Dinosaur
National Monument
Dinosaur, Colorado (also in
Utah)
Preserved in the sands of an ancient river at Dinosaur National Monument is a
time capsule from the world of dinosaurs. Thousands of bones and many complete skeletons
have been removed from a single ridge and others remain exposed in the sandstone
face.
Mailing address
Superintendent, Dinosaur National Monument, 4545 Hwy.
40, Dinosaur, CO 81610 Telephone: 970-374-3000
Directions
To get to the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center, go 13 miles (20.9
km) east of Vernal, UT, to Jensen, UT, on US 40 and then 7 miles (11.2 km) north
to the Quarry on UT 149. Headquarters is 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Dinosaur, CO, on
US 40 and 37 miles (59.6 km) east of Vernal, UT on US 40. The closest airport is
in Vernal.
Visitor activities
Dinosaur fossil displays, resource talks and programs
(summers only), walking, hiking, picnicking, backcountry driving, fishing, white-water
boating and wildflower viewing. Facilities include nature trails, concession-operated
boat trips, parking and restrooms at the Visitor Center, telephones, and boat ramp.
The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from October through May; and
from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Visitor Center is closed
Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The backcountry and canyon road is closed due to
snow in the winter. All visitors must use a shuttlebus to the Quarry from Memorial
Day to Labor Day.
Permits, fees and limitations
There is a $5 entrance fee to enter the
Monument on Quarry Road. Permits are required for fishing, white-water boating, and
backcountry hiking. Some backcountry roads require a high clearance vehicle and are
impassable when wet. Inquire at the Visitor Center.
Accessibility
The Monument Headquarters Visitor Center is accessible.
Dinosaur Quarry has limited accessibility. Ask about restrooms.
Camping and lodging
Camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served
basis for $8 per night. Backcountry camping permits are available by writing the
Superintendent in advance or visiting any Ranger upon arrival. Drinking water in
the backcountry is scarce. Other overnight accommodations are available in Dinosaur,
Rangely and Craig, CO; and in Vernal and Jensen, UT.
Food and supplies
Available in Dinosaur, Rangely and Craig, CO; and in
Vernal and Jensen, UT.
First aid/Hospital
First aid is available in the Monument for emergencies.
The nearest hospitals are in Vernal, UT; and in Rangely, CO.
 To Dinosaur Colorado Page
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