Dinosaur National Monument
The Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument is closed until further notice while repairs are made on the building structure. The quarry is the only place in the monument where the public can see dinosaur fossils embedded in rock. See this page for other places where you can see dinosaur fossil exhibits.
The largest quarry of Jurassic Period dinosaur bones ever discovered is the source of 200,000-acre Dinosaur National Monument's name. On August 17, 1909, 20 miles east of Vernal, Utah, paleontologist Earl Douglass discovered a 200-foot long sandbar of sorts which was layered with prehistoric plant and animal fossils. About 350 tons of fossils, including full skeletons and remains of some dinosaur species that were previously unknown, were excavated by Douglass and his crew. A quarry was built on the site and it was designated a national monument in 1915. A year-round visitor center has been built over the quarry to protect the fossilized dinosaur bones and skeletons.
Request a brochure with information about this area.
Over 2,000 dinosaur bones are exposed in the sandstone wall. Many complete skeletons have also been recovered and are exhibited in museums throughout the nation. Visitors can watch paleontologists chip away the sandstone to expose the fossilized dinosaur bones. Visitors can also see the preparation laboratory where dinosaur fossils are cleaned and preserved. This is the most productive Jurassic Period dinosaur quarry in the world, providing more complete skeletons, skulls, and bones of dinosaurs than any other quarry.
Dinosaur National Monument stretches east into Colorado. In both the Utah and Colorado portions there are mapped hikes through mountains, plateaus and deserts. Most of the established hiking trails in the monument are fairly short. Favorites include the Harpers Corner Trail, the Gates of Lodore Trail and the Red Rock Trail. Campgrounds are located near the visitor center. Dinosaur National Monument is also popular for white water rafting on the Green and Yampa Rivers. To run rivers, private boaters must obtain a permit at ranger headquarters, 303-374-2468. Local river rafting companies offer guided one- to five-day raft trips from late spring through early fall. See the Guides and Outfitters section for a list of certified guides.
At the visitor center, located 20 miles/32 km east of Vernal, Utah, exhibits explain how scientists study fossils to learn more about the life, environment, and extinction of the dinosaurs. The nearest overnight accommodations are located in Vernal. Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle, $5 for pedestrians/bikes, or $20 for an annual Dinosuar National Monument Pass.
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