Best time to travel to Utah

Dinosaur National Monument in Utah

The beautiful natural scenery of this area could be the main reason to visit it, but it's also historical importance that makes this place even more attractive

Best time: all year round

Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument

If you have been obsessed with dinosaurs as a child, the Dinosaur National Monument on the border between Utah and Colorado is the place to go. A huge number of Jurassic period fossils which are over 150 million years old have been discovered here.

You can see them all while hiking among beautiful mountains, rock formations, and rivers. This lovely scenery stretches for 850 square kilometres. Visitors to this area can enjoy hiking, camping, and rafting. Dinosaur fossils can be found at the cliff wall of Carnegie Quarry.

Once you enter the exhibition hall, all the 1,500 fossils being displayed is quite striking. The most impressive thing is that all the bones were discovered by palaeontologists at the same place, where you see them today. Except for the fossils, you can see a number of petroglyphs and pictographs, and read the stories on the rocks.

Most of the hiking trails and road tours start at the visitor centre. There are also trails that begin in remote parts of the park. The trails are mainly from easy to a medium level of complexity, thus it can be enjoyed by anyone. Make sure to take plenty of water on day hikes too, especially in the heat of summer. Just remember you are in the desert with the appropriate weather conditions. You will need plenty of water and things to protect you from the sun. Some of the most spectacular views can be caught along the Fossil Discovery Trail, Sound of Silence Trail, and the Desert Voices Trail.

Practical info

What kind of fossils can be found in Dinosaur National Monument?

Jurassic period fossils are present in the Dinosaur National Monument, where you can witness a collection of dinosaur fossils. Some of the famous fossils that you can find here include Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and Stegosaurus. Additionally, you can see some rock carvings and drawings that belong to the same era, making it an excellent educational site for children and teenagers alike. Show more

Where is the best place to see dinosaur fossils in the park?

The Carnegie Quarry cliff wall is the ultimate destination for visiting the Dinosaur National Monument if you want to see dinosaur fossils. You can check out the 1,500 bones on display at the museum, all from the Quarry. Hiking trails and guided tours start from this spot, leading to other significant fossil locations, making it a perfect tourist magnet for children and dinosaur lovers of all ages. Show more

When is the best time of year to visit Dinosaur National Monument?

Dinosaur National Monument is open year-round, but the most suitable period to visit is between May to September. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant weather, with the temperature ranging from an average of 26℃. Tourists can go for a peaceful retreat during the fall season to avoid the rush. However, visiting in winter is not recommended, as snow and rainfall can cause most attractions to close and roads to become inaccessible. Show more

What kind of outdoor activities can visitors do in the park?

Various outdoor activities are available for tourists visiting Dinosaur National Monument. From hiking trails of different difficulty levels to camping, fishing, and rafting on the Green River, there is something for everyone. During winters, tourists can attempt winter activities like cross-country skiing, though not all park areas remain open. Moreover, tourists can embark on horseback riding, taking in the scenic beauty of the park while witnessing dinosaur fossils. Show more

Are there any hiking trails that are suitable for beginners?

For those new to hiking, there are various trails of different lengths and difficulty levels at the Dinosaur National Monument. The Sound of Silence Trail, Fossil Discovery Trail, and Desert Voices Trail are some excellent beginner options, ranging from half a mile to one mile in length. During the hike, tourists can witness the park's rich diversity of flora and fauna while getting an introduction to the park's geological history. It is advisable to carry a hat and water while hiking as the weather can be warm during hiking activity. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Dinosaur National Monument (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin