Discover Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument

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? A modern Jurassic Park!

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 Location

Dinosaur National Monument is reached by US 40

Vernal is at the intersection of US 40 and US 191

Canyon Visitor Center is located two miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado

Dinosaur National Monument Hours

Quarry Visitor Center: Summer Hours - daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Winter Hours - daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Quarry Exhibit Hall: Summer Hours - daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Winter Hours - daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Canyon Visitor Center: Summer Hours - daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fall Hours - daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Closed for the winter season.

All are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Dinosaur National Monument Fees

Private vehicles: $25

Walk-in visitors: $15

Motorcyclists: $20

Annual Monument pass: $45

Note: During the summer season, access to the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Exhibit Hall is by shuttle bus only. The shuttle leaves the visitor center every 15 minutes.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Visit Dinosaur National Monument

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.