Take a Step Back in Time at Dinosaur National Monument

The Dinosaur National Monument near Jensen lives up to its name. Yes, dinosaurs previously walked this land! The best part is that their skeletons are still visible and lodged in the rocks. Dinosaur National Monument is a national monument in Colorado and Utah located on the southeast face of the Uinta Mountains near the junction of the Green and Yampa rivers.

The Morrison Formation, which dates from the Jurassic Period and is 150 million years old, is a sandstone and conglomerate bed of alluvial or river bed origin that encloses the fossils. The sediment mound was later buried and lithified into solid rock. The mountain building forces that produced the Uinta Mountains during the Laramide orogeny later raised and tilted the rock layers to their current angle. The unrelenting forces of erosion exposed the layers at the surface for paleontologists to discover.

At this one-of-a-kind attraction, geological wonders have worn the earth's crust to uncover ancient fossils, bringing dinosaur history to life. Kids will enjoy exploring the dinosaur quarry and taking a driving trip throughout the park to see the 1,500 fossils on display. You may see granite formations and experience breathtaking views of Green River on the short driving trip. You'll also get to see some old rock art, such as petroglyphs and pictographs made with paints.

Hiking nature paths, backpacking, and whitewater river running are all popular outdoor activities in this area, as are birdwatching and fishing. The family-friendly Fossil Discovery Trail, Sound of Silence Trail, and Desert Voices Trail provide an overview of the park's geology.

Address: 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035, United States

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 2,770 Google reviews

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