Dinosaur National Monument - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Dinosaur National Monument is a must-see for anyone interested in geology or paleontology. Located in Moffat County, Colorado, the monument is home to an immense deposit of fossilized bones, dating back to the Late Jurassic Period. Visitors can view the fossils up close at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, and there are also several trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For those who want to learn more about the park’s history, there is a Museum of Western Colorado on site, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can take a ranger-led tour of the fossil beds, hike or bike through the scenic canyonlands, or float down the Green River. There are also several opportunity to view wildlife.

Dinosaur National Monument is an American national monument located on the southeast flank of the Uinta Mountains on the border between Colorado and Utah at the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers. Originally preserved in 1915 to protect its famous Dinosaur Quarry, the monument was greatly expanded in 1938 to include its wealth of natural history. The Fremont people lived in the area of what is now Dinosaur National Monument before the 14th century, with archaeological evidence dating from c. 200 to c. 1300. Archaeologists first studied and named the Fremont culture along the Fremont River in south-central Utah and have since traced it through much of the Green and Colorado River drainages. 

The best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the Monument’s many trails. The crowds also tend to be smaller during the summer months, so you’ll have a better chance of enjoying the area’s natural beauty without feeling too crowded.

1. Schedule plenty of time: Dinosaur National Monument is huge! There's a lot to see and do, so be sure to give yourself enough time to explore.
2. Make sure to stop at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where you can see over 1,500 dinosaur bones on display.
3. Take a ranger-led tour of the quarry to learn more about the dinosaurs that once roamed this area.
4. Visit the Fossil Discovery Center to see how paleontologists prepare and study fossils.
5. The best way to see the petroglyphs is by taking a raft tour down the Green River.
6. Hiking is permitted in certain areas, but remember to stay on the trail and respect any closures. 
    

1. The monument is home to more than 1,500 dinosaur bones, as well as petrified wood, plant fossils, and other geological features.
2. The park contains over 800 paleontological sites and has fossils of dinosaurs including Allosaurus, Deinonychus, Abydosaurus, and various sauropods.
3. The area around the quarry was declared a national monument on October 4, 1915.
4. Camping is permitted in certain areas of the monument, and there are a number of developed campgrounds available for use.
    

While there is no shortage of things to see and do at the monument, visitors should plan on spending at least a full day exploring all that it has to offer.

The monument is easy to reach by car, and there are several ways to get there. One option is to take I-70 east from Denver. Take the exit for US-40 east, and follow it until you reach Dinosaur. Another option is to take I-80 west from Salt Lake City. Exit onto US-6 west, and follow it until you reach Dinosaur. 

The entrance fee for the Dinosaur National Monument is $20 per vehicle or $10 per person. Seniors, military members, and students can get a discount on the entrance fee. Annual passes are also available for purchase.

The monument is open from early 9 AM to evening 5 PM.