entire park and we hope you’ll explore more!

The Colorado side of the park, accessed from the almost-town of Dinosaur, is where you will find the most dramatic landscapes. The 31-mile paved Harpers Corner Road takes you past several overlooks of the wind- and water-carved canyon landscape. From here, you’ll also find access to a couple of unpaved roads that visitors with a high clearance vehicle can explore. 

I know that most people probably visit Dinosaur National Monument just for the dinosaur fossils. But, the surrounding landscape is something that pictures just don’t do justice and we hope you’ll plan the time to enjoy all the park has to offer!

Dinosaur National Monument also extends north along the Green River. That area of the park can be accessed via unpaved roads and hiking trails for those who are truly looking for a remote adventure and are self-sufficient. That is an area that we’d like to explore when we’re retired and have more time. 

When to Visit Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is open year-round, with temperatures ranging from highs in the 30s in the winter to 80s and 90s in the summer. Summer is the busy season and while daytime temperatures can be high, lows are generally fairly mild. In the winter, snowstorms can close the park temporarily.

Honestly, though, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Dinosaur National Monument. With warmer summer temperatures, you’ll also have the option to go whitewater rafting (more on that below). Additionally, the “busy” summer season does not necessarily mean large crowds, especially when compared to more popular parks or those that are easier to access. 

Visiting Dinosaur National Monument on the Utah Side

So, what exactly should you do when visiting Dinosaur National Monument? Start at the Quarry Visitor Center, on the Utah side. Here you should view the park film and see exhibits on the geology and history of the park. From there, take the shuttle to the Quarry Exhibit Hall (you can drive yourself during the off-season). This is where you can see and touch the dinosaur fossils!

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a two-story building that was built around the side of a mound where more than 1,500 fossils were found. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the initial fossil discovery, the types of fossils found here, where the fossils are today and, of course, replicas of some of the most impressive discoveries. 

You can view the cliffside that still holds dinosaur fossils from both the first and second floors. It is always equally impressive to us to see complete skeletons in exhibits and individual bones in their original resting place. That is exactly what you’ll find here at the quarry.

The biggest treat? You can actually touch some of the fossils!

I would expect to spend about 30 minutes at the quarry, though those with a particular interest in dinosaurs could certainly spend much longer.

Fossil Discovery Trail

From the Quarry Exhibit Hall, we recommend that you take the one-mile Fossil Discovery Trail back to the Visitor Center. In this direction, the trail is an easy downhill walk that takes you through the exposed rock layers where many fossils have been found. Several short side-trails take you to closer viewpoints of various fossils.

While this trail is short and easy to follow, we still recommend that you carry water, especially in the summer. There is no shade at all along the trail and it is easy to become dehydrated even on a quick hike through the desert. 

In all honesty, we broke our own rules and hiked this trail in 90-degree temperatures with no water. Because of that, we did not stop at all and know that we missed some good sights. It took us about 20 minutes to make it to the visitor center and we were definitely feeling the lack of water at that point. 

Seriously, be better prepared than we were… Take water with you up to the Quarry Exhibit Hall if you think there is even a chance you might want to hike this trail back to your car.

Drive Cub Creek Road

From the Quarry Visitor Center, Cub Creek Road continues east for another 10 miles. This drive is more than worth your time. Not only will you see some spectacular scenery, but you’ll also find prehistoric rock art and get to visit one of our favorite places in the entire national park system: the Josie Morris cabin.

Along the road, you’ll find several pullouts that offer an opportunity to spot both petroglyphs and pictographs. Take your time and stop at as many of these as you can. You’ll find signs along the road marking the stops. You can also purchase a guide at the visitor center if you want to explore more in-depth.

You can also take the turn off to go north towards Split Mountain, which offers great views of the mountain itself and allows you to get right on the water at the boat launch for views of the Green River.

Josie Morris Cabin

At the end of the road, you’ll arrive at the Josie Morris Cabin. The story of Josie Morris captured us on our first visit to Dinosaur National Monument, back in 2014. It’s remained a favorite of ours ever since. Josie Bassett Morris established a homestead in what is now Dinosaur National Monument in 1913. 

Morris was a wild character, divorcing four times during an era when divorce was extremely rare. Not surprisingly, she was also exceptionally independent. She built her cabin and lived alone for much of the second part of her life. Her son and his wife lived with her briefly and grandchildren visited in the summers but, otherwise, she lived by herself in this remote area for nearly 50 years.

Today, you can visit her cabin and take a couple of short hikes through her land. While here, take time to ponder if you have what it takes to cultivate life on this land until the age of 90!

Hiking at Dinosaur National Monument

If you’re visiting Dinosaur National Monument in the summer, finding a good hike is not easy. Of course, that is really only because hiking in the summer heat in the desert can be tricky. Near the Josie Morris Cabin, you’ll find two good options that can both be enjoyed on a hot and sunny day.

Both the Box Canyon and Hog Canyon trails leave from the small parking area at the cabin and take you into a box canyon. A box canyon is a canyon that is surrounded on three sides by canyon walls with only one entrance and exit. Josie Morris used both of these box canyons to keep livestock.

The Box Canyon trail is the shorter of the two, at only 0.5-miles round trip. The vast majority of the trail is shaded and it is perfect for those with limited time. There also is very little elevation gain, though the trail is uneven and rocky in places.

The Hog Canyon trail is about 1.3-miles roundtrip and offers a wider variety of scenery as it passes through some open grassland before heading into a different box canyon. Much of the trail is shaded, but you will find some open and sunny areas. It also has slightly more elevation gain than the Box Canyon Trail, though it is still a relatively easy hike. 

We enjoyed both hikes but I don’t know that doing both of them is completely necessary. Choose whichever one is best for you and your preferences.

Visiting Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado Side

On the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument, you can start with a quick visit to the Canyon Visitor Center. Honestly, this visitor center is not nearly as big or modern as the one in Utah. Still, it’s a good place to talk to a ranger if you are considering driving any of the unpaved roads.

From there, continue down Harpers Corner Road. Along the road, there are several overlooks with exhibit signs on the history and geology of the landscape. A few of them have short trails (5-10 minutes) that take you to additional viewpoints. Take your time and stop at as many of these overlooks as you can. 

The only hike that we did was just a short loop around the Plug Hat Butte picnic area. Instead, we saved our time to drive the unpaved Echo Park and Yampa Bench roads. With additional time for hiking, the Harpers Corner Trail would be our suggestion. That trail takes you 1.5 miles (one way) to even better views of the Green River. 

Echo Park 

Off of Harpers Corner Road, the unpaved Echo Park Road takes you 13 miles down into the heart of Dinosaur’s canyon area. These roads are impassable when wet and are recommended for high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive only. Honestly, though, the drive to Echo Park really wasn’t too bad and is well worth your time, if your vehicle can handle it.

Pro Tip: make sure you have emergency supplies and can handle common emergencies (such as a flat tire) on your own before heading onto any unpaved road such as this one. There is no cellular service and help may be hours away. 

Along the road, be sure to stop at the following three attractions as you near Echo Park at the end of the road. 

The first of these is Chew Ranch, another old homestead that was established in 1910. Second is the Pool Creek Petroglyphs, which are quite different from others found around the park. These petroglyphs feature a dot pattern, whereas others are more traditional figures. 

Finally, be sure to stop at Whispering Cave, a natural sandstone cave right off the road. I’m not sure how the cave got its name but as you step inside you’ll immediately notice a huge drop in temperature in the summer. 

At Echo Park, you’ll find the confluence of the Yampa and Green Rivers, flowing around a massive wall known as Steamboat Rock. This is one of the most photographed and recognizable spots in the entire park. 

From here, retrace your path back to Harpers Corner Road or, with more time, continue east on Yampa Bench Road for even more of an adventure.

Yampa Bench Road

The Yampa Bench Road is another unpaved road that continues east from Echo Park Road for 18 miles to the park’s southeastern border. From there, additional unpaved county roads take you back to the main highway (US 40). The National Park Service strongly recommends that only high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles attempt to drive this road. 

Yampa Bench Road follows a large flat area (a bench) above the Yampa River. Along the way, a few turnouts offer fantastic viewpoints of the river and canyon walls. Seriously, just when you think the scenery can’t get any better, it does!

This road is definitely rougher than Echo Park Road, with many rocky sections and a few areas of soft sand. In fact, we actually got a flat tire driving Yampa Bench Road. Thankfully, we were at a spot where we were quickly able to get to mostly flat ground. The only downside is that there really wasn’t any room for another vehicle to get around our truck. 

But, we hadn’t seen many vehicles at all throughout the day and there really weren’t any other options for us. So, we got to work. 

Flat Tire on Yampa Bench Road

We quickly retrieved the instruments necessary to access our spare tire, which is stored under the bed of the truck. What we did not anticipate is that our key would not work to disengage the lock. We tried both mine and Grant’s, with no luck. In the process, Grant actually broke off my key in the lock.

I’ll admit, that’s when the panic almost set in for me. As I said, we had seen very few other cars all day. We had no cell phone service and were miles from any kind of help. I quickly realized that while we had some extra water, we probably didn’t have enough for a true emergency such as this one.

