Is Vernal worth visiting? I would say, most definitely, yes! Vernal, Utah is the land of dinosaurs and scenic landscapes where red rock formations and mountain vistas intersect with tranquil reservoirs and rivers embedded with a rich geologic history. It’s the jumping-off point for big adventures including some of the most epic river running in the country, unique dinosaur fossil and track sites, hiking in canyons, and fishing pristine waters. For such a small town, Vernal packs in plenty to see and do. Use this guide below, and discover the top attractions in Vernal, Utah that you can’t miss.
Where is Vernal, Utah?
Located in eastern Utah, Vernal rests within the Unita Basin on the northern edge of the Colorado Plateau, with the Uinta Mountains to the north and the Book Cliffs to the south. The arid desert landscape is cooled by the Green River that flows nearby and is the gateway to many of the area’s outdoor adventures. With Vernal’s proximity to the Utah/Colorado border, it’s roughly a three-hour drive from Salt Lake City and a 5.5-hour drive from Denver.
Dinosaurs in Vernal Utah
Nicknamed “Dinosaurland,” Vernal is renowned for its rich prehistoric heritage and proximity to significant paleontological sites, such as Dinosaur National Monument. Dripping in dinosaur fossils, the town embraces this prehistoric connection with various dinosaur-themed attractions.
The Vernal welcome sign is held by the town’s pink dino, Dinah the Dinosaur. An iconic symbol placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dinah stands 40 feet tall, welcoming visitors to “Dinosaurland.”
Dinah the Dinosaur isn’t the only dino you’ll see in town. As you continue down the main street, multiple colorfully painted dinos dot the storefronts and the sidewalks throughout town.
Utah Field House of Natural History Museum State Park
You can’t miss the massive dinosaur replicas that occupy the corner of Main Street and 500 E St. at the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum State Park. The real-life replicas of T-Rex and the Stegosaurus were enough to lure me into the museum.
Inside, the museum features hands-on exhibits and natural history displays of the Uinta Mountain-Uinta Basin region. Outside, you’ll find the dinosaur garden, with 17 life-size replicas of prehistoric animals in their natural setting. Walking through the garden you get a sense of what it would have been like to walk amongst these giants.
Dinosaur National Monument
Continue your dino adventures by visiting the nearby Dinosaur National Monument. Located 20 minutes west of Vernal, Dinosaur National Monument is one of the top attractions in Vernal, Utah, encompassing one of the most impressive displays of dinosaur bones in the American West.
If you’re interested in dinosaurs, the best place to start is the Quarry Exhibit Hall where you can view over 1,500 dinosaur bones and fossils partially exposed along a geological uplift. There are eight different species found within the rock wall, including the bones of a Stegosaurus. Outside, there are several nature trails and light hikes that take you to other dinosaur hot spots and petroglyphs, including Swelter Shelter, Sound of Silence, and the Desert Voices trails.
If you want to experience the scenic canyons and rivers that make up the park, stick to the Colorado side. A scenic drive along Harpers Corner Road provides overlooks of the Yampa and Green Rivers.
Spanning 210,844 acres, there is so much to see, so you might want to plan for an overnight stay. Camping in Dinosaur National Monument is available at six different campsites. Although, dispersed camping is also available amongst the monument boundaries where the “leave no trace,” principles still apply.
As a certified International Dark Sky Park, you’ll want to spend some looking up at the sky after the sun goes down. Dinosaur NM is miles away from any real light pollution, allowing for a blanket of stars and the Milky Way to be seen with the naked eye—just as the dinosaurs did millions of years ago.
Gates of Lodore at Dinosaur National Monument
One of the park’s more impressive landscapes is the entrance to the Gates of Lodore.
The spectacular canyon is located in the northern part of Dinosaur National Monument, straddling the border of Colorado and Utah. Named by John Wesley Powell during his 1869 expedition of the Green River, this dramatic gorge marks the beginning of a series of canyons that slice through the Uinta Mountains.
Characterized by its towering red quartzite cliffs that rise dramatically from the river’s edge, this geologic feature reaches heights of up to 2,000 feet. These sheer walls, formed from ancient Precambrian rock, create a stunning entrance to Lodore Canyon.
There is a short two-mile RT trail, Gates of Lodore Nature Trail that leaves from the Lodore campsite, where you can see the impressive cliff walls from dry land. But the best way to truly appreciate the grandeur and landscape is by river rafting.
This section of the Green River is renowned among rafters and kayakers for its challenging whitewater. The 44-mile stretch through Lodore Canyon features Class III and IV rapids, including famous ones like Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile.
The best way to experience the Green River just as Powell did? Book a raft trip with Vernal’s only local river expeditions; Dinosaur River Expeditions. I journeyed down the Green River for four days and three nights with Dinosaur River Expeditions Gates of Lodore raft trip.
Each day we navigated a mix of smooth flat water and challenging Class IV rapids all while admiring the geological masterpiece of the Lodore Canyon. On dry land, we explored petroglyphs, spotted big horn sheep and bald eagles, and iconic features like Echo Canyon and Steamboat Rock. This rafting trip was one of my favorite attractions in Vernal, Utah
See dino tracks at Red Fleet State Park
For even more dino fun, stop at one of the top attractions in Vernal, Utah; Red Fleet State Park. Located in northeastern Utah, about 10 miles north of Vernal, Red Fleet gets its name from the red sandstone cliffs that resemble a fleet of ships.
The pristine 750-acre reservoir is the focal point of the park, giving it the nickname “mini Lake Powell.” Its cool, clear waters offer much reprieve during hot summer days with boating, fishing, and swimming available.
One of the park’s most distinctive features is the dinosaur trackway. The Red Fleet Dinosaur Track Site Trailhead leads hikers on a 1.7-mile hike to prehistoric dinosaur tracks.
The tracks are found along the lake’s shoreline, where you can see well-preserved dinosaur tracks dating back to the Jurassic period. I went in early May, so the water levels were very high, which meant most of the tracks were underwater. I did see a few, but my suggestion is to go when water levels are low and it’s cooler out, so fall season.
The trail also offers beautiful views of the reservoir and red rock formations, it’s was quite picturesque. To access the trail, just follow HWY 191 north of Vernal and turn right on Donkey Flat Road.
Flaming Gorge
If you’re looking for an epic scenic drive, plan for extra time to take the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. The 150-mile drive begins in Rock Springs and ends in Green River. But I picked it up as I continued from Red Fleet State Park along HWY 191.
The Flaming Gorge area, located in northeastern Utah and extending into southwestern Wyoming, is a recreational paradise centered around the 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Flanked by red rocks and staggering cliffs, the area is renowned for its spectacular scenery, featuring dramatic canyons, forested slopes, and diverse wildlife. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, encompasses over 200,000 acres of land and water, offering a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors.
One of the main attractions is the Flaming Gorge Reservoir itself, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. The surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing as well.
For history enthusiasts, the area includes several sites related to John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Green River. The Flaming Gorge Dam, completed in 1964, is another point of interest where you can take a self-guided walking tour to the Dam overlook.
Towns like Dutch John and Manila serve as gateways to the recreation area, providing amenities and services. Whether you plan to stay or are just passing through, a scenic drive through the Flaming Gorge area is one of the top attractions in Vernal, Utah, and should not be missed.
*all images were taken by me and are subject to copyright.
