Dinosaur National Monument
Planning Your Visit
Visitor Center Closure
The Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center is closed indefinitely due to significant life, health, and safety issues. Although the main exhibit of fossils is not currently available to the public, visitors can see a few fossils by hiking about 1/2 mile from the visitor center. A limited display of fossils has been set up at the Temporary Visitor Center, near the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center. To reach the Temporary Visitor Center, follow Highway 40 to Jensen, Utah, and take Utah 149 north into the park.
There are seven entrance roads into the park. The two main entrance roads are Utah 149 from Jensen, Utah, and Harpers Corner Drive, located 2 miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado.
There is only one loop drive. To make the loop, travel north on Harpers Corner Drive from Highway 40. Then turn right at Echo Park Road and descend to the Yampa Bench Road. Turn right on Yampa Bench Road and travel east until you connect with one of the country roads at the east end of the park. Follow the county roads to Highway 40. The Yampa Bench Road requires a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. Echo Park Road and Yampa Bench Road are clay-based and impassible when wet, even with 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Things To Know Before You Come
The Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center is closed indefinitely due to significant life, health, and safety issues. Although the main exhibit of fossils is not currently available to the public, visitors can see a few fossils by hiking about 1/2 mile from the visitor center.
The Canyon Area of the park is over 210,000 acres with spectacular geology, Indian Rock Art, remains of early homesteading and the outlaw trail, white water rafting and hiking. However, you will not find any dinosaur fossils in the Canyon Area.
Driving distances to the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center are very long. Travel times are as follows:
- From Denver 5-6 hours
- From Salt Lake City 3-4 hours
- From Yellowstone National Park 8-9 hours
- From Grand Junction, CO 2-3 hours
- From Moab, UT 4-5 hours
Operating Hours & Seasons
Dinosaur fossils can only be seen on the Utah side of the park. The main exhibit wall of dinosaur fossils is closed due to significant life, health, and safety issues, but a temporary visitor center is open. Also, some fossils can be seen by hiking 1/2 mile from the temporary visitor center.
Temporary Visitor Center (near Jensen, Utah)
Labor Day through Memorial Day Weekend
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day)
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily
Ranger-led programs are scheduled throughout the day during summer.
Canyon Area Visitor Center (near Dinosaur, Colorado)
October 29 through May 1
Closed for the winter season
May 2 through Memorial Day Weekend
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Opening date subject to change
Memorial Day Weekend through August 30
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
September 1 through October 26
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays
October 27
Closed for the winter season
Closing date subject to change
Fees & Reservations
Entrance fees
Fees are charged Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day on the Utah side of the Monument.
Private, Non-commercial vehicle: $10.00 - Valid for 7 consecutive days.
Motorcycle: $5.00 for single rider, $10.00 for double rider - Valid for 7 consecutive days.
Individual (Hiker, bicyclist): $5.00 - Valid for 7 consecutive days.
Dinosaur National Monument Pass: $20.00 - Allows unlimited entry to Dinosaur for the pass holder and his or her passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle for 12 months from the date of purchase.
NEW! America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program: These passes replace the Annual National Parks, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passes.
Commercial Tour Fees
Fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle.
Motor coach (capable of carrying 26 or more passengers): $150
Minibus (capable of carrying 16-25 passengers): $60
Van (capable of carrying 7-15 passengers): $50
Sedan (1-6 passengers): $25 plus $5.00 per person
Camping Fees
Fees are charged at most developed campgrounds in the park. Backcountry camping is free and a free permit is required.
Green River Campground: $12 per individual site
Deerlodge, Echo Park, Ladore Campgrounds: $8 per individual site
Group Camping Fees
Fees are charged for group sites.
Split Mountain Campground: Non-refundable reservation fee of $10 plus $25 per night
Echo Park Campground: Non-refundable reservation fee of $10 plus $15 per night
River Permits
Permits are required for private white water river trips on the Green and Yampa Rivers within the park. For information on fees, equipment and experience requirements, and how to apply for the permit lottery, call (970) 374-2468.
Directions
The Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center is the primary place in the park to view dinosaur fossils, but it has been closed indefinitely. A few fossils can be seen by hiking a short distance from the visitor center, and limited fossil displays have been set up at the Temporary Visitor Center, near the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center. The Canyon Area Visitor Center is the main entrance to the canyon area, the scenic vistas, Echo Park, and the Yampa Bench Road. There are no fossils in the canyon area of the park.
Directions to Temporary Visitor Center
From Denver
The most direct route is to travel west on Interstate 70 to Rifle, Colorado. Take the exit for Highway 13, and follow 13 north toward Meeker. About 40 miles past Rifle, take a left on Highway 64 west toward Rangely. Follow 64 west to Dinosaur, Colorado (about 78 miles). In Dinosaur, turn west (left) on Highway 40 to Jensen, Utah. Turn north (right) on Utah 149 and follow the signs for the Visitor Center. Driving time from Denver is about 5 1/2 hours.