Grant continued to fight with the lock, trying to pry it off. I tried not to panic. After what felt like forever but was really only about 15 minutes, another vehicle approached. Of course, he had no option but to stop and, graciously, offered his help. He and Grant used multi-tools and the tire iron to pry the spare tire lock off the truck. 

We had a bit of difficulty with the jack but eventually got everything stabilized and were able to get the tire changed. All told, it took us about an hour. With 90-something-degree temperatures, the sun beating down on us and almost no humidity, it felt like an eternity. At that point, as pretty as the drive was, we just wanted it to be over. Unfortunately, we still had nearly two hours to go before we got back to the paved road! 

Preparing for Travel Emergencies

I don’t tell this story to scare you but to help you make sure you’re prepared. Honestly, we should have been more prepared. We have never had to access our spare tire and never thought to check to make sure we could. Lesson learned. 

We travel with basic supplies for an emergency, including an extra lug wrench, shovel, ax, emergency blankets and emergency food bars. Actually, we even have a cell phone booster that we could have tried to use if we needed to. What we didn’t have, though, was extra water. 

Everything turned out fine in this instance. But, if we had had to wait an extended period of time for help, we would have needed more water. Yes, we put two extra gallons in the truck the next day. And it stayed there for the rest of our summer road trip through the desert.

I hope our story will inspire you to make sure you’re prepared before driving this road, or any other backcountry road. The scenery along this drive was absolutely amazing and definitely worth the effort. Just make sure you’re prepared.

Read our article on dealing with travel emergencies.

Rafting in Dinosaur National Monument

Thankfully, we had plenty of other positive experiences while visiting Dinosaur National Monument to more than make up for this one mishap. Our favorite was whitewater rafting through the park. 

Seriously, as great as the scenic drives are, rafting in Dinosaur National Monument is one of the best ways to see the park. Not only it is even more remote than the Colorado section, but it’s also just plain exhilarating! If you’ve never been whitewater rafting, this really is a good place to start.

Additionally, there are many sections of the park that you cannot access any other way. There are very few roads and, actually, not many trails through the park. Getting onto the water opens up many more opportunities for enjoying the scenery, wildlife and adventure!

I went whitewater rafting with my family growing up. Grant had been several times both as a child and as an adult. But, we’d never been rafting together. We’ve both wanted to go, we just never had the right opportunity at the right time.

Rafting with Adrift Dinosaur

Once we confirmed our visit to Dinosaur National Monument, we made reservations with Adrift Dinosaur. We just did the one-day trip that takes you on the Green River through Split Mountain Canyon. 

We met the guides at the office that morning. After getting fitted with life vests and helmets, we hopped in the van and started the 45-minute journey to the river put-in spot (at Rainbow Park). Along the way, we made a quick stop to view some of the best petroglyphs in the park, the McKee Spring Petroglyphs. Seriously, we saw petroglyphs in many different areas of the park and these really are some of the most concentrated and best preserved. Getting a bit of a guided tour really was an unexpected treat.

Pro Tip: You can visit these petroglyphs on your own by driving Island Park Road from the Utah side of the park. The road is unpaved but in good condition and suitable for any vehicle. A road sign marks the location of the petroglyphs. 

What to Expect When Rafting

At the river, we got a full safety talk and instructions for paddling and set off down the river. We encountered several Class II and III rapids fairly quickly and, while we all got soaked, at least we did not have any “out of boat” experiences!

Overall, the rapids weren’t too crazy. We had some big waves to contend with, at times, but no big drops. And nothing super scary in terms of rocks. Rafting in this section of Dinosaur National Monument really is a good introduction to whitewater rafting.

After about an hour, we stopped for lunch. The guides set up everything while we had time to hang out on the beach. Some of the kids enjoyed splashing around in the water. 

Lunch consisted of bean burritos with tortilla chips and cookies. I’ll admit, I was kind of expecting pre-made turkey sandwiches, or something similar. Getting to make my own burrito with a variety of toppings really was a pleasant surprise.

After lunch, we continued paddling for about another hour, over several more Class II and III rapids. Along the way, we saw a few bighorn sheep (ewes and lambs) along the river bank. Some of the babies were really small and extremely cute!

We exited the river at the Split Mountain Campground and Boat Dock, which is in the Utah section of the park. 

Overall, we had a great time and the only thing that I would change is for it to have lasted longer! Our boat guide was fantastic: very knowledgeable and personable. She made sure we were all prepared for a safe adventure before we started out. On the river, she guided us on when to paddle, when to rest and helped us all stay in the boat through all the rapids!

Where to Stay Near Dinosaur NM

If you want to stay inside or near Dinosaur National Monument, you’ll need to be prepared to camp. We tent camped at the Green River Campground inside the park on our first visit. This time around, we wanted hookups for the camper, so we stayed at Outlaw Trail RV Park in Jensen.

The Outlaw Trail RV Park does not have any shade around the RV spots, but it is nice and clean. The grounds are kept free of junk and the bathrooms are absolutely spotless. As we entered the park, we were immediately greeted by the camp host, who was continually present throughout our entire 5-night stay.

There are several long pull-through campsites that are fairly close together. These were used by folks that were staying just one or two nights. Since we were staying longer, we were in a back-in spot a little farther back and had one spot between us and our closest neighbors on both sides.

The only negative about this campground is the lack of trees. But, it is the desert, so you can’t really complain about that too much.

Read our full campground review on RV Life here.

If you want to stay in a hotel, you’ll need to look in Vernal, UT, which is about 15 miles west of Jensen. There, you’ll find a few local inns and a couple of chains. We haven’t personally stayed at any of the hotels in Vernal. But, Grant’s sister stayed at the Dinosaur Inn & Suites later this summer and highly recommends it. She described it as having a charming motel vibe while also being updated and clean.

Read TripAdvisor Review and Book a Hotel in Vernal, UT

Where to Eat Near Dinosaur NM

For breakfast, we took the advice of our camp host and headed two miles down the road to Donnie’s . The menu consisted of several hearty breakfast options. Most meals are served with your choice of meat (eggs, chicken fried steak, pork steak), breakfast potatoes, and a choice of toast, pancake or biscuits and gravy.

I tried to keep it light and still ended up eating barely more than half the plate. Grant opted for chicken fried steak, which came with eggs, potatoes, and biscuits and gravy. It was a serious mound of food at a very reasonable price!

If you’re looking for a good home-style breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Donnie’s.

For dinner, we headed to Antica Forma Pizzeria in Vernal, which is located at the Dinosaur Inn. Their specialty is wood-fired pizza using fresh ingredients and house-made, hand-stretched mozzarella. All I can say is, wow, that was some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. Yes, it rivals the pizza we got in Italy!

The only downside is that they are so popular the kitchen got backed up. We had to wait quite a while to get seated while they got caught up with all the to-go orders along with a full dining room. But, once we got seated, we could tell they were working hard and doing everything they could to ensure folks had a great experience.

And, yes, the food was definitely worth the wait! 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Dinosaur National Monument

With dinosaur fossils, incredible scenery, prehistoric rock art and opportunities for rafting, there are plenty of different things to do when visiting Dinosaur National Monument. Really, there is something for everyone. In fact, after two visits, we can honestly say that Dinosaur National Monument is one of our favorite parks.

Yes, it is a remote park. For us, that is part of the appeal. Even when it’s busy, you won’t find anywhere near the crowds that you see at many other parks. And most of those people will be at the Quarry. Even just driving a few miles down the road to the Josie Morris cabin was an escape from the “crowd” at the visitor center. Head over to the Colorado side or get out on the river and you’ll see even fewer people. 

Whatever the appeal is for you, we hope that you’ll add a visit to Dinosaur National Monument to your next Colorado or Utah road trip!

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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10 Best Things to Do at Dinosaur National Monument

Seeing dinosaur bones, going rafting and more of our favorite things to do..

At Dinosaur National Monument in Utah and Colorado, viewing the wall of dinosaur bones is most certainly the headlining event. But beyond the Quarry Exhibit Hall with more than 1,000 dinosaur bones, there are spectacular sights and activities that attract adrenaline junkies and slow-paced leisure seekers alike. Here are our ten favorites.

1. See Dinosaur Bones

See and even touch 1,500 dinosaur fossils on the Wall of Bones in the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Eleven different species of dinosaurs were found at this quarry such as allosaurus, diplodocus, and stegosaurus. Attend a ranger talk, ask a ranger a question or study the 80-foot interpretive mural to learn more about the local giants.

Tip: Wait at the Quarry Visitor Center for your car to be escorted a quarter-mile to the exhibit hall or to board the shuttle bus, depending on the season. There are no trips to the exhibit hall after 5 p.m.

2. Do a Scenic Drive

Enjoy views of striped cliffs, a riverside trail and petroglyph panels lining the 10-mile Tilted Rocks Drive (Cub Creek Road) starting near the Quarry Visitor Center. Or cruise the 31-mile Harpers Corner Road starting near the Canyon Visitor Center for overlook views of rivers and canyons from above. Both drives give you plenty of reasons to stop and get out of the car. Inexpensive guide books are available at visitor centers.

