million years ago, dinosaurs roamed through what is now Dinosaur National Monument. Their fossils remain embedded in the rocks. Today, this vast landscape of mountains, desert, and rivers supports a variety of life. Petroglyphs reveal the lives and connections of Indigenous peoples to this land, while homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history, or scenery, Dinosaur National Monument offers much to explore.

Dinosaur National Monument preserves an extraordinary treasure trove of over 1,500 dinosaur fossils, rugged canyons, scenic rivers, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse wildlife across more than 210,000 acres straddling the Colorado-Utah border. It invites visitors to explore prehistoric wonders, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural history.

Overview

Dinosaur National Monument, established in 1915, protects a vast region rich in dinosaur fossils, dramatic canyons, and cultural history. The monument spans over 210,000 acres along the Colorado and Utah border, offering unique experiences on each side.

The Utah side is renowned for its dinosaur fossils, accessible via the Quarry Visitor Center and the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, where over 1,500 fossils are exposed on a cliff face.
The Colorado side features spectacular canyon scenery, scenic drives, and river rafting opportunities on the Green and Yampa rivers.
The monument preserves petroglyphs and pictographs left by Indigenous peoples, as well as remnants of homesteaders and outlaws who once inhabited the area.
Diverse ecosystems within the monument support a variety of plant and animal species adapted to desert and canyon environments .

Plan Your Visit

Dinosaur National Monument offers a wealth of activities and stunning locations to explore. Visitors can plan their trip based on interests in fossils, river adventures, hiking, or scenic driving.

Quarry Visitor Center

Located on the Utah side, the Quarry Visitor Center is the primary destination for those wanting to see dinosaur fossils.

Visitors can tour the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, where over 1,500 dinosaur fossils are embedded in the rock face.
Depending on the season, visitors may drive directly to the quarry or take a shuttle bus.
The center offers educational exhibits and information about the monument's paleontological treasures .

Canyon Visitor Center

Situated on the Colorado side, the Canyon Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the monument's stunning canyon country.

It provides information on hiking trails, scenic drives, and river rafting adventures.
Staff can assist with trip planning and offer details on current conditions and ranger programs .

Harpers Corner

Harpers Corner is a premier viewpoint offering dramatic overlooks of the Yampa and Green rivers flowing through deep canyons.

The Harpers Corner Road is a 31-mile scenic drive featuring several overlooks.
The Harpers Corner Trail is a short hike that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the river canyons below .

Echo Park

Located deep within the monument's river canyons, Echo Park offers stunning views of towering canyon walls and the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers.

Access is via a high-clearance vehicle or by river rafting.
The area is remote and showcases pristine wilderness scenery .

Fossil Area Trails

Dinosaur Quarry Trail: A short trail leading to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, offering a close-up view of the fossilized bones in the cliff face.
Jones Hole Trail: A longer hike into the backcountry that provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and seeing petroglyphs .

Additional Resources

Animals

Dinosaur National Monument is home to a variety of animals adapted to its diverse habitats, from riverbanks to arid canyons.

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)

Pronghorns are swift herbivores often seen in open areas within the monument. Their speed and keen eyesight help them evade predators in the vast, open landscapes.

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Mule deer are commonly observed throughout the monument, grazing on shrubs and grasses. They are adaptable and often seen at dawn and dusk near water sources and in canyons.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Golden eagles soar above the monument's canyons and cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds. Their impressive wingspan and soaring skills make them a majestic sight against the blue sky.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)

Also known as javelinas, collared peccaries are social animals that forage for roots, fruits, and insects. They inhabit brushy areas and are occasionally spotted in the monument's lower elevations.

Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus lutosus)

The Great Basin rattlesnake is a venomous reptile found in rocky areas and deserts within the monument. It preys on small mammals and birds and uses its camouflage to remain undetected .

Plants

The plant life in Dinosaur National Monument reflects its arid climate and varied topography, supporting species that have adapted to survive in desert and canyon environments.

Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis)

Pinyon pines are hardy, drought-resistant trees that dot the higher elevations of the monument. They produce nutritious pine nuts and provide shelter for various wildlife species.

Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)

Utah juniper is a tough evergreen that thrives in rocky soils and arid conditions. Its aromatic wood and dense foliage make it a prominent feature of the monument's upland areas.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)

Fourwing saltbush is a resilient shrub with silvery leaves, commonly found in the monument's grasslands and deserts. It plays a vital role in soil stabilization and serves as forage for wildlife.

Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)

Snakeweed is a common flowering plant in the monument's open areas, recognized by its small yellow blossoms. It is well-adapted to dry conditions and contributes to the region's floral diversity.

Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis)

Mormon tea is a slender shrub known for its jointed stems and small, scale-like leaves. It thrives in arid soils and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples .

Geology & Fossils

Dinosaur National Monument is world-famous for its rich fossil beds and unique geological features.

The Quarry Exhibit Hall houses over 1,500 dinosaur fossils, including species such as the Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus.
The monument's rock formations tell the story of ancient rivers, floodplains, and environments where these dinosaurs once lived and were buried.
Beyond fossils, the area features stunning sandstone canyons carved by the Green and Yampa rivers, showcasing layers of geological history .

Cultural History

The monument preserves evidence of human presence spanning thousands of years.

Indigenous peoples left petroglyphs and pictographs within the monument's canyons, revealing aspects of their lives and spiritual beliefs.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, homesteaders and outlaws occupied parts of the area, leaving behind cabins and other artifacts.
Ranger programs and interpretive trails provide insights into this rich cultural heritage .

Management

Dinosaur National Monument is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on preserving its paleontological resources, natural beauty, and cultural sites.

The monument operates two main visitor centers: the Quarry Visitor Center (Utah side) and the Canyon Visitor Center (Colorado side).
Ranger-led programs, safety guidelines, and resource management plans ensure a safe and educational experience for all visitors.
Camping, pet regulations, and current conditions are available online to help visitors plan their trips effectively .

Dinosaur National Monument offers an unparalleled journey through time, from the age of dinosaurs to the present-day scenic and cultural treasures of the American West. Whether exploring fossil beds, rafting wild rivers, or hiking through ancient canyons, visitors are sure to find adventure and discovery at every turn.

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Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Monuments

Dinosaur National Monument