Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
The Dinosaur National Monument represents 1290m of history. It retraces the life of the dinosaurs some 251 million years ago, before their extinction. Hundreds of fossils were discovered here in 1909. In 1915, 79 acres of the park became a protected national treasure, and it was only a few years later that the park expanded its protected area. The main entrance to the park is on the "Utah" side (west), at the Quarry Visitor Center.
QUARRY EXHIBIT HALL
In this exhibition room, you can see some 1 500 dinosaur bones. Numerous species are listed on a wall, including dinosaurs such as the diplodocus known as one of the biggest and longest of the Jurrasic era.
In several places, you can also touch dinosaur fossils dating back 149 million years. To get to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, you'll first need to stop at the Quarry Visitor Center to check whether you'll need to take the park shuttle or your own vehicle.
CUB CREEK AREA
A hundred years ago, the pre-Columbian Fremont people lived in the national park, leaving their mark in the form of petroglyphs and pictographs. Through these drawings and paintings, we can discover their environment and culture. You can see many of them at Swelter Shelter, just a few miles from the Quarry Visitor Center.
RAINBOW PARK AND ISLAND PARK
These two secluded areas of the park are located along the Green River. Please note that access to these areas requires driving on unpaved roads which are impssable when wet.
The scenery between Split Mountain Canyon and Whirlpool Canyon is breathtaking. The grandeur of these natural wonders will make you feel small.
ECHO PARK
Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
ANTICA FORMA ($$)
Here's the local superstar restaurant, where wood-fired pizza takes center stage! You'll find many other Italian specialties on the menu, including soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches and much more. A good choice at a good price.
251, East Main, Vernal / 435-374-4138
VERNAL BREWING COMPANY($$)
The Vernal Brewing Company is the realization of owner Ginger Bowden's dream of opening a warm, welcoming restaurant serving dishes made from fresh ingredients, and a unique craft brewery offering craft beers that are absolutely second to none in the US. The American pub-style menu is very simple and doesn't offer many options, but the dishes of salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and fish are quite interesting.
55 South 500 East, Vernal / 435-781-2337 / www.vernalbrewingcompany.com
Where to sleep ?
Location
When to visit
- Very Favourable
- Favourable
- Unfavourable
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Climograph
- Very Favourable
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Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
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January | -11 | -2 | 19 | |
February | -8 | 2 | 14 | |
March | -2 | 11 | 19 | |
April | 2 | 16 | 25 | |
May | 7 | 22 | 27 | |
June | 13 | 30 | 16 | |
July | 17 | 33 | 13 | |
August | 15 | 31 | 14 | |
September | 10 | 26 | 35 | |
October | 4 | 16 | 39 | |
November | -2 | 8 | 19 | |
December | -10 | -1 | 22 |
Travel reviews
A dive into the past
(Translated by Google) The fossil wall is very impressive. the trail was closed...little disappointment.
Do not hesitate to go for a walk from the campsite. The landscapes are very nice.
Interesting environment and monument
(Translated by Google) Interesting site, monument itself very educational, original town of Vernal