Tip: At sunrise or sunset, take the 1-mile (one-way) trail at the end of Harpers Corner Road to see the sun light up the tops of Whirlpool, Lodore, and Yampa canyons.

Have a 4-wheel-drive high-axel vehicle? In dry summer weather, exit Harpers Corner Road to the unpaved Echo Park Road. After 14 miles of narrow road, sharp turns and steep decline, you’ll be rewarded with Dinosaur’s most iconic view of Steamboat Rock at the convergence of the Yampa and Green rivers. Park rangers suggest a clearance of nine inches or more under your vehicle, and when this road becomes wet, the red clay becomes like “black ice” making it impassible even with four-wheel-drive.

Tip: Think you can make it to Echo Park with your 2-wheel-drive compact car? Be prepared for towing fees of $1,000 or more.

Download a Park Map

3. Go Rafting

Two rivers converge inside Dinosaur National Monument at Echo Park’s Steamboat Rock. These are the Yampa River which is the last free-flowing, undammed river in Colorado and the tamer Green River, flowing from Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in the north. Take a guided multi-day trip on either river, or if you’re short on time, take the 9-mile one-day trip through Split Mountain Canyon on the Green River.

But don’t think that you’ll be missing out with a one-day rafting trip. From the minute you launch at Rainbow Park to the final takeout, you’ll paddle past incredibly sheer cliffs on both sides of the river featuring curved stripes resembling rainbows, vertical black streaks seemingly poured out of pockets in the canyon walls and otherworldly rock formations resembling white beehives.

Tip: Don’t bring your personal raft or kayak to the park and expect to get in the water without a permit. Experienced rafters of wild rivers should plan well in advance to enter the permit lottery at www.recreation.gov  for a rare chance to self-guide. For a reliable trip date, visitors should take a commercial rafting trip where the logistics and equipment are handled by professional, authorized concessionaires .

4. Take a Hike

Two of the most scenic loop trails are joined together by a short connecting trail to give you flexible hiking distances for all skill levels. Start at the Desert Voices Trailhead near the Split Mountain Campground and Picnic Area. The 1.5-mile loop is perfect for families with only 300 feet of elevation change. Stop at the interpretive signs scattered along the trail, including those made by children for children. Have more energy? Midway on Desert Voices, take the quarter-mile connecting trail to hop to the moderate-to-difficult Sound of Silence loop, adding another 3.2 miles to your trek.

Tip: There is no shade on the trails so bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.

5. Explore an Historic Building

In 1913, frontier woman Josie Bassett Morris established a self-sustaining homestead in the Cub Creek area of the park. She built her own cabin and lived there for the last 50 of her 90-year life. Visit her cabin at the end of Cub Creek Road to picnic at tables in the shade, or take one of the footpaths to explore Josie’s pond, chicken coop, outhouse and tack shed. Read more about Josie’s life including her five marriages, association with Butch Cassidy, cattle rustling and finding a loophole to retain the water rights from her spring in the Tilted Rocks tour pamphlet available for $1 at visitor centers.

Tip: There are no restaurants or grocery stores in the park, so pick up picnic supplies in Vernal, Utah , or Dinosaur, Colo. before you venture out for the day.

6. See Ancient Petroglyphs

Swelter Shelter is the most accessible of five Fremont people’s petroglyph viewing areas. Down Cub Creek Road from the Quarry Visitor Center, it’s just a 200-foot walk from the roadside parking lot to see a large rock panel of ancient carvings and paintings. There is also a petroglyph panel farther down the road after it turns to gravel. There you can see a panel from the road or a short steep path. The “Classic Vernal Style” of petroglyphs is prominent in the park, consisting of human-like figures with trapezoid bodies and elaborate jewelry and clothing. Abstract animals and designs are also common.

Tip: The most spectacularly large and vibrant petroglyphs are at McKee Springs on unpaved Island Park Road. The road is unpassable when wet. Check conditions before heading out.

7. Go Fossil Hunting

Pretend you’re Indiana Jones (or more accurately, paleontologist Earl Douglass) as you hike the Fossil Discovery Trail between the Quarry Exhibit Hall and the Quarry Visitor Center. Pay close attention to spot dinosaur bones and other fossils as the trail cuts through layers of rock. At the Morrison formation stop, you’ll see several identifiable dinosaur fossils just as Douglass found them 100 years ago. In the summer, it’s common for visitors to take the shuttle from the visitor center to the exhibit hall and then hike back down.

Tip: This 1.2 mile (one way) moderate trail becomes extremely slippery when wet. Also note that the road to the exhibit hall from the visitor center is gated at 5 p.m. so don’t leave your car at the exhibit hall while you go for a hike in the late afternoon.

8. Go Road Cycling or Mountain Biking

Take a bike ride along the road from Island Park to Rainbow Park. In dry weather, extend your ride to McKee Spring Petroglyphs, almost doubling your mileage.

Tip: Mountain biking is not allowed inside the park, but nearby Red Fleet State Park and McCoy Flats Mountain Bike Trail System each have beautiful trails that will challenge beginning mountain bikers to singletrack pros.

9. Stargaze at Split Mountain

It’s hard to get farther from the lights of civilization than in the middle of Dinosaur National Monument where the dark skies light up with stars and the Milky Way. Split Mountain Campground is the hub of the park’s night sky events with programs led by rangers and astronomy volunteers such as 1-2 mile hikes under a full moon and new-moon stargazing with telescopes and the naked eye. In summer of 2022, follow the “Stars” signs through the Split Mountain campground on Wednesday and Saturday evenings after dark.

Tip: Special nighttime events are also held at the Quarry Exhibit Building, at points along Harpers Corner Road and at Echo Park. Ask for program locations and times at a visitor center or call (435) 781-7700.

10. Go Snowmobling or Cross-Country Skiing

In wintertime, Harpers Corner Road is closed to cars past the Plug Hat picnic area because of snow, but you can bring your own snowmobile or skis and glide on the closed road. You’ll get a different view at the overlooks of icy rivers and canyons dusted with white.

Tip: Snowmobiles can travel on the road from Plug Hat to the Echo Park turnoff, but skiers can go the full distance to Harpers Corner Trail.

Looking for a place to stay near Dinosaur National Monument. Check out our suggestions .

Want to expand your vacation? Explore Vernal, Utah’s recreation areas and museums. Then head north to the gorgeous Flaming Gorge or go east to see hundreds of elk and the Sand Wash Basin wild horses in Moffat County .

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9 Fantastic Experiences Exploring Dinosaur National Monument

• Destinations
• United States

As visitors take in Dinosaur National Monument’s spectacular tilted rocks and maroon-and-gray-layered cliffs, it doesn’t take much imagination to envision spiny stegosauruses and sharp-toothed allosauruses ambling through the rugged landscape.

That is one of the beauties of the sprawling Dinosaur National Monument that straddles the border of Utah and Colorado. It very effectively takes you back eons to the time when mammoth prehistoric animals ruled. Not only do you get to see the area where the dinosaurs roamed, but you also have the opportunity to take in a “wall of bones” and even touch a dinosaur bone that dates back millions of years.

While Jurassic history is the obvious highlight of the national monument, it’s not the only feature worth checking out. On my recent July visit, I was also wowed by the scenic drives, the varied hiking trails, the ancient petroglyphs, and the lovely river scenes.

In fact, with its two distinct regions and countless sweeping vistas, Dinosaur National Monument seemed more like a national park to me than a national monument. Still, with just over 300,000 visitors per year, the 330-square-mile monument felt much less crowded than many of the popular national parks of the U.S. Southwest.

Here are nine fantastic things to do at Dinosaur National Monument. 

1. Soak Up History At Quarry And Canyon Visitor Centers

Dinosaur National Monument’s two visitor centers are great places to stop for information, souvenirs, and restroom breaks. As with most national parks and monuments, visitor centers should be the first stop for visitors.

The Quarry Visitor Center is located on the Utah side, not far from the towns of Jensen and Vernal . The Canyon Visitor Center is located on the Colorado side, not far from the town of Dinosaur.

Pro Tip: During the summer months, an open-air shuttle is available to take visitors on a short trip from the Quarry Visitor Center to the Quarry Exhibit Hall and back. Visitors can also drive their vehicles to the Exhibit Hall, but parking can get crowded there during busy times.

2. Touch Dinosaur Bones At Quarry Exhibit Hall

I had seen plenty of photos of the Quarry Exhibit Hall before my trip to Dinosaur National Monument, but its size and scope still took me by surprise. The hall is built into the side of a rock wall that had been partially excavated, revealing a massive cluster of dinosaur bones and fossils still embedded in the rock. It is definitely a sight to see!

The Exhibit Hall conveniently has two levels. One for viewing the quarry wall from above and a lower level for taking a close-up look at the bones. Both levels have interesting interactive displays that tell the history of the dinosaurs and archaeological discoveries through the years.

One of the highlights of the lower level is the exhibit where visitors are invited to touch a dinosaur bone that is still embedded in the rock wall. I loved watching the delighted kids take their turns touching the bones, and I got a thrill as well touching the bones that are said to date back 149 million years.

Pro Tip: 15-minute-long geology talks take place at the Quarry Exhibit Hall each day at 10 a.m. throughout the summer months. The talks meet up at the quarry shuttle stop.

