Dinosaur National Monument
Discover a prehistoric world at Dinosaur National Monument, home to a massive wall of dinosaur fossils and dramatic canyons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds at the quarry
Dinosaur National Monument
Best Time
Fewer crowds at the quarry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a prehistoric world at Dinosaur National Monument, home to a massive wall of dinosaur fossils and dramatic canyons.
"The Quarry Wall at Dinosaur National Monument is one of the most awe-inspiring monuments I’ve ever seen."
Touch a Dinosaur Bone! :hand_pointing_up:
You can actually touch some of the dinosaur bones at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. A unique hands-on experience!
Hydrate and Protect Yourself :droplet: :sunglasses:
The Utah sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunglasses, especially for hikes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quarry Exhibit Hall
Jensen, UT
See over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in rock, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Some bones are even touchable!
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Echo Park Road
Colorado Side
Drive this scenic road for outstanding overlooks and dramatic canyon views. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the full experience.
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Split Mountain
Utah Side
Explore this area for stunning rock formations and a glimpse into the Morrison Formation. Great for hiking and appreciating the landscape.
Petroglyphs and Pictographs
Various locations
Discover ancient rock art left by early inhabitants, offering a glimpse into the region's human history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit to the Quarry
Explore Beyond the Fossils
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Touch a Dinosaur Bone! :hand_pointing_up:
You can actually touch some of the dinosaur bones at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. A unique hands-on experience!
Hydrate and Protect Yourself :droplet: :sunglasses:
The Utah sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunglasses, especially for hikes.
Consider a 4x4 for Echo Park :car:
For the best experience on Echo Park Road, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rugged terrain.
Junior Ranger Program :child:
Kids will love the Junior Ranger program. The booklets offer fun assignments and insights into the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
Touch a Dinosaur Bone! :hand_pointing_up:
You can actually touch some of the dinosaur bones at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. A unique hands-on experience!
Hydrate and Protect Yourself :droplet: :sunglasses:
The Utah sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunglasses, especially for hikes.
Consider a 4x4 for Echo Park :car:
For the best experience on Echo Park Road, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rugged terrain.
Junior Ranger Program :child:
Kids will love the Junior Ranger program. The booklets offer fun assignments and insights into the park.
Rafting Adventures :river:
The Green and Yampa Rivers offer fantastic rafting opportunities. Book tours in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Quarry Exhibit Hall, calling it one of the most awe-inspiring sights they've ever seen. The monument's dramatic canyons and river access are also highly praised, offering a rich experience beyond just fossils. Some find the trails to be less engaging than expected, and note that the Quarry Hall can be closed during peak season.
"Unbelievable! The Dinosaur Wall at the Quarry was one of the most awe-inspiring monuments I’ve ever seen.
The trail to the quarry was mediocre at best. It’s great if you don’t want to wait for the shuttle but don’t expect to see too much.
Both the Colorado side and Utah side are worth visiting!"
Karson Wilson
"Pretty amazing place to visit and view all the fossils in the hillside. You are able to touch and learn. To see the detail of the bones are pretty amazing. We visited on a Sunday in early April and had the place to ourselves. Well worth the visit."
Ron Nickerson
"What an amazing park! We loved bringing our family here for a long weekend. The kids did the Junior Ranger program and loved looking out for stuff and doing the assignments in the booklet. We took the free tram from the Visitor Center to the Quarry Wall, which was the coolest thing to see. The rangers everywhere so helpful and attentive.
We also went to Split Mountain and the pull off of the petroglyphs/pictographs. Both were so neat to see. We found a place to have lunch in one of the converted picnic areas."
Winter Redd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dinosaur National Monument is located on the border of Utah and Colorado. The main entrance for the Quarry Exhibit Hall is near Jensen, Utah. From Salt Lake City, it's about a 3.5-hour drive. From Denver, it's roughly a 5-hour drive.
The monument spans both states, but the famous Quarry Exhibit Hall with the wall of dinosaur bones is located on the Utah side, near Jensen. The Colorado side offers dramatic canyons and river access.
Many visitors focus on the Utah side for the Quarry Exhibit Hall. For a more adventurous experience, explore the Colorado side via Echo Park Road, which is best suited for 4x4 vehicles.
Yes, there is a free tram or shuttle service from the Visitor Center to the Quarry Wall, which is convenient and recommended, especially during peak times.
