Explore the Region: Beyond the Dinosaurs
Attractions Vernal
There’s plenty to see and do in Vernal, Utah! From the earliest days of the state to a few hundred millennia before that, the Dinosaurland region has a rich and interesting history. Take in the local flora and fauna as you venture out and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and unique geology of the region—from moonscapes of eroded rock to Utah's highest peaks.
Explore Canyons, Ranches, and Wilderness
Fantasy Canyon
Fantasy Canyon is a small, hidden geological wonder renowned for its bizarre, delicate, and captivating rock formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Often called an "otherworldly landscape," these unique shapes were formed from ancient Lake Uinta sediments. A short, self-guided rock trail allows visitors to walk among the incredible hoodoos, pillars, and mushroom-like formations.
Best For: Photographers, geology enthusiasts, and those looking for a surreal and easy hike.
Location: Approximately 27 miles south of Vernal (BLM land)
Old West Sites
Take a step back into the rugged era of pioneers, ranchers, and outlaws who settled this remote corner of the American West. These preserved sites offer a glimpse into the challenging and self-sufficient frontier lifestyle.
Key Sites
John Jarvie Ranch Historic Site: Situated on the Green River, this historic 1880 site served as a key ferry crossing and trading post for settlers and outlaws alike. You can tour the original stone house, blacksmith shop, and store.
Josie’s Cabin: Located within Dinosaur National Monument, this quaint log cabin was home to Josie Bassett Morris, a close friend and alleged accomplice of the legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy.
Swett Ranch: Located near Flaming Gorge, this site showcases the pioneer lifestyle, operating solely on traditional methods for 58 years.
Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery
Nestled in a spectacular canyon on the Utah-Colorado border, this federal hatchery is a crucial facility for raising native species like Bonneville Cutthroat Trout and Kokanee Salmon to stock western waters.
Visitor Activities: Visitors are welcome to walk among the fish raceways and enjoy a picnic.
Jones Hole Trail: The Hatchery serves as the trailhead for the scenic 4-mile (one-way) Jones Hole Trail, a relatively level hike that follows the creek to the Green River, passing historic petroglyphs along the way.
Petroglyphs
Discover the ancient history of the region through the artwork of the Fremont and Ute peoples, who inhabited this land over a thousand years ago. Petroglyphs (carvings) and pictographs (paintings) are found on sandstone cliffs throughout the area.
Key Sites:
McConkie Ranch: Located in Dry Fork Canyon, this site is famous for its extensive and easily accessible Fremont panels dating from 300 to 1300 A.D. (Donations are accepted for access on private land).
Dinosaur National Monument: Accessible panels can be seen along the Cub Creek Auto Tour and on the Jones Hole Trail.
Please view the rock art from a distance and do not touch it, as the oils from your skin can damage these fragile historical records.
Ashley National Forest & High Uintas Wilderness Area
Encompassing 1.4 million acres, the Ashley National Forest is a diverse outdoor haven. Its crowning jewel is the High Uintas Wilderness Area, Utah's largest wilderness and highest mountain range.
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The Wilderness: This remote area features hundreds of alpine lakes and peaks over 13,000 feet, including Kings Peak (13,534 ft)—Utah's highest point. Travel is restricted to non-mechanized means to protect its pristine character.
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Recreation: Ideal for multi-day backpacking, horse packing, hiking, and high-altitude fishing.
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
Located where the Green River flows through the Uinta Basin, this refuge provides essential habitat—an oasis in the desert—for over 350 species of fish and wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl.
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Activities: Wildlife observation is the most popular activity. A self-guided Auto Tour Route crosses through wetland, marsh, and grassland habitats, offering chances to view ducks, geese, cranes, herons, pronghorn, and eagles.
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Conservation: The refuge is heavily involved in the recovery of endangered fish species in the Colorado River Basin.
Ready to Plan Your Full Adventure?
With all the incredible landmarks covered, explore the endless things to do and start mapping out your adventure!