3. Marvel At The Tour Of Tilted Rocks

Cool rock formations are virtually everywhere you look along the 10-mile Tour of Tilted Rocks scenic drive along Cub Creek Road. The paved route makes for an easy and spectacular introduction to the terrain of the Utah side of the Dinosaur National Monument.

Among the high points of the drive are the numerous sweeping views of the Green River, fascinating petroglyph rock art from ancient cultures, and displays of geologic layers such as the ones at Turtle Rock and the Sound of Silence Trailhead .

In order to take in all of the stops along the way, it’s best to plan at least two hours to drive the Tour of Tilted Rocks (more if you plan to do any of the hikes that start from trailheads along the road).

Pro Tip: Handy brochure guides are available for purchase at visitor centers that pinpoint the worthy stops along scenic roads.

4. Take In The Vistas On Harpers Corner Road

On the east side of the monument, just across the border into Colorado, visitors will find the beautiful Harpers Corner Road , a 31-mile (one-way) paved road that passes through sagebrush-covered rolling slopes and wonderful views of the canyons of the Green and Yampa rivers. Unlike the Utah side of the monument, Harpers Corner Road is not for viewing dinosaur bones or fossils.

Drivers approaching the Colorado side from the Quarry Visitor Center on the Utah side should expect a nearly 40-minute drive to get to the entrance of the Harpers Corner Road. From there, the national monument suggests allowing at least two hours for the round trip. Highlights along the route include the Plug Hat Butte , Island Park Overlook , and the Echo Park Overlook .

5. Drive Rugged And Scenic Echo Park Road

For adventurous visitors driving high-clearance vehicles, 14-mile Echo Park Road features stunning surroundings in the area where the Yampa River flows into the Green River, which winds around the formation known as Steamboat Rock.

Picnicking and camping are available in the area and the remoteness promises spectacular displays of stars in the night sky.

Echo Park is located 38 miles from the Canyon Visitor Center, the first 25 miles of which are on the paved Harpers Corner Road. The last 13 to 14 miles are over rugged dirt roads that are impassable during wet weather. For those who cannot make the Echo Park drive, a number of great views of the road and canyon are available at overlooks along Harpers Corner Road.

Pro Tip: The expansive Dinosaur National Monument has other remote and rugged scenic drives as well, including the 18-mile unpaved Island Park Road , and the 18-mile unpaved Yampa Bench Road . Both roads are rugged and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.

6. Hike The Trails

Hiking opportunities are numerous and varied throughout the Dinosaur National Monument. The monument’s website lists 14 different trails , ranging from easy to difficult.

Whether you’re looking for solitude in the Tilted Rocks or stunning views of the Plug Hat Butte, you will find it at Dinosaur. Here are three trails, from easy to moderate to difficult, that are worth checking out.

Plug Hat Trail

At just a half-mile in length, the Plug Hat Trail loop offers a wonderful payoff for little effort. The easy route, which is located along the Colorado side of Harpers Corner Road, follows a paved and accessible route to an overlook that features great views of the surrounding valley, as well as of the winding ribbon of the Harpers Corner Road.

Sound Of Silence Trail

Located along the Tour of Tilted Rocks Road on the Utah side, the Sound of Silence Trail is a 3.2-mile loop known for its solitude amidst the monument’s sea of rocks. Rated as moderate to difficult, the trail traverses Dinosaur’s interesting rock layers with views of Split Mountain.

Ruple Point Trail

At 9.5 miles round-trip, the Ruple Point Trail is rated as moderate to difficult, and the trail can be difficult to follow. Among the payoffs of hiking through the mostly rolling terrain filled with sagebrush and juniper are the eventual breathtaking views of Split Mountain Canyon and the Green River 2,500 feet below.

7. Check Out The Prehistoric Human Story

Along with its Jurassic history, Dinosaur National Monument also offers remarkable glimpses into early human cultures through its fascinating petroglyphs . Examples of the rock art left behind by native people are available in numerous spots along the Tilted Rocks route, as well as on several of the hikes.

One of my favorite places to take in the distinctive Fremont design was along the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive at Cub Creek. A 50-foot walk gets you to a cliff that features a panel of captivating trapezoidal human figures and spiral designs.

8. Raft The Green River

For a cool and exciting way to explore Dinosaur National Monument’s remote canyons, consider taking to the water. Rafting is a popular activity in the monument and groups of life-jacketed explorers regularly set out on the Green and Yampa Rivers.

The options for rafting the rivers include commercial guided trips and self-guided private trips . The national monument’s website includes a number of links to companies offering one-day trips, as well as multi-day trips.

9. Stargaze

Owing to its isolated location, Dinosaur National Monument is reportedly one of the darkest places remaining in the United States, and that makes for stellar stargazing . In 2019, the monument was certified as an International Dark Sky Park.

“Because there is little light pollution here, you can see the stars of our Milky Way galaxy with startling clarity,” the monument’s website states.

How To Get There

Dinosaur National Monument is fairly remote in eastern Utah/western Colorado. It is a three-hour drive from Salt Lake City, Utah, and a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver, Colorado. The closest town for accommodations and dining is Vernal, Utah , located about 20 minutes west.

When To Visit

Spring and Fall offer the mildest temperatures at Dinosaur National Monument with average highs in the mid-70-degree Fahrenheit range in September and the high 60-degree range in May. Summers are hot but pleasant with June and August posting average highs in the 80-degree range and reaching 90 degrees in July.

Explore these articles for more tips on traveling to national monuments:

• Best Experiences At Devils Postpile National Monument
• How To Spend A Perfect Day At Colorado National Monument
• How To Spend A Day At Montezuma National Monument

Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications.

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Visiting Dinosaur National Monument – An Amazing Guide

Do you love or do your little ones love dinosaurs? Are you wondering if Utah has a Dinosaur National Park? Well, it isn't a national park but visiting Dinosaur National Monument is where you will find real dinosaur bones! 

We recently went to the dinosaur quarry located on the Utah side of the Dinosaur National Monument. It is a site that your whole family will love. We love all the dinosaur Utah attractions and this is one worth visiting! 

Dinosaur National Monument is located in both Utah and Colorado. It borders the state line.

In this post, we are going to give a complete guide to visiting Dinosaur National Monument. We will list all the fun things to do at the dinosaur monument area so you can plan the perfect Dinosaur National Monument itinerary. 

Let's explore everything you can do when visiting Dinosaur National Monument! 

If you want to save this information for later be sure to Pin this to Pinterest.

Where is the Dinosaur National Monument Located?

Dinosaur National Monument is close to Vernal Utah , and Dinosaur, Colorado. Vernal, Utah is a great location to make your home base as there are many businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. Dinosaur National Monument is only 20 minutes away (19 miles).  

The dinosaur quarry is on the Vernal Utah side.

Dinosaur, Colorado is where the entrance to Dinosaur National Monument is on the Colorado side.  Although, you will still have to plan to drive another 30 miles to reach the dinosaur quarry which is located on the Utah side.

Dinosaur National Monument Utah Directions

Coming from Vernal, you will take U.S. Highway 40 in Jensen, then take Highway 149 north to the monument.

The entrance in Colorado is off of HWY 40 just two miles from Dinosaur, Colorado. 

Where Should I Stay When Visiting Dinosaur National Monument?

If you are wanting to stay in a hotel, Vernal, Utah is the best place. There are some great choices.  We stayed at Spring Hills Suites and loved it.  

If camping is more of the type of adventure you would like, there are six campgrounds accessible by roads within Dinosaur National Monument. 

On the park's east side, Gates of Lodore Campground is near CO-318 on the northern border of the monument. Deerlodge Park Campground can be accessed from Dinosaur Park Road east of Elk Springs.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Dinosaur National Monument?

Admission to Dinosaur National Monument is $20 per car (or is included in the America the Beautiful Pass) .

If you are planning on visiting Dinosaur National Monument you can check out the National Park website for  monument entrance fees .  

How much time should i spend when visiting dinosaur national monument.

The amount of time you spend when visiting the Dinosaur National Monument really depends on how much of the dinosaur monument park you would like to see. 

If you are only planning on seeing the Dinosaur National Monument quarry then you could be done in 2 hours. 

Dinosaur National Monument is 210,000 acres!  So you could easily spend a day or two exploring.  We decided to go for about 5 hours. However, we only visited the Dinosaur National Monument Utah side. We went to the dinosaur quarry and hiked the most popular trails on the Utah side.   

If you wanted to drive over to Colorado where another Dinosaur National Monument visitor center is located, you would want to plan an entire day.  There is also camping available in the park, so breaking up your visit over a couple of days might be a good idea.

What to Expect While Visiting Dinosaur National Monument Utah

Dinosaurs once roamed at Dinosaur National Monument. Their remains are still visibly embedded in the rocks located in the dinosaur quarry.

Today, the mountains, desert, and untamed rivers flowing in deep canyons are some of the landscapes you will see at Dinosaur National Monument.

Petroglyphs hint at earlier cultures. Later, homesteaders and outlaws found refuge at Dinosaur National Monument. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history, or scenery, Dinosaur National Monument really has it all.

