Dinosaur National Monument is for anyone, even if you are not into dinosaurs, you will be fascinated with all it has to offer. Incredible quarry of dinosaur remains, scenic hiking trails, petroglyphs, fossils, rivers, canyons, and more. We loved it.

FOSSIL DISCOVERY TRAIL

Arriving here on a total whim 27 miles from the Colorado border into Utah, I am happy we did. Not really knowing anything about dinosaurs or really that interested this was fantastic. The Quarry is not to be missed.

Get the kids excited before arriving > National Geographic Kids Dino Sticker Activity Book

I felt like we are in the desert and love the scenery, the lizards, the plant life, and finding fossils on the Fossil Discovery Trail we took back to the Visitor Center from the Quarry. It’s gorgeous.

Highly recommend good shoes for Dinosaur National Monument trails. It’s rocky. My favorites are >Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners. For high mountains trails > Keen Hiking Boots

JOSIE’S CABIN & TRAILS

It is hot, not warm, but hot so we did not hike any long trails. At the far end of the park is the historic “Josies Cabin” and several great short hikes from here into the canyon walls.

The history here is unique and a must-visit.  Explore inside her cabin and find out about an amazing woman from the early 1900s. 

Bring Water! A smaller comfortable hydration pack perfect for short hikes is a brand I personally love > Nathan Hydration Packs, second choice > Camelback Hydration Packs.

PETROGLYPHS

Petroglyphs are located in numerous locations and keep us guessing at their meaning created by the Freemont Culture here 1,000 years ago. Captivating.

GREEN RIVER

Had to visit the green river and wish we had a raft or were on a raft trip. Must be an adventure. I noticed a trailhead here, a 5-mile loop but it’s about 100 degrees out and wasn’t even tempting! 

Below are links to loads of information on the Colorado Entrance and the Utah Entrance. Both offer a completely different look at the park. We will be back hiking – when it’s cooler unless we are on the water!

Two major rivers converge in the canyon country of Dinosaur National Monument—the Yampa and Green Rivers

TIDBITS

 Information on > Hiking Trails

Information (must see) on > Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall

So many opportunities for outdoor activities > Things to do 

Quarry Exhibit is located 27 miles from the Colorado state line.

> Commercial Guided Raft Trips

Dinosaur National Monument – is spread over 210,000 acres along the Colorado and Utah border. Each part of the monument offers different experiences and things to see.

If you desire to see some of the spectacular canyon country scenery,  > the Colorado side is the place for you. 

National Park Journal – Document your visits!

Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).

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