Dinosaur National Monument is amazingly beautiful. When you think about this place, the first thing that comes to mind is the fossil quarry. The fossil quarry is unbelievable and mind-blowing to think about all of the dinosaurs that roamed this area. It is so cool to look at the fossils in the rock. Who doesn’t love thinking of a real life Jurassic Park?
Our trip did not go as planned by any means. This winter has been particularly wet and filled with heavy snowfalls, including the week we went to visit. We had wanted to go and explore Echo Park, where the Whispering Cave and Steamboat Rock are located. But because most of the roads are made of dirt and unmaintained it was impossible to get to Echo Park in heavy rain or snow. So we decided to go explore Island Park instead. This area includes petroglyphs and views of the Colorado River.
Every where we went in Dinosaur National Monument was filled with wildlife. We saw a herd of wild elk, deer EVERYWHERE, and skeletons of foxes. It was something I have never experienced in a national park. Most of the parks I have visited were populated with lots of people on the trail which does not encourage wildlife to make themselves known. We did not end up hiking other than the petroglyph trail. But it was so much fun to drive around and see all of the amazing views.
What You Want to Know
Take me there!
To get to the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center from Vernal head towards Naples. Turn Left onto UT-149 continue on this road until you see Quarry Entrance Road, turn left and follow the road to the clearly marked Visitor Center. From here you can get inside tips into the conditions of the area, which in spring was very helpful. It is about a 20 minute drive from Vernal.
How long is the hike?
The Island Park Trail is 8 miles one way and is an out and back trail. We ended up just driving around Ruple Ranch and exploring the area. The petroglyphs we saw were the McKee Springs, which are along the Island Park Road. They are impossible to miss as you head to Ruple Ranch. It is a short walk from the car and you can explore the trail along the rocks, I would guess its a 0.5 mile total.
What do I wear?!
I was surprised by how cold it was in Vernal. I was expecting a little warmer of temperatures in April. I wore pant leggings, my Ahnu Montara hiking boots for the trails and regular street shoes for driving, and a t-shirt the whole time. Sunscreen and water are a must.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed in the monuments backcountry. Which means they can be leashed on paved trails.
I have always wanted to go here! I love how you thought of everything I needed to know before planning my own trip from what to wear, to what I should consider for my pup.