Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument Is 210,844 acres spread across both Utah and Colorado. Founded in 1915. In 1909 Earl Douglass came across a tailbone of an Apatosaurus in the middle of the Utah desert! Wow wouldn’t that be a sight to stumble upon? After that he set up his life here practicing his Paleontology and for that we get to enjoy these amazing sites! Keep in mind that there are only dinosaur fossils on the Utah side of the monument and not the Colorado side.

How To Get There?

Only a 30 minute drive from Vernal Utah to the Visitors Center. There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb in the area if you’d like to stay! Otherwise you have plenty of camping options as well!

Camping In Dinosaur National Monument

• Gates of Lodore -$10 in peak season. $6 in off season. 19 sites.
• Echo Park – 15$ for groups $10 for regular/walk-ins. and $6 during off season. 22 and 1 group site.
• Deerlodge Park – $10 in peak season. $6 in off season. 7 sites.
• Split Mountain – $40 during peak season. $6 during off season. 4 sites.
• Green River – $18 regular. 79 sites.
• And Rainbow Park $6 open all year. 4 sites.

Quarry Exhibit Hall

This historic fossil bone quarry covered by a building is one of a kind! You can get up close and personal with dinosaurs that have been in the same fossil bed since the day they died. Thats weird to think about isn’t it? There are over a thousand dinosaur bones in this two story tall wall. You do have the opportunity to be on the floor level and the second level to see these bones from all different angles.

Also there are interactive things for the kids to do as well as multiple Park Rangers on site to answer any questions you may have!

Fossil Discovery Trail

This short hike (1.2 miles) where you can walk where dinosaurs roamed and see fossilized bones in the canyon walls! Its a nice hike for kids just know that there are some steep and uneven parts to the trail so keep a hand on your children!

Boating & Rafting

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to delve more into this National Monument then this will be up your alley! They offer guided trips through the canyons! But if you’re experienced then you can apply for a permit to do it with out a guide.
If you’re looking for single day trips or multi-day trips then check out Dinosaur Adrift.

Harpers Corner

This is a beautiful scenic drive with multiple places to pull off and hike or picnic! You get
close to the sheer drop off cliffs with beautiful views but make sure you have your child’s hand!

Keep In Mind

Pets are allowed at the park but not allowed in any public building, on the river, backcountry or several hiking trails.
Collecting any plants, rocks or objects of any kind is not allowed.

Enjoy!

There isn’t much shade so make sure to bring sunscreen, water and hats!

No matter if you enjoy history, dinosaurs, nature, or adventure this is a place for you and your family to enjoy!

Let me know if you get to visit this unique park! And if you already have been here, leave a comment below and let me know if I left anything out!

Enjoy some of my other articles on Utah like Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and Moab!

Until next time friends!
Stay safe, stay hydrated and leave no trace!
-Dass