You can drive to various points within the monument, including scenic roads like Echo Park Road. However, some areas are best explored on foot or by boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Dinosaur National Monument. Check the official NPS website for current pricing and pass options.
The Quarry Exhibit Hall has specific operating hours, which can vary by season. It's advisable to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information, as it can close in high season.
While general park entry doesn't typically require advance booking, popular activities like rafting tours do. It's always a good idea to check the NPS website for any reservation requirements.
Dinosaur National Monument is generally open year-round, but weather conditions can affect access to certain roads and facilities, especially during winter.
The National Park Service offers various passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, which can cover entrance fees for Dinosaur National Monument and other national parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a must-see for its incredible wall of dinosaur bones. Other highlights include Echo Park Road, Split Mountain, and ancient petroglyphs.
Yes, there are several hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. The hike back from the Quarry to the Visitor Center offers great views of the rock formations.
At the Quarry Exhibit Hall, visitors are allowed to touch some of the dinosaur bones, making for a unique interactive experience.
Activities include hiking, scenic drives, river rafting, kayaking, camping, and stargazing. The monument is rich in both natural and paleontological wonders.
Absolutely! Families love the Junior Ranger program, the interactive Quarry Exhibit Hall, and the opportunity to explore the outdoors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Dinosaur National Monument. Visitors will need to bring their own food or dine in nearby towns like Jensen or Vernal, Utah.
The closest town with dining options is Jensen, Utah, which has limited choices. Vernal, Utah, about 30 minutes away, offers a wider variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within the monument, offering beautiful spots to enjoy a meal amidst the natural scenery. Some are converted picnic areas.
Given the limited dining options, it's highly recommended to pack a cooler with plenty of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring.
Typically, Visitor Centers in national parks do not offer full dining services, though they may have vending machines or a small gift shop with snacks. It's best to confirm with the park's official website.
📸 📸 Photography
The Quarry Exhibit Hall offers unique shots of the fossil wall. Scenic overlooks along Echo Park Road and Split Mountain provide dramatic landscape photography opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, casting dramatic shadows on the canyons and rock formations. Midday can be harsh but is good for capturing the starkness of the fossils.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the scale of the fossil wall. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting or isolating details in the canyons.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official NPS regulations for Dinosaur National Monument before flying a drone.
Yes, you can photograph the petroglyphs, but be respectful and avoid touching them. They are a significant historical and cultural resource.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited. The shuttle to the Quarry is convenient for little legs. For a more adventurous outing, short, easy hikes are available, and the vast open spaces provide room for kids to explore safely under supervision.
🚗 Road Trippers & Vanlifers
+1Camping is available within the monument, providing an immersive experience under the stars. The remote location means fewer crowds and excellent stargazing opportunities. Be sure to stock up on supplies in nearby towns, as amenities are scarce within the park itself.
🏞️ Nature & Adventure Seekers
Hiking trails cater to various fitness levels, leading to incredible overlooks and geological formations. The Echo Park Road drive is an adventure in itself for those seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration. The monument's remoteness also appeals to those looking for solitude and unspoiled natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Incredible Quarry Exhibit Hall
+1Many visitors are surprised and delighted to learn that some of the bones are accessible for touching. This hands-on opportunity provides a tangible connection to these ancient creatures. The exhibit also details the history of excavation and preservation efforts, offering a deeper understanding of paleontological science. Remember to check the operating hours, as this popular exhibit can have seasonal closures.
+1While the Quarry is the main draw, the surrounding area also offers insights into the Morrison Formation, the geological layer where these fossils are found. The hike back from the Quarry to the Visitor Center is recommended for those who want to see the rock formations up close and appreciate the scale of the ancient landscape.
Exploring the Canyons and Rivers
The monument is also a premier destination for river enthusiasts. The Green and Yampa Rivers flow through the park, offering world-class rafting and kayaking opportunities. Trips range from short scenic floats to multi-day expeditions, providing a unique perspective on the monument's canyons and wildlife. Many outfitters offer guided tours, making it accessible even for those without extensive river experience.
Ancient human history is also present in the form of petroglyphs and pictographs found at various sites within the monument. These rock carvings offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited this land thousands of years ago, adding another layer of discovery to your visit.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Be prepared for the desert climate. Bring ample water, sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen), and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially when hiking or spending extended time outdoors.
While dining options within the monument are non-existent, nearby towns like Jensen and Vernal, Utah, offer restaurants and grocery stores. Packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas is a highly recommended and enjoyable option.
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