Jurassic National Monument

How to Get There

From Provo, UT (95 mi): Take US-6 E to Price, then head south on UT-10 for 10 miles. Turn left onto UT-155 toward Elmo, continue through town, then follow Desert Lake Drive and signs for 11 miles on graded dirt roads to the visitor center.

Overview

The Jurassic National Monument is a paleontological treasure trove in Utah’s San Rafael Swell, centered on the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, one of the richest Jurassic fossil sites in the world. Thousands of bones from dozens of dinosaurs have been excavated here, and the quarry is especially famous for its unusually high concentration of carnivores, particularly Allosaurus fragilis. The site was named a National Natural Landmark in 1965 and was redesignated Jurassic National Monument by the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, signed in March 2019. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and visitors come to see the quarry, the visitor center with its Allosaurus skeleton and fossil exhibits, and the surrounding desert scenery.

Access

The monument is in Emery County, about 30 miles south of Price and near the small communities of Cleveland and Elmo. From Price, take Highway 10 south to the turnoff marked by a painted allosaur sign, then follow signed roads through Elmo toward the quarry. The last 12 or so miles are on a graded gravel county road that is passable for ordinary passenger cars in dry weather but can become slick or muddy after rain or snowmelt. There is no public transportation, and no food, fuel or lodging at the quarry itself, so stock up in Price. Cell service is limited, so download directions before you leave.

Seasons

The quarry operates as a seasonal site, generally open from spring through October, with more days of operation in summer and weekends-only hours in spring and fall. Summer days can be very hot with little shade, so mornings are the best time to visit, while spring and fall offer mild weather for walking the trails. The site is closed for the winter, and winter storms can make the gravel road difficult. Visitor dig-site access has been affected by construction in recent seasons, so check with the BLM Price Field Office at (435) 636-3600 for current hours and which areas are open.

Things to Do

Explore One of North America's Most Important Dinosaur Fossil Sites

Jurassic National Monument preserves a world-renowned fossil quarry within Dinosaur National Monument's Utah portion near Vernal. The site protects an extraordinary concentration of dinosaur remains from the Jurassic Period, including fossils that have contributed significantly to scientific understanding of prehistoric life in the American West.

Visit the Quarry Exhibit Hall

The monument's most famous attraction is the fossil quarry wall, where visitors can view hundreds of dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock exactly where they were discovered. This unique exhibit provides an up-close look at one of the richest dinosaur fossil deposits ever found.

Learn About Jurassic-Era Dinosaurs

Educational exhibits and interpretive displays explain the ancient ecosystems that existed approximately 150 million years ago. Fossils recovered from the site include remains of Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, and numerous other prehistoric species.

Explore Scenic Desert and Canyon Landscapes

Beyond its paleontological significance, the area features beautiful desert scenery, colorful rock formations, river canyons, and expansive views of northeastern Utah's rugged landscape. Visitors can experience both natural beauty and ancient history in a single destination.

Discover the Region's Geological History

The monument protects rock formations that reveal millions of years of Earth's history. Interpretive programs help visitors understand how ancient rivers, floodplains, and changing environments contributed to the formation of the fossil-rich Morrison Formation.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Educational Experiences

Jurassic National Monument offers ranger-led programs, educational exhibits, scenic drives, and self-guided exploration opportunities that make it an excellent destination for families, students, and anyone interested in paleontology, geology, and natural history.

Top Trails

Fossil Discovery Trail

Length: Approximately 1.2 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approximately 350 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

This interpretive trail connects the visitor center area with the quarry and allows visitors to follow a timeline of Earth's history. Educational signs explain the geological layers and fossils that make the area internationally significant.

Sound of Silence Trail

Length: Approximately 3.2 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic loop traverses open desert terrain and offers spectacular views of colorful rock formations, mesas, and the surrounding landscape. The trail is known for its solitude and excellent photography opportunities.

Desert Voices Trail

Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 275 feet
Difficulty: Easy

A family-friendly interpretive trail that introduces visitors to the monument's desert ecosystem, geology, and wildlife while providing scenic views of the surrounding terrain.

River Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 150 feet
Difficulty: Easy

This peaceful trail follows the Green River and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, photography, and enjoying the contrast between the river corridor and surrounding desert landscape.

Visitor Centers

The monument’s BLM visitor center at the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry was rebuilt and rededicated in 2007 and is the main stop for any visit. Inside, exhibits include a reconstructed adult Allosaurus skeleton and displays explaining how the quarry formed and how the bones were excavated and studied. Rangers and volunteers can direct visitors to the quarry and trails and explain which areas are open, and picnic areas are located nearby. Hours are seasonal, and admission is collected on site (cash or check has been the norm), so confirm details with the BLM Price Field Office before you drive out.

Camping and Lodging

There is no lodging or developed camping at the quarry itself, so most visitors make it a day trip from the surrounding towns. Price, about 30 miles north, has the nearest motels, restaurants and services, and Huntington, Castle Dale and Green River are within about an hour’s drive. Provo offers a wider choice of hotels within roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Dispersed camping is common on BLM land around the San Rafael Swell, but check BLM rules and fire restrictions before you plan a camp.

Sources: National Park Service information covering the dinosaur quarry, fossil exhibits, educational programs, geology, hiking trails, and visitor opportunities within Dinosaur National Monument, which includes Jurassic National Monument resources. https://www.nps.gov/dino/
Additional information verified through Utah Field House of Natural History and regional paleontology resources covering the Morrison Formation, Jurassic dinosaur discoveries, fossil preservation, and the scientific significance of the quarry site. https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utah-field-house-of-natural-history/
Further trail and recreation information reviewed through National Park Service visitor guides covering Fossil Discovery Trail, Sound of Silence Trail, Desert Voices Trail, River Trail, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the monument. https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Jurassic National Monument, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0. Additional information from Bureau of Land Management.