17 Things To Do In Dinosaur National Monument (Utah & Colorado sides)

Dinosaur National Monument is one of the most unique national park sites in the United States. Here visitors can see hundreds of dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock, ancient petroglyphs, dramatic canyon scenery, and two major rivers winding through the landscape.

Dinosaur National Monument spans both Utah and Colorado, with the two main visitor areas located roughly 30 minutes apart by car. While many visitors only explore the Utah side, the Colorado side is also worth visiting if you have the time.

I’ve organized this guide by the Utah and Colorado sides of the monument, plus a few things you can do on both sides. The Utah side is best known for its dinosaur fossils, petroglyphs, and historic sites, while the Colorado side offers some of the monument’s most spectacular canyon views and overlooks.

Here are the best things to do in Dinosaur National Monument.

Top Things To Do In Dinosaur National Monument

Utah Side

Quarry Exhibit Hall

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is the most famous attraction in Dinosaur National Monument and the highlight of most visits.

Inside, you’ll find the monument’s famous “Wall of Bones,” a massive rock face containing approximately 1,500 dinosaur fossils still embedded in the cliff where they were originally discovered. It’s one of the few places in the world where visitors can see dinosaur fossils displayed exactly where they were found, rather than inside traditional museum exhibits.

Along with the fossil wall, you’ll find exhibits explaining how the fossils were discovered, the animals that once lived here, and the geology of the area. You can even touch a few of the dinosaur fossils which is pretty surreal.

Plan to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half here, depending on your interest level. If you’re short on time, this is the one attraction in Dinosaur National Monument I would not skip.

Note: during summer a shuttle is required to reach the Quarry, it departs the Quarry Visitor Center and runs very frequently.

Go Hiking On The Utah Side

While the park is known for its dinosaur fossils, there are several excellent hiking trails worth doing as well.

One of the most popular trails is the Fossil Discovery Trail, which connects the Quarry Visitor Center and Quarry Exhibit Hall. Along the route, you’ll find interpretive signs explaining the area’s geology and fossil discoveries, along with opportunities to see fossils still embedded in the rock outside of the exhibit hall setting. We took the shuttle to the Quarry and then followed this trail back to the visitor center, which worked out great.

Other popular hikes include Sound of Silence Trail, Desert Voices Trail, and Box Canyon Trail. These trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes and provide a great views of the monument’s rugged landscape.

It’s important to note that summer temperatures can be extremely hot here. I’d avoid midday hikes this time of year, and always bring plenty of water and wear sun protection, even for short hikes.

Stop By The Quarry Visitor Center

The Quarry Visitor Center is the main visitor center on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument and a great place to begin your visit.

Inside you’ll find exhibits, maps, a bookstore, restrooms, and information about current conditions throughout the monument. Rangers are also available to answer questions and provide recommendations based on your interests and available time.

Even if you only spend a few minutes here, it’s worth stopping in to grab a map and get oriented before heading into the monument.

See Ancient Petroglyphs & Pictographs

One of the most surprising things about Dinosaur National Monument is the amount of Indigenous rock art found throughout the park. While many visitors come for the dinosaur fossils, the monument also preserves hundreds of petroglyphs and pictographs created centuries ago.

Several of the most popular sites are located along Cub Creek Road — the Utah side’s main route — making them easy to add to your itinerary. A few favorites include Cub Creek Petroglyphs, Swelter Shelter, and McKee Spring Petroglyphs. Best of all, most are just a short walk from the parking area.

As always, remember to admire rock art from a distance and avoid touching the panels. Oils from our hands damage these over time.

Scenic Drives On The Utah Side

Cub Creek Road is the main route through the Utah side of the park, it’s very likely you’ll end up here no matter what.

This road begins near the Quarry Exhibit Hall and passes many of the park’s top attractions including petroglyphs, historic sites, trailheads, scenic overlooks, and Split Mountain. Along the way you’ll also see dramatic rock formations that have been tilted nearly vertical by geologic forces, giving the route its nickname: the Tour of the Tilted Rocks.

It’s a great way to experience the landscape beyond the fossil exhibits.

You can drive the route fairly quickly, but I’d recommend allowing at least a few hours so you can make stops along the way.

Island Park Road is another scenic route on this side. The road is completely unpaved and quite remote, be sure to plan accordingly.

Split Mountain Beach

Looking for a place to relax for a bit? Head to Split Mountain Beach.

Located along the Green River, this small beach area is a popular spot for picnicking, wading, and taking a break from sightseeing. During warmer months you’ll often find visitors cooling off near the water or watching rafting trips begin and end their journeys through the monument.

This is one of the prettier spots in Dinosaur National Monument, with views of the Green River framed by the towering canyon walls of Split Mountain.

Just keep in mind that river conditions can change throughout the year. The Green River can have strong currents, so always use caution around the water and pay attention to posted safety information.

Rafting On The Green River

If you’ve got the time and are up for some adventure, consider a rafting trip on the Green River. Whether you’re looking for a half-day float or a multi-day adventure through the monument’s canyons, there are several outfitters operating in the park.

These trips take visitors through sections of the monument that can’t be reached by road, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape.

Going out on your own requires a permit, and most routes involve whitewater rapids, so a majority of visitors will join a tour. While you can technically raft on both sides of the park, Vernal, Utah is the main hub for outfitters. You can find guides at Dinosaur National Monument Rafting.

Visit The Josie Morris Cabin

Located along the unpaved portion of Cub Creek Road, the Josie Morris Cabin offers a glimpse into life in this remote corner of Utah during the early 1900s.

Josie Morris moved to the area in 1914 and lived here for more than 50 years. Over time she’s become one of the monument’s most well-known historical figures, known for her independent spirit and ability to thrive in a challenging environment.

