Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur, CO

Climate - Map - Description - Things To Do - Camping Lodging - Nearby

Dinosaur National Monument was created in 1915 to preserve one of the world's largest concentrations of Jurassic-age dinosaur bones found in the area. More than 1,600 fossilized bones in their final resting place were deposited here in an ancient river bed turned to stone. Colorful canyons, carved into spectacular geological formations, also reveal much of the Earth's history, while exposing this "Jurassic Park." Fees

Seasons / Hours

The Monument is open year round except for federal holidays. Entrance fees are charged Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day on the Utah side of the Monument.

Facilities
The dinosaur fossil Visitor Information Station, located 7 miles north of Jensen, Utah, on UT 149, is open daily. Dinosaur fossils can only be seen in this area of the park. Real and replica fossils can be seen at the information station. Ranger-led hikes and programs are available during the summer. For current operating hours or more information, call (435) 781-7700.

Dinosaur Quarry Now Open!

Visitors can once again see the world-famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, which had been closed for many years. Paleontologist Earl Douglass started excavations here in 1909, finding numerous fossil specimens which are displayed in museums around the globe. When excavations eventually ended, over 1,500 fossils were left in place on the cliff face so that visitors can view them in the position they were found.

The Quarry Exhibit Hall located over the world-famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry has reopened as well. The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view the wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones in a newly refurbished, comfortable space. The facility also features exhibits on life during the late Jurassic.

Two paved Auto Tours provide main access to monument. The Harpers Corner Scenic Drive is closed January through mid-April. Most other routes are primitive, gravel roads and impassable in winter or when wet. Passenger cars can navigate a few gravel roads when roads are dry. Inquire at visitor information areas for current road conditions.

Dinosaur Virtual Museum
The Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center includes the cliff face (with hundreds of dinosaur bones) and other museum exhibits. This multi-media program gives you a look inside the Visitor Center. Click here to visit the Virtual Museum.

 

Food/Supplies
Full services are available in Vernal, Utah and Craig and Rangely, Colorado. Limited supplies and services are available in Dinosaur, Browns Park and Maybell, Colorado, and Jensen, Utah.

Accessibility
Check Dinosaur National Monument's website for details regarding accessibility.

Precautions, Rules, Regulations

It is the visitor's responsibility to know and obey park rules. Regulations are designed for visitors' protection and to protect natural resources.

Dinosaur National Monument's mandate from Congress is to preserve the natural and cultural heritage within Dinosaur for future generations to see and enjoy. To achieve this mandate restrictions are required.

  • Collecting any cultural or natural object (arrowheads, rocks, flowers, bugs, etc.) will remove the object so others cannot enjoy it and is not allowed.
  • Hunting or molesting wildlife is not allowed.
  • Placing your name and date or other graffiti on cabins and rock faces, or other cultural and natural features is not allowed.
  • Driving your vehicle off maintained roadways will scar the soil and damage plants and is prohibited.

CAUTION: The river water, released from the depths of Flaming Gorge, is COLD. River currents are deceptively dangerous and swimming is not advised. Diving into rivers is extremely dangerous as sandbars move and obstacles are hidden.

4545 Highway 40
Dinosaur, CO 81610-9724
970-374-3000



 

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