Visiting Dinosaur National Park Visitor Centers

There are two visitor centers at Dinosaur National Monument.  One is on the Utah side and the other is on the Colorado side.

Dinosaur Utah Quarry Visitor Center

The Dinosaur National Monument Utah Visitor Center is located right as you enter the monument site on the Utah side.  This is where you will want to be to gain access to the dinosaur exhibit hall.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm (times may vary)

Canyon Visitor Center

The Canyon Visitor Center is located near the mountains and rivers and has more outdoor adventures that are available in the park.  Dinosaur fossils are not found near this visitor center.

9:00 am- 5:00 pm (times may vary)

Dinosaur Monument Quarry Exhibit Hall

The dinosaur monument quarry is one of the highlights of the entire park.  The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view the wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones.

You can see the remains of numerous different species of dinosaurs including Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus along with several others. These dinosaurs lived in the late Jurassic period.

Dinosaur National Monument Excavation Wall

The hall is an enclosed area that if you ignored the quarry wall, would look like a long two-story building. But what makes the hall so unique is that instead of fossils being displayed as you would expect in a museum, the main source of fossils is the quarry wall.

The building was built along where digging has occurred, and the fossils are still in the earth. You can reach out and touch some of these fossils.

There have been 13 dinosaurs that have been completely excavated in this area.

Dinosaur National Monument Utah Shuttle Bus

The only way to get to the Quarry Exhibit Hall is to take a shuttle bus or caravan from the Quarry Visitor Center. You will be able to access the shuttle bus when visiting the Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Center.

Dinosaur National Monument Hiking

As you prepare for Dinosaur National Monument hiking there are two areas to consider.  On the Utah side, there are six trails and on the Colorado side, there are three additional trails.  There are also remote or unmaintained trails that will not be included in our list. 

Hikes at Dinosaur National Monument

Hike to the petroglyphs.

Our first hike was to see the petroglyphs. 

1. Swelter Shelter

Location: A half-mile from the Quarry Visitor Center along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive Difficulty: easy walk, about 200 feet from the parking area Description: a variety of both petroglyphs and pictographs designs. Swelter Shelter has no protection from the sun so wear sunscreen. It is a flat path that comes to a rock wall. You can get close and examine the ancient writings.

2. Cub Creek

Location:  9 miles from Quarry Visitor Center along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive Difficulty: easy walk arriving at a panel with a variety of designs, about 50 feet from the parking area; moderately strenuous hike on ¼ mile trail. Description: petroglyph panels featuring a variety of typical Fremont designs, including several large lizard figures. Lizard figures are not common at other sites.

3. Pool Creek

Location:  about 37 miles from the Canyon Visitor Center along the Harpers Corner Scenic Drive Difficulty: easy walk, few feet from the parking area; driving on this road is hit or miss.  If the weather is bad do not plan to go.  Description: dotted pattern designs above the creek

Tour of the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive

We decided to take a 12-mile scenic drive down Cub Creek Road. Some of the stops along the way are the Swelter Shelter, Split Mountain viewpoint, Green River, Turtle Rock, and the Josie Bassets Morris Homestead. 

This drive allows you to get out of your car and explore.  There are many areas to park along the road.  The last 2 miles of the road leading to Josie's Homestead are unpaved.  We have a mini-van and it was able to handle the off-road adventure. 

Picnic at Josie's Cabin 

Our favorite part of visiting Dinosaur National Monument, besides the dinosaurs, was Josie's Cabin.  This abandoned cabin is a kid's dream.  Seriously, my kids did not want to leave. They loved exploring the cabin, pretending it was their house, and imagining different furnishings in each room. They could have played all day in it.  

History at Dinosaur National Monument

The history of the cabin and its owner is very interesting. We learned some about Josie at the cabin, as well as at a museum in Vernal.  Josie married five times, and then struck it out on her own until she died at age 90. She seemed to be a remarkable character, and through the generosity of those in the surrounding community, the cabin has been preserved.

We thought this area was perfect for a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables and bathrooms available in this area as well. 

Dinosaur National Monument Hiking – Box Canyon Trail

Location :  Box Canyon Trail near Josie's Cabin

Difficulty: Easy walk through woods.

Description:   Flat path through a forest; great views. It was shaded and relatively easy.

Visiting Dinosaur National Monument Gift Shop

After we explored the monument we headed back to Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center.  We were able to check out the gift shop and buy a few souvenirs. 

Prices were really reasonable and we were able to get a few things to help us remember our trip to Dinosaur National Monument.

Visiting Dinosaur National Monument

Are you ready to visit Dinosaur National Monument?  Hopefully, this helps you prepare and plan your Dinosaur National Monument itinerary so that you can have a great time exploring the area. 

There is also plenty of things to do in Vernal, Utah which is located nearby. This area is also a great place to plan a Utah family reunion .

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75 Comments

What a super cool National Park to explore. I know I would love to see the fossils in the quarry hall and the petroglyphs look super amazing. I love that these ‘pictures’ have survived all these years for us to explore and learn from.

Yes, it is so cool to learn and see these sites.

My boys would love to visit there! We have a similar dinosaur park in Alberta that we love to explore but it would be nice to take a trip there and tie this in with a visit to other areas of Utah.

Yes, there are so many National Parks and Monuments in Utah.

What a cool park! My son would love this. I’ll have to add it to my places to visit!

It is a dino lovers dream!

Hiking and dinosaurs what a kids dream. I love all the trails to be discovered. Go Josie, total rebel of her time.

She totally was a rebel.

Neat place! Super cool to learn about!

It is a fun site!

This place is so cool! Would love to hike these trails and check out the petroglyphs especially. And love that there’s an option to take a scenic drive to other places of interest.

Yes, just be prepared for some off-roading on the drives!

I want to take my grandson here. He loves dinosaurs.

This would be the perfect place!

This would be so fun! It’s so unique to have the fossils part of the walls still, instead of completely excavated! I’d love to hike here

It is a a great park!

What a great looking place to visit! I love anything educational AND interesting. so cool.

Totally best of both worlds

So fun! My kids would have loved this when they were young.

It is great for all ages.

What an awesome place! I had no idea about this this park! I’ll definitely have to save this for future reference. That wall with the bones still in looks really neat; my family would love to see this.

It is in a pretty remote area!

This looks sooooo fun!! My boys were obsessed with dinosaurs when they were little. I bet they’d still love this place today, even though they’re 18 and 22! Thanks for the detailed descriptions, hike recommendations, and thorough post!

This is great for all ages!

Looks like such an amazing place, and it’s definitely on our list of places to visit. In fact, we are going to Utah for Thanksgiving, and I might try to fit it into the itinerary! I’ve always heard great things about Dinosaur NM, and now I see why! Thanks for the great info! 🙂

I haven’t been to NM but I bet my family would like it!

Dinosaur National Monument is a place that I would like to visit. I enjoy history and learning.

It is perfect!

This is a great family trip. We love visiting museums, the outdoors and exploring so this would be the perfect trip for our family.

It is a perfect combination!

We were here when the boys were little. I went back and found the photos in a scrapbook. It was so much fun for them, especially for my oldest. He adored dinosaurs for so long.

That is so awesome that you have been able to go!

A great trip for the entire family! I clips see my nieces enjoying this! Thank you for sharing!

They would love it!

There is so much great dinosaur fossils in this area. Looks like a fun visit.

They have already pulled 13 full dinosaurs from this area.

What a fun trip for the whole family! I travel Utah frequently but have not been here! Thank you for sharing your trip… it’s on my list for our next trip!

It is off the beaten path but there is enough to do in the area to make a fun weekend trip!

Another awesome National Park. Anxious to get to Utah and explore all of these wonderful places.

There are so many parks and monuments in Utah!

This looks phenomenal for families, especially with the option of a petroglyph hike. We would love it.

It is a great monument!

This looks like a fun spot to visit with family.

It is a perfect family vacation.

I SO WANT TO GO HERE! It is literally on my to-do list and every time I read about it I wonder why I haven’t gone yet! Next summer I have got to knock this off my to-do list!

It would be a fun road trip!

My kids would love to see Dinosaur National Monument. I really hope we make it there.

It would be a fun trip for the kids!

This sounds like a fun stop. I love the idea that the wall of the building is actually the quarry wall!

It is cool because you can enjoy it in all weather!

That looks so fun! I would love to take my teens there next summer! We are planning an out west trip and I definitely want to look more into this!

If it is one your way then for sure!

What an amazing adventure! It sure looks like a great family place to visit.

It was a great place to visit!

This looks so great to explore and learn lots of dino facts!

For sure! Lots of fossils!

This looks like a beautiful park. I hope to visit it soon.

It is worth a visit!

My 4 year old is obsessed with dinosaurs and would love this! I didn’t know they were so prominent in Colorado.

I knew Utah was a big excavation place and I assume that Colorado shares some of that.

Why haven’t I heard of this? What a fun and interesting place especially for kids who love dino’s!

It is really cool because it is real!

What a wonderful place to explore, especially for all dinosaur lovers!

Dinosaur lover must go!

It’s such a great place; I hope I can take my grandkids there one day.

Kids would love it. The scenic drive will add to the fun too!

