• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Shop
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Shop
  • Search
Dinosaur National Monument Green River
Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.

Dinosaur National Monument – Dinosaur

3
SHARES
FacebookTwitter

Dinosaur National Monument is home to numerous dinosaur fossil beds. It’s situated on over 210,000 acres of land spread across two states, Utah and Colorado.

Dinosaurs once ruled this land and fossil evidence can be found on the Utah side near Vernal. Today the area of ​​mountains, desert and rivers supports a vast array of life. There is also a load of outdoor recreation to enjoy within the national monument.

Dinosaur National Monument Robinson Place Colorado
Robinson Place, Dinosaur National Monument, Colo. Photo: Matthew Dillon

Dinosaur Fossils and Prehistoric Rock Art

Isolated in the northwest corner of Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument definitely feels secluded. Even the town of Dinosaur itself is very tiny. There is one gas station, a bar / restaurant and not much else. The best place to stay when visiting is probably Vernal, UT or Rangely, CO.

There are two main side of the park: northwest Colorado and northeast Utah. All the dinosaur fossils for viewing are located on the Utah side, as well as the largest campground. Camping on the Colorado side is limited to 4×4 roads, and some dispersed camping can be found on BLM lands. The Colorado side features a 20 mile or so scenic drive to an overlook of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Plus old homesteads and rock art.

Dinosaur National Monument Petroglyph Scenery
Petroglyph scenery in Dinosaur National Monument. Photo: Rich Luhr

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is situated over the world-famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry near Vernal, UT. It’s open year round and features approximately 1500 dinosaur bones. The Colorado side of the monument does not feature any dinosaur exhibits, just breathtaking scenery.

Tips when visiting:

  • Many of the dirt roads become impassable in the rain.
  • Fill up your gas tank before visiting.
  • It can take over 4 hours to drive from the Gates of Lodore area on the north end of the monument in Colorado to the Quarry Visitor Center in Utah. Nearest amenities could be over an hours drive.
  • Bring food and water.

Activities at Dinosaur NM

Dinosaur National Monument Homestead
An early homestead established by Josie Basset Morris in the early 1900s.

Biking: Permitted on any road within the monument, but not on any trails.

Camping: 6 campgrounds, 133 sites. Many sites are open year round. There are a variety of campgrounds from RVs to tent-only. The most popular and largest camping area is Green River near Utah Visitor Center. Back country camping is also available.

  • Green River – UT, 81 sites, fee, Reservations during peak season
  • Split Mountain – UT, 4 group sites, fee, min. 8 people, Reservations during peak season
  • Rainbow Park – UT, 4 sites, free, no reservations
  • Echo Park – CO, 22 sites, fee/ site, no reservations, need 4×4
  • Gates of Lodore – 17 sites, fee / night, no reservations
  • Deerlodge Park – 7 sites, fee / night, no reservations

Read about the camping near Rangely and Dinosaur.

Dinosaur National Monument Green River Campground Utah
Green River Campground in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah. Photo: jaygannett

Fishing: Permitted with CO Fishing License. Both the Green River and Yampa River pass through the park.

Hiking: Most trails begin along the two paved roads inside the park and the visitor centers. Other more remote trails exist. Remember to bring water and wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

At the end of the 31 mile Harpers Corner Scenic Drive there is a short hike to Harpers Corner Overlook. It gazes out on the connection of the Green and Yampa rivers.

Horseback Riding: Horses, mules, donkeys and llamas re permitted on all dirt roads open to vehicle traffic, not including Cub Creek Road to the Josie Basset Cabin.

Scenic Drives: The Tour of the Tilted Rocks is a 10 mile, one-way trip along Cub Creek Road, beginning at the Quarry Visitor Center, north of Jensen, UT.

Dinosaur’s other paved road, Harpers Corner Road takes you 31 miles one way from the Canyon Area Visitor Center.

Whitewater Rafting: The Green River offers challenging Class III and IV rapids. The Yampa River has several exciting Class III rapids and one Class IV known as the Warm Springs Rapid.

Many commercial outfits offer tours through DNM. Private boating permits available.

Inside Josie's cabin which is located on the Utah side.
An old chicken coop at the homestead.
A mountain full of Petroglyphs. Notice the lizard in the center.
More Petroglyphs carved by early Native Americans.
These Petroglyphs are found on the Utah side of the monument.
An early homestead established by Josie Basset Morris in the early 1900s.
Fossil Bone Quarry Visitor Center.
Green River Campground has 80 sites.
Boat ramp on the Green River.
Petroglyph near the Utah Visitor Center.
More Petroglyphs.
Homestead run by Josie Basset Morris in the early 1900s.
Colorado Canyon Area Visitor Center.
Views along Harpers Corners Scenic Drive.
Hike to Harpers Corner Overlook.
Canyon views.

Details

Address: 4545 US 40, Dinosaur, CO

Phone: 435-781-7700

Season: Year round

Fees: Yes for vehicle, motorcycle, walk-in, and bicycle. Valid for 7 days.

Pets: Permitted in park but not on trails or backcountry.

Camping Reservations:

  • Green River (UT)
  • Split Mountain (UT)

Website: nps.gov/dino

Latest in Dinosaur National Monument

BLM Land Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway

7 Top Hiking Trails by Dinosaur & Meeker

Perched in the vast desert landscape of northeastern Colorado, the tiny community of Dinosaur is located…

7 Top Hiking Trails by Dinosaur & MeekerRead More

Tent Green River Campground Dinosaur National Monument Utah

Camping near Rangely and Dinosaur National Monument

Northwest Colorado is one of the most seldom visited regions of Colorado, home to small rural…

Camping near Rangely and Dinosaur National MonumentRead More

Dinosaur National Monument Dark Sky Park Stargazing Night Starts

Stargazing at Dinosaur National Monument | A Look Back in Time

Long before miners and railroad workers made a home for themselves in Colorado, dinosaurs roamed the…

Stargazing at Dinosaur National Monument | A Look Back in TimeRead More

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

National Parks & Monuments

  • All National Lands
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison
  • Browns Canyon
  • Canyons of the Ancients
  • Chimney Rock
  • Colorado
  • Dinosaur
  • Florissant Fossil Beds
  • Great Sand Dunes
  • Hovenweep
  • Mesa Verde
  • Rocky Mountain
  • Yucca House

Colorado Archaeological Sites

  • All Archaeological Areas
  • Canyons of the Ancients
  • Chimney Rock
  • Dinosaur
  • Florissant Fossil Beds
  • Hovenweep
  • Mesa Verde
  • Ute Mountain Tribal Park – Towaoc
  • Yucca House

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer