Dinosaur National Monument is a national park located in northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado in the United States. It was established in 1915 to protect and preserve a large deposit of dinosaur fossils that were found in the area. The fossils date back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 149-152 million years ago, and include specimens of Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, and Diplodocus, among others. Here what to see and do in Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaur National Monument history.
The history of the monument dates back to the late 19th century when paleontologists first began to explore the area. In 1909, Earl Douglass, a paleontologist working for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, discovered a large deposit of dinosaur fossils in the area now known as Dinosaur National Monument.
In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson designated the area as a national monument. The original monument covered only a small portion of the present-day park and was established to protect the dinosaur fossils found there.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed roads, trails, and buildings in the park. The CCC also built the visitor center, which was one of the first visitor centers in the National Park Service.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam and the resulting flooding of the Colorado River threatened the dinosaur fossils in the park. In response, the National Park Service built a new visitor center and museum on higher ground, away from the potential flood zone.
In 1975, Dinosaur National Monument was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its importance as a paleontological site.
Things to do in Dinosaur National Monument
Quarry Exhibit Hall
The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a must-visit destination within Dinosaur National Monument. The hall is located in the heart of the park and features a massive wall of dinosaur bones that are still embedded in the rock.
The hall was constructed in the 1950s to protect the dinosaur fossils from weathering and erosion. It was built around a portion of the famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, which was discovered by Earl Douglass in 1909. The quarry was once one of the richest sources of dinosaur fossils in the world, and today visitors can still see hundreds of bones on display.
Inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall, visitors can view the wall of dinosaur bones up close and even touch some of them. There are also exhibits and interactive displays that explain the history of the area and the science of paleontology.
Hiking
Fossil Discovery Trail
The Fossil Discovery Trail is a popular hiking trail within Dinosaur National Monument that offers visitors the chance to see stunning rock formations and dinosaur fossils. The trail is located near the Quarry Exhibit Hall and is easily accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The Fossil Discovery Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that winds through a scenic canyon and features interpretive signs that explain the geology and paleontology of the area. Along the trail, visitors can see petrified wood, fossils, and colorful rock formations that are millions of years old.
One of the highlights of the Fossil Discovery Trail is the Fossil Wall, which is located near the midway point of the trail. The Fossil Wall is a section of rock that contains numerous dinosaur bones, including vertebrae, ribs, and limbs. You can get up close to the wall and see the fossils embedded in the rock.
The Fossil Discovery Trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, deer, and elk.
Here are some other hiking trails worth checking out:
- Harpers Corner Trail: This 3.2-mile trail starts at the Harpers Corner scenic overlook and winds through the canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail is rated as moderate to strenuous.
- Jones Hole Trail: This 4.4-mile trail follows the Jones Hole Creek and offers visitors the chance to see waterfalls, wildlife, and colorful rock formations. The trail is rated as moderate and is popular for fishing.
- Yampa Bench Road Trail: This 1.2-mile trail is an easy hike that offers panoramic views of the Yampa River and the surrounding landscapes. The trail is accessible from the Yampa Bench Road.
- Plug Hat Butte Trail: This 2-mile trail offers visitors the chance to climb to the top of Plug Hat Butte and see panoramic views of the park. The trail is rated as moderate to strenuous.
- Swelter Shelter Trail: This 1.2-mile trail winds through a scenic canyon and offers visitors the chance to see petroglyphs and other archaeological sites. The trail is rated as easy.
- Sound of Silence Trail: This 1.5-mile trail winds through a quiet canyon and offers visitors the chance to experience the solitude and beauty of the park. The trail is rated as easy.
Picnic by Green River
There are several picnic areas located within the park, many of which offer views of the Green River.
One of the most popular picnic areas in the park is located at the Split Mountain Campground. This picnic area is located on the banks of the Green River and offers shaded tables, grills, and restrooms for visitors to use. There are also hiking trails and fishing opportunities nearby.
Another popular picnic area is located at the Gates of Lodore Campground. This picnic area is located on the banks of the Green River and offers shaded tables, grills, and restrooms. There are also hiking trails and fishing opportunities nearby.
Scenic Drives
There are several scenic drives within the park that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Some popular routes include the Harpers Corner Road and the Cub Creek Road.
Visit Josie Morris Cabin
The Josie Morris Cabin is a historic cabin located within Dinosaur National Monument. The cabin is named after Josie Bassett Morris, a colorful character who lived in the area in the early 20th century. The cabin was built by Josie and her husband, Jim Morris, in the early 1900s and is now preserved as a historic site within the park.
You can take a self-guided tour of the cabin and its surrounding area. The cabin is located near the Cub Creek area of the park and can be accessed via a short, easy hike from the parking area. Along the way, visitors can see remnants of the Morris family’s homestead, including an orchard and garden.
We spent some time exploring the area, got inside the cabin. The cabin has been restored to its original condition, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the area.
Josie Morris Cabin is a must-visit destination within Dinosaur National Monument. It offers a chance to experience the history and culture of the area and to see the original homestead of one of its most colorful characters.
Unique petroglyphs
Dinosaur National Monument is home to many unique petroglyphs, including a lizard petroglyph that can be seen by climbing up a rock face. This was a first time I saw lizard petroglyph in Utah. The lizard petroglyph is located in the Cub Creek area of the park and can be accessed via a short, easy hike from the parking area. The petroglyph is located on a large rock face and can be seen from the trail below. For a closer look, we had to can climb up to the rock face using a set of stairs and a metal ladder.
Once we got to the top, we were able to see the lizard petroglyph up close, as well as other petroglyphs and pictographs that are located on the rock face. The lizard petroglyph is a unique and interesting example of the Native American rock art that can be found throughout the park.
Overall, Dinosaur National Monument is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs, paleontology, and the natural beauty of the American West.
