Interactive museum and quarry site featuring one of the world's densest concentrations of Jurassic-era dinosaur fossils, including a full Allosaurus skeleton and scenic desert trails.
General Information
Summer: Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Closed late October to mid-March
Children under 16: Free
Free with National Park Pass
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 nestled in Utah’s San Rafael Swell, home to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry—one of the richest Jurassic fossil sites in the world. With over 12,000 bones excavated from at least 74 individual dinosaurs, the site is particularly famous for its unusually high concentration of carnivorous species, especially Allosaurus fragilis. Visitors can explore a modern visitor center featuring fossil displays, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and interactive exhibits that delve into the mysteries of this prehistoric graveyard.
Designated a national monument in 2019, the site offers more than just fossils. Scenic hiking trails like the Rock Walk and Raptor Rim Trail provide panoramic views of the surrounding desert and geological formations. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers a remote, immersive experience into the Jurassic era, making it a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts, geology buffs, and curious travelers alike.
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.
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