Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument Travel Guide

Dinosaur National Monument, located on the border of Colorado and Utah, is a stunning natural area that boasts an impressive array of dinosaur fossils, petroglyphs, and beautiful landscapes. Here is a travel guide to help you plan your visit:

Getting There

Dinosaur National Monument is located on the border of Colorado and Utah, and there are several ways to get there:

By Car: The most common way to reach Dinosaur National Monument is by car. The monument is accessible from U.S. Highway 40, which runs through the towns of Vernal, Utah, and Dinosaur, Colorado. From Vernal, it is about a 20-minute drive to the Quarry Visitor Center in Utah, which is one of the main entrances to the monument. From the town of Dinosaur, it is about a 5-minute drive to the Canyon Visitor Center in Colorado.

By Air: The closest major airports to Dinosaur National Monument are in Salt Lake City, Utah (approximately 3.5 hours away by car), and Grand Junction, Colorado (approximately 2 hours away by car). From either airport, you can rent a car to reach the monument.

By Bus: Greyhound offers bus service to Vernal, Utah, which is the closest town to the monument. From Vernal, you can rent a car or take a local bus to reach the monument.

Once you arrive at Dinosaur National Monument, you can explore the area by car, on foot, or by rafting the Green or Yampa Rivers. There are several scenic drives within the monument, as well as a variety of hiking trails and guided tours available.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, with cooler temperatures and less precipitation. These seasons also offer beautiful natural scenery, with wildflowers blooming in the spring and vibrant fall foliage.

The summer months (July and August) can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). However, this is also the most popular time for river rafting, as the water levels are higher.

Winter (November to March) is the least popular time to visit, as temperatures can be cold, and snow can make some areas of the monument inaccessible. However, winter also offers a unique and tranquil experience, with fewer crowds and a peaceful, snowy landscape.

What to See and Do

Top Attractions at Dinosaur National Monument:

1. Dinosaur Quarry: See over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in the rock face and learn about the dinosaurs that lived in the area at the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

2. Petroglyphs and Pictographs: Discover ancient artworks created by the Fremont people over 1,000 years ago at sites like Swelter Shelter and Pool Creek.

3. Scenic Drives: Explore the monument by car on scenic drives such as the Tour of the Tilted Rocks, which takes you past petroglyphs, scenic overlooks, and more.

4. Canyon Visitor Center: Learn about the geology and cultural history of the area through exhibits and interactive displays.

Top Activities at Dinosaur National Monument:

1. Hiking: There are numerous trails in the monument ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Popular trails include the Sound of Silence Trail, the Fossil Discovery Trail, and the Jones Hole Trail.

2. Rafting and Kayaking: Experience the thrill of rafting or kayaking on the Green and Yampa Rivers, with options ranging from short day trips to multi-day adventures.

3. Camping: Camp under the stars at one of the monument's campgrounds, such as the Green River Campground or the Split Mountain Campground.

4. Ranger-Led Programs: Participate in guided walks, talks, and other programs led by park rangers to learn more about the monument's natural and cultural resources.

5. Stargazing: Enjoy the spectacular night sky at one of the park's designated dark sky viewing areas.

Accommodations and Camping

When visiting Dinosaur National Monument, there are a few options for accommodations:

Within the Monument:

• Green River Campground: Located near the Quarry Visitor Center, this campground has 80 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis with some open to reservations..

• Split Mountain Campground: This campground is also located near the Quarry Visitor Center and is open year-round with four group sites available by reservation.

• Deerlodge Park Campground: Located near the Yampa River, this campground has seven sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Outside the Monument:

• Vernal, Utah: The town of Vernal, located about 20 minutes from the Quarry Visitor Center, has a variety of hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast options.

• Dinosaur, Colorado: The town of Dinosaur, located about 5 minutes from the Canyon Visitor Center, has a few motels and RV parks.

• Rangely, Colorado: Located about 30 minutes west of the monument, this town has a few hotels and motels.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike, as it can be very hot and dry in the area.

• Be sure to check the weather and road conditions before you go, as some areas of the monument may be inaccessible due to snow or flooding.

• Don't forget your camera! The landscapes and fossils are truly breathtaking.

• Respect the natural and cultural resources of the monument by staying on designated trails and not touching or removing any fossils or artifacts.