The drive is cool too because you can just pull over wherever you want!

Looks like such a cool place in a lovely setting! Thanks for all the great details. I can’t wait to take my kiddos here someday!

I have a very irrational fear of dinosaurs, but my son would love this and I’m always looking for road trip spots! Thanks for posting and I’ll be bookmarking it!

That is funny, I have a fear of alligators so Florida scares me but I love it.

This definitely looks like the type of place my kids (and Hubby and I) would love! Not only are dinosaurs interesting to learn about, but wow, the landscape is gorgeous!

It is an awesome place!

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Tips From a Ranger: Where to Hike, How to Camp in Dinosaur National Monument

Park Guide Molly Swindle is an expert on all things Dinosaur National Monument. We asked her for the inside scoop on how to hike, camp, and enjoy the Monument to its fullest.

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There are 130 National Monuments in the U.S., every one featuring spectacular views of unique landscapes , hiking, camping, and thinner crowds than you’ll find at higher-profile National Parks .

But there is only one National Monument where you can see thousands and thousands of dinosaur fossils sticking out of the Earth-like roots, where you can hike to ancient petroglyphs, and camp in two different states without even leaving the park.

Dinosaur National Monument is, without a doubt, one of the most unique National Monuments in the country. Established in 1915, it spans 210,000 acres across the northern Utah-Colorado border. It was created to protect the massive trove of dinosaur bones discovered in the area in 1909.

Today over 250,000 people visit Dinosaur National Monument every year to hike and camp among a landscape that feels utterly prehistoric.

Molly Swindle has been working as a Park Guide at Dinosaur for 4 years, learning about fossils, giving talks and presentations to guests, answering an unending stream of questions, and exploring the trails and campsites on a daily basis. She’s the expert on this place.

Which was why GearJunkie got ahold of her to talk about the best hikes, camping spots, and all her tips/tricks for visiting the Monument.

Hiking in Dinosaur National Monument

Within the monument are 13 hiking trails to explore (five on the Colorado side and eight in Utah). They range from easy to difficult. Although most of them are easy to moderate and are less than 4 miles in length.

“My personal favorite hikes are the Harpers Corner Trail and the Jones Hole Trail,” Swindle said.

She explained that Harpers Corner Trail is a 2-mile easy-to-moderate hike that only gains 100 feet of elevation. It’s at the very end of Harpers Corner Road, one of two paved scenic drives in the monument. Swindle said there are no dinosaur bones on this side of the park. But the hike is a cool one and leads to a picturesque vista.

“[The viewpoint] gives you some nice sweeping views of the canyons below,” she said. “And there are some marine fossils that are visible in the rock under your feet when you’re looking down at the canyons, which is pretty neat.”

Her other favorite trail, Jones Hole Trail , is one of two hikes in Dinosaur National Monument that is closer to 9 miles and is a little bit harder. This trail gains 400 feet of elevation and covers 8.5 miles round trip. It’s a beautiful hike she said, but it’s a haul to get there. Which also means it’s far less trafficked.

“It’s out in the boonies a little bit. You have to drive about an hour and a half, one way, from the quarry visitor center where the dinosaur bones are,” Swindle said. But the hike offers beautiful views of the Utah desert and even includes a short loop to Ely Creek Falls .

Jones Hole trail follows a babbling brook through the basin of a canyon and terminates at the Green River. Jones Hole Creek is a great spot for fishing, according to the National Monument website (although a current Utah state Fishing license is required).

More Popular Hikes

Of course, the most popular trail in Dinosaur National Monument is the Fossil Discovery Trail . It’s a moderate, 1.2-mile hike (2.4 miles out and back) in Dinosaur National Monument that cuts through several tilted rock layers and passes three distinct fossil areas. At the Morrison Formation stop, guests can see fragments of fossils and several bones in exactly the same place where they were discovered by Earl Douglass in 1909.

Swindle also mentioned the Sound of Silence and Desert Voices Trails , both of which are short, moderate hikes that have incredible views and geologic diversity. The Hog Canyon and Box Canyon Trails are great for families with small children, and Plug Hat Trail is also short (0.25 miles) and easy (with virtually no elevation gain).

Then, the Gates of Lodore Trail takes visitors right to the edge of the Green River , with a dramatic view of the entrance to Lodore Canyon.

The longest and most challenging hike in the park is Ruple Point . This trail gains 600 feet of elevation over 4.6 miles (9.2 miles round trip), winding through sagebrush, juniper trees, and a pinyon forest. It pops out at a breathtaking viewpoint, 2,500 feet above the Green River, looking down Split Mountain Canyon.

And, if you have pets, you’re in luck — kind of. Three of the 13 trails in Dinosaur National Monument are pet-friendly: Swelter Shelter Trail, Plug Hat Butte Trail, and River Trail.

Camping in Dinosaur National Monument

While there is no dispersed camping in the Monument or “Boondocking” as Swindle called it, there are six established front country campgrounds and one backcountry campground for backpackers who want to get a little deeper into the Monument.

The six campgrounds (Gates of Lodore, Spirit River, Split Mountain, Echo Park, Rainbow Park, and Deer Lodge) have over 120 total sites to choose from. You can reserve some of the sites ahead of time on the Dinosaur National Monument campground website , or upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis.

“[Green River and Split Mountain] are our main campgrounds here on the Utah side of the park. They’re not very far from the dinosaur bones. So that’s where most people will camp,” Swindle said.

If you want to get away from most people though, try checking out the other campsites that are a little further from the main attractions. Deer Lodge Campground and Gates of Lodore Campground are smaller, with just 22 and seven campsites, respectively. But they are far less frequented, as they are located pretty deep in the monument.

Backpacking in Dinosaur National Monument

Backcountry backpacking in the Monument is not very popular, according to Swindle. The main challenge is access to water. There isn’t much of it in that desert environment. So you have to carry a lot of H2O with you or plan strategically so you can fill up at campgrounds or creeks along the way. And, because the park is home to black bears, all backcountry users have to practice bear safety along their way.

There is one designated backcountry campsite, however. And it is pretty popular.

“That’s called the Ely Creek Site. That one does have to be reserved in advance by calling the park and trying to get a reservation,” said Swindle. Securing a reservation at Ely Creek can be a challenge, especially during peak season as it’s a favorite among the area’s locals.

But, she said, “It’s a really nice way to kind of ease yourself into backpacking if you haven’t done it before because it has more amenities than a typical backcountry site.”

The Ely Creek site has water, a vault toilet, and a bear locker to store your food. It’s located along the Jones Hole Trail.

To enter the backcountry in Dinosaur National Monument, you will need to obtain a permit from the Visitor’s Center (or call 435-781-7700 to make a reservation). They’ll ask for your name and the number of people in your group, contact information, dates of your trip, the location where vehicles will be parked, vehicle descriptions and license plates, and the approximate locations of campsites for each night in the backcountry.

Tips and Tricks for Dino Monument

Check Conditions, Prepare Accordingly

First and foremost, check the conditions before you visit. Swindle said the website keeps current conditions up to date on a daily basis, and it helps prepare for what to expect.

In early spring (especially after a heavy winter), some of the trails and campgrounds might not be accessible. Checking the website is the best way to keep an eye on those kinds of closures. This year was an exceptionally wet winter, which means trail closures might last a little longer than usual.

That also means there will be a lot of water in the ground and runoff in the streams. So prepare for lots of bugs this spring and summer, Swindle said. “But on the bright side,” she added, “the flowers are going to be spectacular.”

Navigate Carefully, Stay Aware

Swindle also recommended double and triple checking your GPS maps when trying to navigate to Dinosaur National Monument beforehand. GPS doesn’t work very well in National Monuments like Dinosaur.

“A lot of times the GPS is trying to [direct people] where it says the name [of the Monument] on the map, which is like dead-center in the middle of the park,” Swindle said. “Here, [GPS] would try to put you in the river.”

And, when you’re driving on the roads keep your eyes open for reptiles, Swindle said. Particularly around dusk and dawn, snakes and lizards like to use the asphalt to gather heat and energy when the sun isn’t up. Sadly, that means a lot of them get run over by cars. So obey speed limits, and stay aware anywhere you drive in the park.

And for that matter, keep your eyes open for snakes on the trails and in the campgrounds as well. Rattlesnakes are not an uncommon sight in Dinosaur National Monument.

Ask a Ranger or a Guide

Finally, Swindle said that guests should never hesitate to ask Rangers or Guides questions. They are walking encyclopedias of knowledge and information regarding the Monuments, and people don’t take advantage of their expertise as much as they should.

“Just talk to them if you have questions about anything, because that’s literally what we’re here for,” Swindle said.

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What to Bring

Water is the number one thing to make sure you have enough of at all times when in the Monument, said Swindle. It gets very hot and very dry in that area, and dehydration happens faster than most people realize.

Aside from that, the camping checklist for Dinosaur National Monument is much the same as it is for any other camping trip. You’ll want to bring a sleeping bag , a sleeping pad , a tent or car camper , a backpack , hiking shoes , a hat , food and snacks, and water. Did we mention water? Bring extra water.

And sunscreen is a wise addition to the list, too. There’s nothing that will spoil a good camping trip faster than a high desert sunburn.

