Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is a renowned paleontological site located on the border of Utah and Colorado, in the United States. It covers an area of approximately 210,000 acres and is managed by the National Park Service. This prehistoric treasure offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore fossilized dinosaur remains, stunning landscapes, and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.

The park's historical background dates back to 1909 when paleontologist Earl Douglass discovered an impressive array of dinosaur fossils within the Carnegie Quarry. The quarry houses more than 1,500 dinosaur bones, including well-preserved skeletons of Allosaurus, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, and Camarasaurus. Visitors can view these astonishing fossils in the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where a glass-walled building protects the ancient remains, providing an up-close experience.

Aside from its paleontological wonders, Dinosaur National Monument is blessed with striking natural features. Split Mountain Canyon, a dramatic red rock formation, carves through the park and offers incredible hiking and rafting opportunities. Rafting enthusiasts can ride the Green River's rapids, while hikers can explore various trails like the Harpers Corner Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Yampa River and surrounding canyons.

Camping is a popular activity within the monument, with several campgrounds available for reservation. Echo Park Campground, situated near the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers, offers picturesque scenery and peaceful camping experiences. Moreover, Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery provides an opportunity to observe and learn about an array of fish species and the conservation efforts taking place in the region.

For those seeking more adventure, nearby attractions include the Uinta Mountains to the north and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area to the northeast. The Uinta Mountains offer excellent hiking, backpacking, and fishing opportunities, with scenic alpine lakes and rugged peaks. Meanwhile, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers boating, fishing, and water sports in its pristine reservoir, surrounded by red cliffs and scenic overlooks.

Overall, Dinosaur National Monument provides a captivating combination of paleontological wonders, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational activities. Whether exploring the Quarry Exhibit Hall, hiking through picturesque canyons, or enjoying camping and water activities, visitors are sure to create lasting memories in this intriguing park and its surrounding attractions.

Dinosaur National Monument is located in the northwest corner of the state of Colorado and the northeast corner of Utah, in the United States. Spanning over 210,000 acres, this remarkable monument encompasses a diverse landscape boasting deep canyons, soaring cliffs, winding rivers, and sprawling plateaus. Situated within the greater Colorado Plateau region, the monument is nestled amidst the stunning ancient rock formations of the Uinta Mountains and the Green River. Its unique position straddling two states allows visitors to experience the distinct geological features and natural wonders of both Colorado and Utah. Within this captivating geographical setting, the monument also houses an exceptional record of prehistoric life, with numerous fossilized dinosaur skeletons, petroglyphs, and pictographs. The location of Dinosaur National Monument makes it a gateway to explore the vast wilderness and uncover the rich history encapsulated within the breathtaking landscape of the American Southwest.

Address & Contact

11625 E 1500 S
Jensen, UT 84035
Driving Directions
Phone: 4357817700
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument would be in May or September. In May, the average maximum temperature is 75°F, the average minimum temperature is 42°F, and there is an average monthly precipitation of 1.0 in. This time offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. In September, the average maximum temperature is 82°F, the average minimum temperature is 47°F, and there is an average monthly precipitation of 1.3 in. These months also receive moderate visitor counts, allowing you to avoid large crowds while enjoying the park.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Dinosaur National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Whitewater Rafting Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping RV Camping Stand Up Paddleboarding Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Dinosaur National Monument: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Arts Westward Expansion Fish Canyons and Canyonlands Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Watersheds Photography Forests and Woodlands Mountains Natural Sounds Scenic Views Elk Coniferous Forests Thickets and Shrublands Endangered Dinosaur Homesteading Ancient Seas

Visitor Centers

Quarry Visitor Center - Utah

Located 7 miles (11 km) north of Jensen, Utah, off Highway 149, the Quarry Visitor Center is the gateway to the Quarry Exhibit Hall and the wall of dinosaur bones. This facility features a staffed information desk, gift shop, and theater with a 12-minute park film. Exhibits introduce a variety of resources and places to explore within the monument. During summer, shuttle buses depart from here for the Quarry Exhibit Hall. This building is open year-round, except on certain holidays. Hours change seasonally.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Quarry Visitor Center - Utah.

Campsites within or near Dinosaur National Monument

Deerlodge Park Campground

Deerlodge Park Campground is located 51 miles (82 km) east of the Canyon Visitor Center. It is located on the Yampa River at the boat ramp at the head of Yampa Canyon. It has seven shady sites suitable for tents. The sites have tables and fire pits. There is drinking water and vault toilets available seasonally, but no showers. Deerlodge Park Campground is open year-round, but winter access can be very difficult due to snow. When the Yampa River exceeds an 18,000 cfs flow rate, the campground will flood.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Summer Fee when water is available), 6.00 (Campground Off Season fee when water is not available)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Echo Park Campground

Situated along the Green River at the base of towering cliffs, the Echo Park Campground provides a unique camping experience in Dinosaur National Monument. Steamboat Rock dominates the view. Fremont petroglyphs are located on the canyon walls. Bighorn sheep and mule deer frequently roam through the campground. Unimproved hiking trails lead to the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers or to views of the Mitten Park Fault. The campground is located 38 miles (61 km) north of the Canyon Visitor Center.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Summer Camping Fee), 6.00 (Winter Camping Fee), 15.00 (Group Site)
Total Campsites: 22
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Gates of Lodore Campground

Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River at the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here before launching on the Green River. There are 19 sites, some with shade. The sites have tables and fire pits or grills. During the summer, there is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs (but there are no hook-ups).
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Standard Campground Fee - Peak Season), 5.00 (Campground Fee for Senior and Access Pass Holders - Peak Season), 6.00 (Campground Fee - Low Use Season), 3.00 (Campground Fee for Senior and Access Pass Holders - Low Use Season)
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Green River Campground

The Green River Campground is located along the banks of the Green River in a grove of cottonwood trees at an elevation of 4795 (4162 feet). The highly eroded Split Mountain towers to the north of the campground. The famous dinosaur quarry, where you can see 150 million year old dinosaur bones still encased in rock is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from the campground. Nearby is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where river rafters come off the Green River after trips through Dinosaur National Monument's canyons.
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Campsite Fee), 9.00 (Campsite Fee - Senior or Access Pass Holder)
Total Campsites: 80
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Rainbow Park Campground

Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of the monument. It is located on a dirt road that is impassable when wet. The campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. Rainbow Park Campground is open year-round, but there is no winter maintenance on the unpaved road.
Fees (US$): 6.00 (Rainbow Park Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Split Mountain Group Campground

The Split Mountain Group Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4800 feet (1463 m) near the foot of Split Mountain. The campground is 5 miles (8 km) from the dinosaur quarry, where you can see 150 million year old dinosaur bones encased in the rock. Beside the campground is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where rafters and boaters come off the Green River. During the off season, when the Green River Campground is closed, the Split Mountain Campground is open to all campers.
Fees (US$): 40.00 (Group Site Fee - Main Season), 6.00 (Split Mountain Camping Fee - Off-season)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal