48 Hours in Dinosaur Land
You only have a short weekend or a quick couple of days that you will be visiting Vernal, Utah AKA Dinosaurland. What to do? How can you best use your short window of time in an area with so many incredible options. Let us the local’s help direct your time so you get the most out of your visit.
As a river rafting company obviously we recommend taking a Utah one day scenic river rafting trip. We offer a great beginner, family friendly raft outing on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam. This trip has been rated as one of Utah’s top single day river rafting tours. We are obviously a little biased since this is our backyard but we do want to share this incredible stretch of river with you and your family or friends.
The world famous “Wall of Bones” is a must if you are making the journey to Dinosaurland. The “Wall of Bones” or fossil quarry is located on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument. This is the main visitors center for Dinosaur National Monument with great displays, interpretative information and fantastic scenery.
Paddle boarding at Red Fleet State Park. Red Fleet located 15 minutes north of Vernal is a miniature Lake Powell. There is a wakeless zone on the north end of the lake making it a perfect area to paddle board, kayak, canoe, swim. If you are feeling brave there are a couple of areas for a little cliff jumping, just make sure to okay it with the park rangers before taking the plunge.
Looking to put a little wind in your hair? Try out the spectacular single track mountain bike trails. McCoy Flats is the most popular riding area with a wide variety of trails for riders of all levels from the first time mountain bike rider to expert riders looking to push their skills. While out riding at McCoy Flats watch for the Antelope hiding out among the sage. Need a little more information about riding in the area Grail Cycles located downtown Vernal has the knowledge you need.
A fun hike that does not take too long is Moonshine Arch. Located north of Vernal about 10 minutes on highway 191 this hike is a fun walk not too strenuous to some beautiful natural sandstone arches. This can be a hot hike I recommend taking it early or late in the day and bring plenty of water.
You make it the first part of July make time for the Dinosaur Round Up Rodeo. This is part of the professional rodeo circuit with some of the best PRCA cowboys and cowgirls coming from all over the United States and the world to participate. These athletes are incredibly talented and you will not be disappointed in the live action provided at this rodeo.
You are not going to fit all the great activities into a short 48 hours in Dinosaurland but hopefully this gives you a few ideas of where to start planning your next adventure. Have questions on a white water rafting trip let us know as the only locally owned river rafting outfitter in the area we have a lot of great suggestion and will be happy to help you with your questions.