From Salt Lake City
Take I-80 east out of the city. Follow I-80 for approximately 25 miles, and then take the exit for Highway 40 east toward Vernal. Follow 40 east to Vernal (about 160 miles). Go through Vernal and follow Highway 40 to Jensen, Utah (10 miles east of Vernal). Turn north (left) on Utah 149 and follow the signs for the Visitor Center. Driving time from Salt Lake City is about 4 hours.
Directions to Canyon Area Visitor Center
From Denver
There are several options depending on your available time. The most direct route is to travel west on Interstate 70 to Rifle, Colorado. Take the exit for Highway 13, and follow 13 north toward Meeker. About 40 miles past Rifle, take a left on Highway 64 west toward Rangely. Follow 64 west to Dinosaur, Colorado (about 78 miles). In Dinosaur, turn east (right) on Highway 40, travel 2 miles to Harpers Corner Road. Turn north (left) on Harpers Corner Road and make the first right into the parking lot. Driving time from Denver is about 5 hours.
From Salt Lake City
Take I-80 east out of the city. Follow I-80 for approximately 25 miles, and then take the exit for Highway 40 east toward Vernal. Follow 40 east to Vernal (about 160 miles). Go through Vernal and follow 40 east to Dinosaur, Colorado (about 40 miles past Vernal). The Canyon Area Visitor Center is located 2 miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado at the intersection of Harpers Corner Road. Driving time from Salt Lake City is about 4 1/2 hours.
Internet Mapping
Many internet-based mapping services do not have correct locations for Dinosaur National Monument's visitor centers. The below address/coordinates will help give better directions.
Temporary Visitor Center
40.438333, -109.3075 (latitude, longitude)
Canyon Visitor Center
4545 Highway 40
Dinosaur, UT
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to or from the monument. For private river runners, vehicle and passenger shuttle service is available from Wilkins Bus lines (435) 789-2476 and River Runners Transport (800) 930-7238.
Road Closures
Harpers Corner Road is closed from mid-December to approximately Easter due to snow at the higher elevations.
All dirt roads in the park are clay based and impassable when wet, even with four-wheel drive vehicles. These roads are Echo Park Road, Yampa Bench Road, Island Park Road and the road into Gates of Lodore. These roads are not maintained in the winter and can be impassable due to snow conditions. The use of chains on wet clay roads renders the roads all but impassable for those who follow. Waiting for several hours will allow the roads to dry, leaving them in drivable condition for all visitors.
Traffic & Travel Tips
Roads
Seven roads lead into the park, and most roads dead end. A loop drive is made possible by traveling from Hwy 40 to Harpers Corner Road to Echo Park Road and Yampa Bench Road back to Highway 40 and is only possible in dry weather with a high clearance vehicle.
There are four paved roads in the park.
Utah 149 enters the park from Highway 40 in Jensen, Utah. This entrance brings you to the Temporary Visitor Center, Split Mountain boat launch, Split Mountain Campground, Green River Campground and the Tour of the Tilted Rocks, a self-guided auto drive.
Harpers Corner Road enters the park from Highway 40, 2 miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado. The Canyon Area Visitor Center is at the corner of Highway 40 and Harpers Corner Road. This entrance brings you to the canyon overlooks along the Harpers Corner Auto Tour, a self-guided auto drive, and a 2 mile round trip scenic hike to Harpers Corner. Harpers Corner Road closes in the winter due to snow.
Jones Hole Road ends at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's fish hatchery. A four-mile (one way) scenic hiking trail begins at the hatchery parking area and takes you to the Green River in Whirlpool Canyon.
Deerlodge Park Road brings you to the launch site for the Yampa River and Deerlodge Campground.
All other roads in the park are dirt/clay. These roads are impassable when wet. Be prepared for remote driving conditions. Travel with extra water, food and plenty of gas. Cell phone reception is spotty. Four-wheel drive is not required, but it's handy in case of light rain. (These roads are impassable in heavy rain, even with four-wheel drive).
Echo Park Road can be accessed from Harpers Corner Road. This 13 mile road is steep with hairpin turns for the first several miles. The road ends at Echo Park which has a campground, boat launch, and hiking trails.
Yampa Bench Road can be accessed from either Echo Park Road at the west end or from Highway 40 at the east end. This road is for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles and is the only road in the park that creates a loop drive.
Island Park Road enters from the west end of the park and brings you to Rainbow Park Campground, Rainbow Park boat ramp and to the Island Park area of the park.
Gates of Lodore, the northern-most entrance to the monument, begins off of Highway 318. The road ends at the Gates of Lodore Campground, boat launch and scenic hiking trail.
Call the park for more information at (435) 781-7700 in Utah or at (970) 374-3000 in Colorado to check on road conditions before you travel.
Dinosaur In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
