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 Dinosaur
National Monument has two identities. It was originally established as
a national monument to protect an area that was one of the most productive
sources of dinosaur bones in the world. This original area, the Quarry
Area, contains a quarry with
some 1,600 exposed bones from 11 different dinosaur species. Near the
quarry is a short nature hike, a pleasant scenic drive, Indian petroglyphs,
and the preserved cabin of a female homesteader.
Dinosaur National Monument was later expanded
to include 300 square miles of great, high desert canyon country through
which the Green and Yampa Rivers flow. This area, the Canyon
Country, offers good scenery
and some hiking and white water rafting opportunities. You'll want to
spend some time in each.
Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Utah/Colorado border towards the northeast corner of Utah. About 25% of the park, including the entire quarry area, lies in Utah. The bulk of the canyon country lies in Colorado. The nearest substantial town on the Utah side is Vernal, 20 miles away from the quarry entrance.
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