3 Days in Vernal

Dinah the Vernal Dinosaur

Dinah the Vernal Dinosaur

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Want to visit Vernal during Covid-19 Pandemic? There's plenty to do and keep safe social distancing. Check out this three-day itinerary. Mix and match, or follow the itinerary line by line. Be sure to tag #UTAWESOME on your photos, we want to share!

Day 1

Visit Vernal's Green Dinosaur "Rex" and Pink Dinosaur "Dinah!"

Stay at either the local KOA or Dinosaur Inn if you aren't camping. Grab a donut from Get Glazed Donuts (or a dozen.)

Want to see a good dinosaur museum? Visit the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. Be sure to check out Vernal's Main Street Flowers!

Moonshine Arch offers a family-friendly hike or ATV ride out into the desert to see a huge arch. It's perfect for any age.

Red Fleet State Park is a great place to kayak, swim, camp, or hike to dinosaur tracks.

Grab a take-out pizza from Antica Forma and picnic at one of the biggest parks you'll ever see; Ashley Valley Community Park.

Dinah Statue, Vernal, UT

Dinah

Dinah is Vernal's official mascot. Be sure to stop here for a photo.

Vernal's Green Dinosaur Rex

Vernal's Green Dinosaur "Rex"

Vernal's Green Dinosaur is one of the first things to greet you as you enter the town. Rex is seasonally dressed up and this time he happened to be ready for graduation.

Dinosaur Inn and Suites

Dinosaur Inn and Suites

Locally owned and operated, the Dinosaur Inn & Suites is located in the heart of downtown Vernal, UT.

Dinosaurland KOA

Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA

The Vernal KOA is a great place for kids. They have a playground, jump pad, swimming pool, and bike rentals. The campground offers plenty of RV pads and tent camping.

Get Glazed Donuts

Get Glazed Donuts

Amazing fresh made donuts. They make their donuts in-house every day. If you want some, you'll have to get there before noon because they often sell out.

Moonshine Arch

Moonshine Arch is an 85 foot long Arch that’s hidden just 8 miles outside Vernal. It’s a beautiful trail with awesome views. There’s some incline towards the end but nothing too serious.

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Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum

One of the best ways to start your Vernal trip! Lots of dinosaur exhibits with an indoor/outdoor section.

Red Fleet State Park

Red Fleet State Park

Hike to dinosaur tracks, fish, boat, SUP, Kayak, camp or picnic at the overlook. Perfect place for adventures!

Antica Forma

Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and pasta.

Ashley Valley Community Park

Ashley Valley Community Park

Ashley’s Park located in Vernal is probably one of the biggest parks we’ve ever seen. There are 5 park structures, swings, benches, a pavilion, restrooms, and PLENTY of shade and green space.

Day 2

Even though the Wall of Bones is not open (yet) there's so much to see and do at Dinosaur National Monument.

Hike some of Dinosaurlands National Park trails. Sound of Silence Trail & Fossil Discovery Trail are good hikes for everyone.

The Driving Tour is a perfect option if the Visitor Center is still closed due to Covid-19. The Driving Tour of the Tilted Rocks offers multiple viewpoints of petroglyphs, a few short hikes, some fun landmarks, and Josie's Cabin. Josie's Cabin is at the end of Cub Creek Road and has two hikes, picnic areas, bathrooms, and stunning views.

Fantasy Canyon

Fantasy Canyon is one of the most unique geological areas in the Uintah Basin. Legend has it that demons from the underworld came up above the ground and began to spread over the face of the earth

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument, UT

Welcome to the dinosaur capital of the World! Dinosaur National Monument is an easy place to view lots of fossils and get out of the sun for a bit.

Swelter-Shelter-Petroglyphs

Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs

Quick walk to the Petroglyphs from the car.

Split Mountain Campground

Split Mountain Campground

Beautiful spot to picnic and check out Split Rock. The view of the tilted rocks is amazing here. Be sure to wander down by the river for an even better view.

Turtle Rock

Turtle Rock is the best name for this landmark

Petroglyphs on the Tour of the tilted rocks

Petroglyphs 13

Stop number 13 on the Tour of the Tilted Rocks. These petroglyphs are over 1,000 years old. Don't touch them. Please don't proceed past the end of the trail sign.

Lizard Petroglyph

Petroglyphs 14

Short, but steep trail. Stop 14 on the Tour of the Tilted Rocks.

Josie Morris Cabin

Josie Morris Cabin

Josie Morris built several cabins on her homestead. The one left standing was built in 1935. Josie lived to age 89 by herself. Carefully walk through her cabin, and around her land.

Box Canyon

Dinosaur National Monument, UT

An easy, level hike. Good for all ages. Beautiful shady trees, bridges, and an amazing view of the canyon. Trailhead is just left of the bathrooms.

Hog Canyon trail

Hog Canyon Trail

Hog's Canyon is a 1.5, level walk into a box canyon. It's good on summer days and great for small children. Be sure to take water and sunscreen.

Day 3

Don't drive home the same way you came.

Take a slight detour and head to McConkie Ranch to see some of Utah's BEST and BIGGEST petroglyphs.

After that, drive north to the Flaming Gorge Dam! Take "The Best Dam Tour in Utah." Fish, picnic or just take in the scenic views.

Head to the Red Canyon Visitor Center for the most EPIC views of the Green River. The visitor center itself is an architectural wonder, sitting on the edge of the cliffs.

Sheep Creek Geological tour is a 13-mile loop that has some of the most twisted mountain rocks you'll ever see.

Still, have some spare time? Visit Utah's last Ute Fire Tower!

McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs

McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs

There are literally hundreds of petroglyphs here on two different short trails. Maybe there are areas with more. You can hike anywhere from a half mile to close to 2 miles seeing the different art.

Flaming Gorge Dam

Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center

Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center offers a variety of activities. Go on "The Best Dam Tour in Utah" or fish from the shore.

Red Canyon Overlook

Red Canyon Visitor Center - Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, UT

Red Canyon Visitor Center has one of the most epic views of the Green River/Flaming Gorge. The views from the rim are equally stunning.

Sheep Creek Geological Loop

Sheep Creek Geological Loop

5 miles south of Manila, allow 1 hour to drive the 13 miles through the loop. This road winds through dramatic geologic formations of the Sheep Creek National Geologic Area.

Sheep Creek Overlook

Sheep Creek Overlook

Sheep Creek Overlook has a pretty view in two ways. The winding road and the view of the Green River. Hop out, stretch your legs, and take in this perfect view.

Ute Fire Tower Interpretive Site

Ute Fire Tower Interpretive Site

The Ute Fire Tower Interpretive Site is the only fire lookout tower left in Utah today. The panoramic views of the mountains are not to be missed. Free of charge. Open seasonally.

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