Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument, located in northwest Colorado, combines dramatic scenery with natural and cultural history to create one of the most interesting sites in the state. While most visitors come for the archeological aspects, the recreational opportunities round out your visit. Dinosaur remains embedded in exposed rock walls provide evidence of the giants who once roamed these areas, and petroglyphs provide insight into the cultures and people who once lived here. Cliff walls surround it all, with the Green and Yampa Rivers snaking through the otherwise dry landscape.

The Quarry Visitors Center, built over the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, should be your first stop. From there, you can access the park's main attraction, the Quarry Exhibit Hall. A massive wall of windows lets in natural light, giving it the feel of an excavation site rather than a museum. Fossils range in condition from still being encased in the stone wall to fully assembled skeletons.

Other popular activities in Dinosaur National Monument include driving through the park, hiking, fishing, rafting, and camping. A number of scenic drives on paved and four-wheel drive roads wind through the park. Hiking trails range in length from a half-mile nature walk to an eight-mile day hike. It's easy to spend a few days in this area if you are interested in exploring the park. Campgrounds, some of which are open to both tents and RVs and others open only to tents, are spread around the park. Hotels can be found at nearby Vernal.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Address: 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035

Phone: 435 781-7700

Website: https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm