Search For Fossils At Dinosaur National Monument In Utah, Located On The Northern Edge Of The Colorado Plateau
By Courtnie Erickson|Published January 17, 2023
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you love dinosaurs, there is no better place to be than Utah. The Beehive State is home to numerous destinations including parks, trails, and museums that are packed with dinosaur facts, tracks, and fossils. But, one of the best destinations for exploring and discovering prehistoric creatures is Dinosaur National Monument. Not only can you learn all about dinosaurs, but you can search for fossils, spend time outside, and more.
Dinosaur National Monument is unique compared to other national monuments in the state. It is 210,000 acres in size and crosses the Colorado and Utah border. Each state offers something different and both sides are worthy of a visit.
In Utah, the Dinosaur National Monument is located in the small town of Jensen. Here, you will find the Quarry Visitor Center, which is one of the primary destinations in the national monument and the place to go if you want to search for and see dinosaur fossils.
The Quarry Visitor Center is where you can learn more about the dinosaurs that once roamed in the area, the history of the monument, surrounding geology, nearby plant life, and fossils. You can walk around and check out the various exhibits, ask questions to the staff, and watch a short park film.
Advertisement
Then, you’ll want to take a short drive or shuttle ride to the Quarry Exhibit Hall. This unique destination is where you can search for and see nearly 1,500 dinosaur bones — all in a comfortable, covered space. You can check out the exhibits here and even touch 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils … but the highlight is the wall of dinosaur bones.
Spend time walking along the wall, searching for bones of numerous dinosaur species from the Late Jurassic Period. Count and see how many you can find — there are so many it’s easy to lose count!
There are numerous hiking trails and six campgrounds located around the entire national monument. River rafting, stargazing, and searching for petroglyphs are other popular activities at this national monument that will certainly keep you busy.
Dinosaur National Monument is one of the most unique and fascinating destinations in the Beehive State. Whether you are a dino lover or you just want a cool place to explore, this is one destination that you must send right to the top of your bucket list.
Have you ever visited Dinosaur National Monument? Did you check out the Quarry Exhibit Hall or explore the Quarry Visitor Center? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments. You can also visit the National Park Service website for even more information on this park, including current hours, entrance fees, and more.
If you love dinosaurs, we have just the adventure for you! Gather your family and hop in the car to take a dinosaur-themed road trip in Utah. You’ll see several dinosaur attractions and end at Dinosaur National Monument in Jensen. Check it out!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