From the Rio Grande to the Chisos Mountains: A Guide to Big Bend National Park in Texas

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Will is a writer, journalist, and professional misfit based out of the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. Will grew up on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, reenacting “Survivorman” episodes and studying books like “Hatchet,” “The Monkey Wrench Gang” and “Into the Wild”. He’s written on topics ranging from cannabis to local news, the environment and, of course, outdoor gear and adventure. If he’s not banging stories out on his computer, you’ll probably find Will skiing or mountain biking (depending on the season)—or drinking beer at some remote craft brewery.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Skip the parks! 10 best national monuments for spectacular views

April 9, 2024 // By Jean Chen Smith

By Jean Chen Smith April 9, 2024

Although national parks are considered America’s jewels, national monuments also have much to offer. In the U.S., a national monument is a protected area of land or water owned or controlled by the federal government. These include archeological sites, historic landmarks and structures, and other objects and spaces of significance — including national parks !

The primary difference between a national park and a national monument is that only presidents can declare a national monument, whereas a national park requires an act of Congress. President Theodore Roosevelt initiated the program: He deemed Devils Tower, located in eastern Wyoming, the first national monument through the Antiquities Act of 1906 .

Today, there are 133 national monuments spread across the United States, with the most in Arizona (19), followed by California (18), then New Mexico (13). They encompass natural wonders, famous statues, hikes and stairs, and often fantastic views of good, old-fashioned American scenery.

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With so many options, we gathered our 10 favorite national monuments with scenic views, plus offer tips on things you can do while visiting. Entry fees are typically $10 per person on foot or $20 per vehicle, but it's best to check in advance .

Statue of Liberty National Monument - New York, New York

The Statue of Liberty is the most visited national monument in the U.S., welcoming more than 4 million visitors a year. Gifted to the U.S. by France in a display of friendship in 1886, Lady Liberty was designated a national monument in 1924. She’s been a symbol of freedom and equality since.

Visitors can climb the narrow, spiral staircase to the statue's crown and see sweeping views of New York City. There's no elevator access, so you'll climb 162 steps to reach the top. Reservations are required. If you choose to forgo the strenuous climb, you can visit the museum, which debuted in 2019.

Like most visitors, you might also venture to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which requires a separate ferry ticket (or take a cruise around both ). Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Statue of Liberty to avoid the crowds. Winter is the slowest time of year but comes with variable weather conditions.

Dinosaur National Monument - Vernal, Utah

Located on the southeast side of the Uinta Mountains along the border of Colorado and Utah, the Dinosaur National Monument offers panoramic views of colorful rock strata.

In addition to plenty of hiking trails, which range from easy to difficult, visitors can camp, go river rafting, or explore the many petroglyphs throughout the 200,000 acres. More than 1,500 dinosaur relics are on view along the "Wall of Bones" in the Quarry Exhibit Hall. The best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument is from April to September.

Bandelier National Monument - Los Alamos, New Mexico

Established in 1916, Bandelier National Monument spans 33,677 sprawling acres. With over 70 miles of hiking trails, visitors have many options for exploring the well-preserved archeological sites of the Ancestral Pueblo community.

One not to miss is a moderate 3-mile hike through an 11,000-year-old colony, which features ladders and small carved rooms called cavates (pronounced CAVE-eights). Those who have trouble climbing (or feel claustrophobic) should exercise caution.

Permits are available for camping and RVs (no hookups available). Though open year-round from dawn to dusk, the best times to visit Bandelier National Monument are spring and fall. Summers are dry and get very hot.

Muir Woods National Monument - Mill Valley, California

Recognized in 1908, Muir Woods National Monument is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California. Encompassing 558 acres just north of San Francisco, these towering redwoods, many over 1,000 years old, attract both local residents and tourists. Some of these gorgeous trees stretch higher than 250 feet.

There are many hiking options here. The Ben Johnson Trail is approximately 4 miles and sees an elevation gain of 925 feet. On a clear day, you might see the Pacific Ocean from the top.

From August through October, you'll find the best weather in Muir Woods; you’ll likely see rain from late October to May.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Kanab, Utah

If you think Bryce Canyon National Park is spectacular with its sedimentary red rocks, wait until you visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. Be prepared for some seriously strenuous hikes to see magnificent views and petrified trees.

The rock formations here are stunning; expect to see brightly lit orange sandstone cliffs and slot canyons. Because the area is remote, come prepared with water and snacks. Best times to visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are from March to June and September to October, as summers get stifling hot. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Kimberly, Oregon

At the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument , fossils from over 50 million years ago show the evolutionary process of climate change, animals, and plant life. The park covers over 14,000 acres in three geographically diverse units: Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The great thing about John Day is that you don’t have to do a ton of hiking to reap the rewards of splendid rock formations and captivating landscapes.

The Painted Hills Unit specifically offers several short hikes that offer breathtaking scenery. Spring and fall are the best times to visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Summers get very hot, and in the winter you might encounter ice and snow.

Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego, California

Nestled at the southernmost edge of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument celebrates the European expedition of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, which began when he landed in 1542. One of the most popular attractions is the tide pools, formed over millions of years. The rocky coastline varies dramatically at high and low tides.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, served as a signal light to ships for centuries. Today, the popular attraction provides a historical context to the area. The visitors center also offers exhibits and guided tours to facilitate an educational experience for adults and children. Fall and winter are the best times to visit the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument when the current is low throughout the daytime.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Castle Rock, Washington

Designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 following the explosive eruption, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument spreads across 110,000 acres. Managed by the United States Forest Service, the preserved site offers many viewing spots and information about the historic event.

While there are many hiking trails, the most challenging (and popular) is the Mount Saint Helens Summit via Ptarmigan Trail. The vigorous, 8.5-mile out-and-back trail features gorgeous views and indigenous flora and wildlife. Dogs are allowed at the monument but not on this particular trail. Visit Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in late spring through early fall for the best weather.

Carrizo Plain National Monument - Santa Margarita, California

The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a magical place to visit. This secluded area sits across more than 200,000 acres with miles and miles of hiking paths , most of which are flat and easy to navigate. Set in San Luis Obispo County, California, the plain is famous for being one of the best viewing sites of the San Andreas Fault, which runs along the northeastern side.

The plains offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Visit Carrizo Plain National Monument in late March to early May to see vibrantly colored wildflowers in abundance along the mountainsides and in the valley. The well-maintained visitors center features a gift shop, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument - Chinle, Arizona

Located in northeastern Arizona, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is best known for Spider Rock, an 800-foot-tall spire, and its impressive canyons. President Herbert Hoover designated this national monument in 1931, but its cultural significance dates to more than 4,000 years ago when the Anasazi tribe inhabited the land.

The park spans 83,840 acres with trails that range from easy to challenging. The Navajo Tribal Trust of the Navajo Nation owns the monument, but it's managed jointly with the National Park Service. Plan your visit to Canyon de Chelly National Monument during spring and fall for a mild climate and colorful wildflowers.

About Jean Chen Smith

Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.

Read more about Jean Chen Smith here.

Connect with Jean via: Website | Facebook | Instagram

15 Must-Visit Destinations for Dinosaur Enthusiasts

Posted: March 13, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024

Get ready to travel back in time on a prehistoric journey as we explore the top 15 destinations for dinosaur aficionados. From the iconic Jurassic landscapes of Dinosaur National Monument to the fossil-rich Badlands of South Dakota, join us as we uncover the remnants of these magnificent creatures in their ancient habitats.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

Delve into the heart of the Badlands, where rugged terrain and striking rock formations reveal a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils. Take a guided tour along hiking trails to witness firsthand the fragments of these creatures that once roamed these lands.

Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

A remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is visited by tourists worldwide for its abundance of fossilized remains. Sign up on a tour group and wander through the otherworldly environment where the echoes of dinosaurs still resonate.

Royal Tyrrell Museum, Alberta, Canada

Immerse yourself in paleontology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of mankind’s largest displays of dinosaur fossils. This exhibit offers an unparalleled peek into the ancient past, from lofty skeletons to interactive exhibits.

Museum of the Rockies, Montana, USA

Renowned paleontologist Jack Horner made groundbreaking revelations at the Museum of the Rockies. Here, visitors may uncover the secrets of the Mesozoic era while enjoying the gallery’s extensive selection of dinosaur specimens. You can also learn about ongoing research in the field, too!

Dinosaur National Monument, Utah/Colorado, USA

Invite your friends on a dino-themed trip and see the fossilized remains of dinosaurs embedded in the cliffs of Dinosaur National Monument. Take a scenic drive along the park’s roads or try a river rafting adventure to see these relics in their natural environment.

Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England

This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its geological diversity and cliffside fossils. Walk along the shoreline and unveil olden treasures washed ashore by the tides, including the iconic ammonites and dinosaur footprints.

Gobi Desert, Mongolia

If you want to see where fossilized dinosaur eggs and skeletons have been unearthed for centuries, traverse the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. A fossil-hunting expedition awaits travelers led by local experts seeking the thrill of discovery in this remote wilderness firsthand.

