Overview

Dinosaur National Monument covers portions of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado and contains ancient fossils, Native American artifacts, petroglyphs and pictographs, homesteader cabins and more.

Popular activities within both sides of the park include hiking, camping, rafting, sight-seeing, cycling, fishing and horseback riding, however fossils may only be viewed in the Utah side of the monument.

Note: The main fossil exhibit (Quarry Visitor Center) is currently under construction. Visitors may view fossils by taking a free shuttle from the temporary visitor center to the trailhead of Fossil Discovery Trail. The temporary visitor center is located 4 miles north of Jensen, Utah, off UT-149.

Hours/Seasons

Quarry Visitor Center

• Late May through mid September, 8am - 6pm.
• Mid September through late May, 9am - 5pm.

Canyon Area Visitor Center (Dinosaur, Colorado)

• Late April through late May, 9am - 5pm (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Late May through mid October, 9am - 5pm. 

Fees

$20 per vehicle (good for 7 days). $15 per motorcycle. $10 per walkin or bicycle.

Contact

Dinosaur National Monument
4545 E. Highway 40
Dinosaur, CO 81610-9724
Temporary Visitor Center (Utah): (435) 781-7700
Canyon Area Visitor Center (Colorado): (970) 374-3000

Highlights

Fossils - Upon completion, Quarry Visitor Center will display 1,500 dinosaur fossils but until then, view fossils and other relics along the Fossil Discover Trail. Ranger-led walking tours available in summer.

Trails - Hiking is a great way to experience the rugged beauty of Dinosaur Monument and several trails run through both sides of the park. Try the Plug Hat in the Harpers Corner Area, the Sound of Silence and Desert Voices Trails in Cub Creek Area, and many more.

Winter - In wintertime, cross-skiing and snowmobiling are allowed on Harper Corner Drive beyond Plug Hat Butte.

Rafting - Many outfitters are waiting to guide you through glorious canyons down the Green or Yampa Rivers on a wild whitewater rafting adventure.

Cycling - Bicyclist may cruise down any park road. Try a scenic ride on Yampa Bench Road or cycle from Rainbow Park to Island Park. (No trail riding.)

Camping - Six designated campgrounds are located in Dinosaur National Monument (3 in Utah and 3 in Colorado). Nightly fees range from $6 - $40. Backcountry camping is free but requires a permit.

Getting Here

To get to Dinosaur Monument from Park City, travel 160 miles east on US-40 E towards Vernal. Follow US-40 through Vernal and continue approximately 10 miles to Jensen, Utah. Turn left onto UT-149. The temporary visitor center is located 4 miles north of Jensen.

Along the drive, pause to explore northern portions of Ulinta National Forest and Strawberry Reservoir or spend a few hours in Starvation Lake State Park.