Dinosaur National Monument - , Utah

Dinosaur National Monument is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature, history, or a fun day out. Located in Utah, USA, this national reserve is a true gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

The monument's main attraction is its world-class collection of dinosaur fossils, which can be seen up close at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Here, visitors can marvel at over 1,500 fossilized bones from more than 10 different species of dinosaurs, including the Allosaurus and the Stegosaurus.

But Dinosaur National Monument is not just about dinosaurs. The park offers a wide range of activities for all ages, such as hiking, picnicking, and camping. With over 200,000 acres of wilderness to explore, there's no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to discover. From the towering cliffs of the Split Mountain to the lush riparian areas along the Green and Yampa Rivers, the park's diverse habitats are teeming with wildlife, including deer, elk, and eagles.

One of the best ways to experience the park is by hiking its many trails. From easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks, there's a trail for every level of fitness and ability. Some of the most popular trails include the Fossil Discovery Trail, the Cub Creek Trail, and the Desert Voices Trail.

Visitors can also enjoy picnicking at one of the many scenic spots throughout the park, or camping under the stars at one of the park's designated campgrounds. For those who prefer a more luxurious experience, there are also several nearby lodges and hotels.

Dinosaur National Monument is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms. The park also offers a range of kid-friendly activities, making it a great destination for families.

According to Google My Business, the monument has received an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 3,400 reviews. Visitors consistently rave about the park's stunning scenery, fascinating fossils, and abundance of wildlife.

Reviews of Dinosaur National Monument

Joshua Hockett

5/5

Too cold to go for a hike but the quarry building with its 1500 dinosaur bones half buried in rock were incredible. Even my wife who doesn’t like dinosaurs or old stuff was impressed. We stayed for nearly two hours gawking at the massive bones. Well worth a stop.

Piotr Kalinowski

5/5

I was nicely surprised by what I found there. I expected many beautified, inflated, and invented stories. What I found was well and rightly protected excavation site. There are also many walking trails with breathtaking views. The Visitor Center was nicely designed and helpful. Wow, what a day it was.

Gabriel Luna

5/5

We passed during September.
It was a day trip and it was still a bit hot, but it was worth it.
They preserve the dinosaur bones In great shape. Shout-out to ranger Molly who took the time to explain really well so many details about how the mountains were formed and how the bones were found around that area.
The roads are in good condition,
Bathrooms are really good for being in such an isolated place.
Recommend doing the fossil discovery trail downwards from the exhibit hall.

Joel H

5/5

This is a very interesting place. I have to be honest I find dinosaurs somewhat confusing. This was very informative and I learned quite a bit. The thing I thought was especially cool was being able to touch several of the bones in the quarry wall. Beautiful area with hiking trails and amazing colors.

gabriella gaita

5/5

Go to the Utah side where the Quarry Hall is and see the site where the actual dinosaur bones were chiseled out of that rock mountain. So impressive!
The park has a nice drive around area (about 30-40 minutes) to see geological features and also a cool petroglyph trail up a little mountain path that was fun to hike. Many interesting geologicalFeatures and a couple cool picnic/camping areas as well. Enjoy!

Jerry Dunlap

5/5

Lots to see here. Great fossils. From the fossil beds you can drive down to Josie Cabin. Where I guess a few outlaws spent time at. Beautiful place with great views. There are petroglyphs here that are very cool.

Zach Wedel

5/5

Quiet, peaceful, beautiful park. We stayed in the campground which was ideal for our family. This allowed for hiking in the morning and spending time at the visitor center looking at the dinosaur bones in the afternoon. It was in the upper 90s so be prepared for some heat and take plenty of water with you when hiking.

Cyn Elle

5/5

This is a huge park/ monument but if you are short on time then I recommend just heading to the visitor center on the Utah side. It's a nice center with exhibits, a real dino bone that kids can touch, clean bathrooms, a gift shop and friendly rangers.
The fossil trail is just outside. It's a 1.5 mile walk with signs that have faded. Lots of bugs to find if your kids are into inaturalist and seek.