Fossils, Petroglyphs and More at Dinosaur National Monument

Even though fossils are only visible from the quarry hall, the Dinosaur National Monument also has a bunch of other cool things to see. Such as the Josie Bassett Morris Ranch, which was built by Josie herself. As well as over a dozen gorgeous overlooks, the Wade and Curtis Cabin, the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers and five different locations to see petroglyphs. Dinosaur National Monument is definitely worth the detour. Since this park is so big, it covers over 200,000 acres, you will need to spend a few days here to fully experience it all.

Dinosaur Monument

First of all, the fossils are only found on the Utah side. Don’t expect to see any on the Colorado side its canyon country, and therefore mostly overlooks and the Green and Yampa rivers. In the quarry, you will find one-thousand-five-hundred fossils from all sorts of species embedded in an eighty-foot long covered mural. Although the most common dinosaur found here is the Camarasaurus, you can also expect to see Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus as well. In order to protect the quarry, it is fully covered. So don’t worry about bad weather when visiting the quarry. You’ll remain nice and dry. If you can try to be here at night, because Dinosaur National Monument is also part of the Dark Sky Association. Since there is no pollution in the area, it makes it one of the best locations to see the Milky Way.

Why are there so many fossils in one place?

Back in the day, the dinosaur quarry was actually a huge sandbar on the edge of a very large river. As the river carried animal carcasses downstream, many became stuck on the sandbar. Resulting in sort of a mass grave for all sorts of different prehistoric creatures. Over time, the sandbar eventually turned to rock. As a result, hundreds of creatures were fossilized within a small area, giving us the Dinosaur quarry. In order for you to see how many there are, many fossilized bones have been partially exposed but left intact in the rock. All in all, you will find one-thousand-five-hundred fossils embedded in an eighty-foot long covered mural.

Dinosaur Monument

Travel Secret

Since there are no restaurants near Dinosaur National Monument, Make sure that you pack a lunch or eat before leaving the hotel.

Dinosaur Monument

Hours

Dinosaur Quarry Hours:

Late May – mid September	8:00 am – 5:30 pm
September 16 – Late May	9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Colorado Canyon Center:

Mid May – October 11	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
October 12 – mid May	Closed

Admission

$25 per vehicle

Plan to spend at least two hours visiting the quarry. If you wish to visis both sides of the park, you will need at least two days, this place is huge!

Dinosaur Monument

Directions

Dinosaur National Monument

11625 E 1500 S,

Jensen, UT 84035

From Vernal, take US E/E Main St, then turn left onto UT-149 and continue to your destination.

If leaving from Dinosaur, CO take US-40 E/Brontosaurus Blvd and turn left onto Harpers Corner RD. Then continue to your destination.

Accommodations

Since this park is in two different states, the closest accommodations will depend on which side of the park you are on. If you are on the Colorado side, your best bet is Dinosaur, Colorado. However, if you came here to see dinosaur fossils, those are only on the Utah side. For that, the closest accommodations in Vernal, Utah. Best of all, my link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available! And if you purchase your vacation through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. However, rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!