Dinosaur National Monument is located near Vernal and surrounded by Uintah County on the southeastern flank of the Uinta Mountains between Colorado and Utah. This is the only place in the world where you can view and even touch more than 1,500 dinosaur bones in their final resting place.
There’s so much to see and do here that you might want to stay a few days!
What is Dinosaur National Monument?
Declared as a National Monument in 1915, today Dinosaur National Monument includes 210,000 acres of wilderness across two states. It’s cultural history dates back at least 10,000 years, while the dinosaur fossils were deposited approximately 149 million years ago. Fascinating petroglyphs and pictographs found throughout the monument promote the 1,000-year-old legacy of the Fremont Indians. Many naturalists contend that Echo Park, with its stunning vertical canyons, may be one of the most beautiful places in the West.
The Wall of Bones
The Quarry Exhibit Hall at Dinosaur National Monument, located over the world famous Carnegie Quarry, reopened in Fall 2011 after an extensive retrofit. It contains hundreds of dinosaur fossils and numerous species. Dinosaur enthusiasts can view one of the few baby Stegosaurus fossils ever found, a meat-eating Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodicus and others.
Exhibits, including the 80-foot long “Wall of Bones,” reveal stories of the animals that lived during the late Jurassic period. The upper level provides an overview of the “Wall of Bones” and showcases different fossils embedded in the stone. The lower level offers a closer view and a chance to touch the bones.
Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Guide
Dinosaur National Monument is a vast landscape straddling the Utah-Colorado border. To see the dinosaur fossils, you must enter the Utah side near Jensen; for deep river canyons and panoramic overlooks, use the Colorado entrance near the town of Dinosaur.
Getting There
The Utah Entrance (Fossils): Located 7 miles north of Jensen, UT, via Hwy 149. This leads directly to the Quarry Visitor Center and the famous Wall of Bones.
The Colorado Entrance (Canyons): Located 2 miles east of Dinosaur, CO, via Hwy 40. This is the gateway to the Harpers Corner scenic drive and river overlooks.
Vernal, UT: The closest major town, located at the intersection of US 40 and US 191, approximately 20 minutes from the Utah entrance.
Operating Hours
Quarry Area (Utah): The Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall are open year-round.
Summer: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Exhibit Hall typically closes 30 minutes earlier).
Off-Season: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Spring/Fall) or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Winter).
Canyon Area (Colorado): The Canyon Visitor Center is seasonal, typically open daily from mid-May through mid-October and closed during the winter. All visitor centers are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees: Required for all visitors. Passes are valid for 7 days and cover everyone in a single private vehicle.
Interagency Passes: The "America the Beautiful" (National Park) pass is accepted and highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks.
Peak Season Access: During summer, access to the Wall of Bones from the Quarry Visitor Center is via shuttle bus only. Shuttles run every 15 minutes. In winter, rangers lead car caravans to the site.
Quarry Visitor Center
The Quarry Visitor Center is the location for the dinosaur fossils and the Wall of Bones.
Witness the Wall of Bones: The Quarry Exhibit Hall offers a unique opportunity to see and even touch over 1,500 dinosaur fossils embedded in a cliff face. This world-famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry allows you to connect directly with the remains of creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.
Explore Ancient Rock Art: Discover fascinating petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) left by the Fremont people thousands of years ago. Sites like Swelter Shelter and McKee Springs showcase these ancient images, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of early inhabitants.
Hike Through Diverse Landscapes: With miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, the monument offers incredible hiking opportunities. Explore canyons, traverse through juniper forests, and discover unique geological formations. Trails like the Fossil Discovery Trail, Sound of Silence Trail, and Hog Canyon Trail provide varied experiences.
Raft the Wild Rivers: The Green and Yampa Rivers carve dramatic canyons through the monument, offering thrilling whitewater rafting adventures. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a multi-day wilderness experience, rafting provides a unique perspective of the monument's rugged beauty.
Experience Stunning Scenic Drives: Take a drive along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks or the Harpers Corner Road for breathtaking panoramic views of the monument's canyons, rivers, and unique geological formations. These drives offer easy access to overlooks and trailheads, allowing you to soak in the dramatic landscapes from the comfort of your vehicle.
Beyond these top reasons, Dinosaur National Monument also offers opportunities for camping, stargazing in its designated International Dark Sky Park, exploring historic homesteader cabins, and learning about the area's rich human and natural history.
Recent Articles
Find more tips on our blog for visiting Dinosaurland and the Vernal, UT area.
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