Drumheller Valley, Alberta, Canada

Venture into the heart of the Drumheller Valley, often called the “Dinosaur Capital of the World.” Explore the hoodoos and canyons that dot the topography, and visit the most prominent dinosaur sculpture in Canada for a towering glimpse into the past.

La Brea Tar Pits, California, USA

Going to the La Brea Tar Pits feels like stepping back in time, with its natural asphalt that has preserved countless fossils for thousands of years. Drop by the on-site collection to see dire wolf skeletons, saber-toothed cats, and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.

Zhangye National Geopark, China

The kaleidoscopic beauty of Zhangye National Geopark is a sight to behold, as colorful rock formations provide a stunning backdrop to fossil beds. Go on a stroll through the park and soak in the surreal scenery that has inspired artists for centuries.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Georgia, USA

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is home to the biggest dinosaur ever discovered: Argentinosaurus. Check out immersive exhibits, including a walk-through forest from the Cretaceous period, and observe the glory of Earth’s prehistoric past.

Glen Rose, Texas, USA

Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” the Glen Rose is where dinosaur tracks are preserved in the bed of the Paluxy River. Wade through the waters and study the footprints left behind by creatures that wandered this planet millions of years ago.

Morrison Formation, Colorado/Utah, USA

Explore the Morrison Formation, a geological phenomenon that has showcased some of the most exciting dinosaur breakthroughs. Take a hike through the challenging turf and keep an eye out for fossils buried in the layers of sedimentary rock.

Mongolia International Dinosaur Museum, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Delve into Mongolia’s rich paleontological heritage at the Mongolia International Dinosaur Museum. Marvel at the expo’s impressive treasury of dinosaur fossils and learn about ongoing research expeditions in the Gobi Desert.

Hell Creek Formation, Montana, USA

Many researchers believe some of the last dinosaurs walked in the Hell Creek Formation. This is where they all stayed before the mass extinction event. Learn more about these discoveries by taking a detailed tour led by paleontologists and uncovering the mysteries of this primitive ecosystem.

The post 15 Must-Visit Destinations for Dinosaur Enthusiasts appeared first on Housely .

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Why this Utah national monument is raising its admission prices

The National Park Service is increasing fees at a popular national monument located roughly 200 miles from Las Vegas.

If you’re driving to Southern Utah this summer, it’s going to cost you a little bit more to visit one national monument.

Cedar Breaks National Monument has raised its entrance and entrance fees, effective April 1, park officials said in a statement.

They said the “new pricing structure will bring the monument into closer alignment with nearby and comparable campground services. The increased fees will provide additional revenue to fund operations and deferred maintenance projects.”

Officials said the last “significant change” in fees happened in 2018.

Pricing structure

Seven-Day Vehicle Pass : $25

Per Person/Bicycle Pass: $15

Motorcycle Pass: $20

Cedar Breaks Specific Annual Pass: $45

Point Supreme Campground Standard Site w/showers, no electricity : $30

Point Supreme Campground Walk-in Tent w/showers, no electricity: $20

Cedar Breaks National Monument is about 200 miles and four hours away from Las Vegas, near Cedar City, Utah. It features a half-mile-deep geologic amphitheater with an eclectic assortment of red, orange, pink and white formations that include hoodoos, fins and arches.

Contact Mark Davis at [email protected].

NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN UTAH

— Cedar Breaks National Monument

— Bears Ears National Monument

— Dinosaur National Monument

— Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

— Hovenweep National Monument

— Natural Bridges National Monument

— Rainbow Bridge National Monument

— Timpanogos Cave National Monument

from Utah.com

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Just our type: smithsonian’s dinosaur skeleton becomes the scientific standard for prehistoric predator.

The museum’s fossil specimen of Allosaurus fragilis is perched like a nesting bird guarding a clutch of fossilized eggs. Credit : USNM V 4734, Department of Paleobiology, Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Mike Gaudaur.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History ’s fossilized skeleton of the Jurassic dinosaur Allosaurus has officially been named the type specimen for the entire species. This distinction makes the specimen, which is displayed in the museum’s “ David H. Koch Hall of Fossils— Deep Time ,” the single physical example researchers will refer to when they describe new fossils of Allosaurus fragilis, one of the most iconic species of dinosaurs in the world.

The specimen’s new status was bestowed by members of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). According to paleontologist Matthew Carrano , the museum’s curator of dinosauria, the change was more than a decade in the making and represents a coveted scientific honor.

“In 2010, a petition was made to the ICZN to solve the problem that the very famous and scientifically important dinosaur A. fragilis was based on materials that couldn’t really be identified as anything more than a non-descript predatory dinosaur,” Carrano said. “This decision really emphasizes how important our specimen is—both historically and in the present—for dinosaur science.”

Stretching over 20 feet and sporting a mouthful of dagger-like teeth, Allosaurus terrorized other dinosaurs during the Late Jurassic Period some 150 million years ago. The prehistoric predator lived in western North America alongside other well-known species like the armored Stegosaurus and a number of supersized sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus.

The Dawn of American Paleontology

The name Allosaurus has been in the scientific lexicon for nearly 150 years. But it did not always belong to a well-known dinosaur. In 1877, Yale University paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh was in the midst of a contentious scientific competition now known as the ‘Bone Wars’ with rival Edward Drinker Cope to discover and name new species of dinosaurs from the western United States. To keep pace with Cope, Marsh described a set of fragmentary fossils from the Jurassic-aged Morrison Formation in Colorado as a new species of predatory dinosaur. Because the animal’s vertebrae varied from other dinosaurs known at the time, Marsh came up with the name Allosaurus, which means ‘different lizard’ in Greek. He rounded out the creature’s scientific identity with the species name fragilis due to its delicate remains.

Marsh deposited this relatively meager specimen—which included a tooth, toe bone and a couple of vertebrae from the backbone—in the collection of the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University (now the Yale Peabody Museum). Because Marsh used these fossils to formally describe A. fragilis, this sample became the species’ official type specimen.

Many prehistoric species enter the scientific record on the basis of scant remains. Complete specimens of dinosaurs are incredibly rare, so scientists are often forced to use fragmentary fossils. Even if paleontologists eventually find more complete specimens, the fossils that were initially described usually retain their type status on a scientific first-come, first-served basis.

But Allosaurus represents an intriguing case for a taxonomic do-over. Shortly after Marsh described the fragmentary type specimen, paleontologists unearthed more substantial Allosaurus fossils that provided a much fuller picture of the Jurassic carnivore. In 1884, one of Marsh’s collectors uncovered a nearly complete Allosaurus skeleton in a Colorado quarry. The specimen was shipped back to Marsh, but he was not able to conduct a detailed description of the fossil before he died in 1899.

Allosaurus Arrives at the Capital

After his death, a large portion of Marsh’s fossils were transferred to the Smithsonian’s United States National Museum (the precursor to the National Museum of Natural History). Museum paleontologist Charles Gilmore led the effort to unpack, prepare and catalog Marsh’s fossils and integrate them into the museum’s burgeoning National Fossil Collection. This trove of fossils included the nearly complete Allosaurus specimen from Colorado.

In 1920, Gilmore described this specimen, cataloged as USNM V 4734, in depth for the first time. The resulting paper cleared up the confusion that had surrounded the species for decades—Cope and Marsh had both mistakenly described other Allosaurus specimens as different, now-defunct dinosaur species. Gilmore’s work helped drive these erroneous scientific names into extinction and made the museum’s specimen an essential piece of the Allosaurus puzzle.

“Gilmore’s paper has remained an important reference for paleontologists and really established our specimen as a sort of ‘flagship’ individual for Allosaurus,” said Carrano, who is currently working on updating Gilmore’s century-old description of USNM V 4734. “As a result, our specimen has functioned as a sort of de facto type.”

Museum visitors are able to see the historic Allosaurus specimen displayed in the museum’s Deep Time fossil hall along with the type specimen of its fossil foe, Stegosaurus, and the sauropods Diplodocus and Camarasaurus. The exhibition’s Allosaurus mount, which contains the animal’s real fossilized bones, displays the dinosaur in a rarely seen position. Instead of chasing down prey, the Allosaurus’ skeleton is crouched down like a modern bird as it guards a clutch of fossilized eggs.

“USNM V 4734 has always been a prize of the Smithsonian’s dinosaur collection,” Carrano said. “Now it has a prominent position in the Deep Time hall, reflecting aspects of its biology that were unimagined in Marsh or Gilmore’s times.”

This summer, the museum is celebrating the fifth year anniversary of the “David H. Koch Hall of Fossils—Deep Time.” The world-class hall, which contains some 700 mounted fossil specimens including the Allosaurus type, explores the epic story of how Earth’s distant past is connected to the present and informs the future. As the anniversary approaches, the museum is also putting a remarkable, rainbow-hued ammonite fossil on display in the museum’s “ Objects of Wonder ” exhibition. The shimmering shell dates back 70 million years to the Late Cretaceous Period and is considered an organic gemstone thanks to its iridescent colors.

About the National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is connecting people everywhere with Earth’s unfolding story. It is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world’s most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. The museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its  website , blog , Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram .

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Randall Kremer

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Jack Tamisiea

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Ryan Lavery

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Note to editors: Photos of the type specimen and other associated press materials can be found via Dropbox here .

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