Today visitors can walk through the remains of her historic cabin and a few remaining ranch buildings. It’s a fairly quick stop, but worth adding if you’re already driving Cub Creek Road. It’s also a great spot for a picnic, as Josie planted quite a few trees around her home. You’ll find a few hikes here as well.

Camping On The Utah Side

If you’re hoping to spend time stargazing or exploring the monument before and after the busiest part of the day, camping makes this very easy.

The main campgrounds on the Utah side are Split Mountain and Green River Campgrounds, both are located along the Green River and just a few minutes drive from the Quarry Visitor Center. Both have basic services and allow tent and RV camping (but there are no RV hook ups or dump stations).

Additionally, Rainbow Park is the quietest and most remote campground on the Utah side, with very limited services and no water.

Reservations can be made during peak season for sites at both the Split Mountain and Green River campgrounds. Find more campsite information at Dinosaur Camping.

Colorado Side

Scenic Drives On The Colorado Side

The Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument is all about the scenery and is perfect for a scenic drive.

The main route here is Harpers Corner Road, a scenic route that passes through high desert landscapes and several overlooks with views of the monument’s canyon system. Along the way you’ll find stops like Plug Hat Butte and Island Park Overlook before eventually reaching Harpers Corner.

Visitors looking for a more adventurous drive may also want to consider Echo Park Road or Yampa Bench Road. Both routes are unpaved and require additional planning, but they provide access to some of the monument’s most remote scenery. Echo Park Road descends into the canyon system and provides access to Echo Park and the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers, while Yampa Bench Road follows the canyon rim with impressive views of the Yampa River below.

Unlike the Utah side, where many attractions are clustered along Cub Creek Road, the Colorado side feels much more remote. Services are limited, so it’s necessary to bring plenty of water and anything else you’ll need before leaving the visitor center. Additionally, before heading out on Echo Park Road or Yampa Bench road, check current road conditions and vehicle recommendations.

Go Hiking

The Colorado side of the park has some great hiking options.

One of the most popular is Harpers Corner Trail. This relatively easy hike follows the canyon rim and ends at one of the monument’s most impressive viewpoints, with sweeping views of the surrounding canyon landscape.

For something shorter, consider the Plug Hat Trail, an easy walk located near Plug Hat Butte. Visitors looking for a longer and less-traveled route may want to check out Ruple Point Trail.

As always, bring plenty of water and be prepared for hot conditions during the summer months. Shade is limited on most trails and temperatures can climb quickly throughout the day.

Canyon Visitor Center

The Canyon Visitor Center is the main visitor center on the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument.

Inside you’ll find exhibits, maps, a bookstore, restrooms, and information about current conditions throughout the park. Rangers are also available to answer questions, recommend hikes, and provide updates on road conditions.

It’s worth stopping here before heading out to explore the Colorado side, especially if you plan to drive Echo Park Road or Yampa Bench Road. Services are limited throughout much of this side of the park, making the visitor center a good place to get oriented and make sure you have everything you need for the day.

See The Yampa & Green River Confluence

One of the most significant locations on the Colorado side of the park is the confluence of the Yampa and Green Rivers.

This is the point where the two rivers meet before continuing through the monument’s canyon system. The Yampa River is especially notable because it’s one of the last major free-flowing rivers in the western United States.

Most visitors view the confluence from overlooks along Harpers Corner Road and the Harpers Corner Trail or Echo Park. Echo Park allows you close up access to the confluence but it’s a project to get there, whereas the overlooks from Harpers Corner provide the easiest access and sweeping overlooks.

Activities On Both Sides Of The Park

Go Fishing

Fishing is another popular activity in Dinosaur National Monument, with ample opportunities along the Green and Yampa Rivers.

Anglers can find several species throughout the monument including rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and catfish. One of the most well-known fishing areas is Jones Hole Creek, which is known for its scenic setting and productive trout fishing.

If you’re planning to fish during your visit, remember you’ll need either a Utah or Colorado fishing license depending which side of the park you’re on.

Join A Ranger Program

Ranger programs are a great way to learn more about Dinosaur National Monument’s fossils, geology, wildlife, and human history.

Programs vary throughout the year but may include guided walks, educational talks, Junior Ranger activities, and evening campground presentations. During summer, special programs are often offered on both the Utah and Colorado sides of the monument.

Schedules change often, so check with a visitor center or the National Park Service website for current events.

Watch For Wildlife

Dinosaur National Monument is home to a wide variety of wildlife, so keep your eyes open as you explore the park.

Some of the animals you may spot include mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes, beavers, and even black bears. The monument is also a great place for birdwatching, with species like golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and great blue herons regularly seen throughout the park. We saw elk on the Colorado side and lots of great birds throughout!

Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to spot animals, especially during the warmer months.

As always, remember to give wildlife plenty of space and never approach or feed wild animals (not even the cute little ones).

Go Stargazing

Finally, Dinosaur National Monument is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent destination for stargazing.

Thanks to the monument’s remote location and minimal light pollution, visitors can often enjoy spectacular views of the night sky, including the Milky Way during certain times of year. Campgrounds and overlooks throughout the monument provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Even during summer, nighttime temperatures can cool off quickly, so it’s worth bringing an extra layer if you’re planning to stay out after dark.

Dinosaur National Monument is one of the most unique national park sites in the country and well worth adding to your travel bucket list. Whether you’re here for the dinosaur fossils, scenic drives, river adventures, or canyon views, I hope you have the best time!

Looking for more ideas? Head over to Dinosaur National Monument NPS or check out my additional Utah and Colorado guides below!

Dinosaur National Monument Guides:

• One Day In Dinosaur National Monument Itinerary

More Ideas For Your Trip:

• Colorado Guides
• Utah Guides