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Visit Dinosaurland and Vernal, Utah

Vernal, Utah, is a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West. The town is located in northeastern Utah, and it is surrounded by towering mountains, deep canyons, and ancient dinosaur fossils.

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled summer vacation, Vernal is the perfect place for you. There are endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, and learning dinosaurs.

In this blog post, I’ll outline a 3-day itinerary for visiting Vernal that will take you to some of the best spots in the area.

Day 1: Dinosaur River Expeditions

Start your day with a Utah one day river rafting trip on the Green River with Dinosaur River Expeditions. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the canyons and get cooled off on a hot summer day.

Dinosaur River Expeditions single day river rafting trip takes you along the Green River from Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole. This scenic 7 mile section of the river takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery around, not to mention some fun class 2 white water action along the way.

Dinosaur River Expeditions

After your rafting trip, enjoy a delicious Dinner at the Vernal Brewing Company. This brewery is located in the heart of downtown Vernal, and it has a great selection of craft beers on tap. Vernal Brewing Company is locally owned and operated, brewing all of their beers in house. Their menu is top notch with a great selection of options for all visitors.

Day 2: Vernal Rodeo

If you visit Vernal, Utah during the first part of July a must do is the Vernal Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo. This rodeo is a great way to experience the cowboy culture of the Uintah Basin. You’ll see some of the top cowboys and cowgirls competing in events like bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing.

Tickets are affordable, so this is a great way to see some live entertainment in Vernal and experience rodeo action like nowhere else as the top cowboys and cowgirls compete for their chance at the National Finals Rodeo.

Vernal Rodeo

Day 3: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

On your last day in Vernal, visit the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Not only a great place for single day river rafting trips,this recreation area is home to stunning scenery, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

There are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. You can go hiking, camping, fishing and boating.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, take a scenic drive on the Flaming Gorge National Scenic Byway. This byway winds its way through the Uinta Mountains and incredible canyons offering some incredible views of the reservoir.

Accommodations

There is a variety of accommodations to choose from in Vernal. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Vernal KOA campground. This campground has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.

If you’re looking for a hotel stay, consider booking a room at the Dinosaur Inn. This motel is in the heart of downtown Vernal, and it has a swimming pool, hot tub, great breakfast menu and is within walking distance of restaurants and several museums.

Logistics

The best time to visit Vernal is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. The nearest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, which is about a 3-hour drive from Vernal.

Budget

The cost of a trip to Vernal will vary depending on the length of your stay, your activities, and your accommodation. However, you can expect to spend around $1,000 for a 3-day trip.

Tips

  • Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for your time in Vernal.
  • If you’re planning on doing any hiking or rafting, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
  • Bring a camera to capture all of your memories.
  • Be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during the summer months.

 

Vernal, Utah is a great place to visit if you’re interested in dinosaurs, outdoor recreation, and a quiet small town with lots to offer.

Three Great Hikes in Northeastern Utah

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Great Hikes in Northeastern Utah

The Flume Trail – Located a half hour outside of downtown Vernal, the Dry Fork Canyon Flume Trail is an incredible hiking opportunity worth the drive. The flume trail is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. In the winter this is a popular cross country ski route or snowshoeing area. This multi-user trail follows Dry Fork Creek and the Red Cloud Loop Road. It is beginner, intermediate in fitness so it is a perfect hiking trail for anyone wanting to get out in nature. Dry Fork canyon is spectacular with some gorgeous scenery. In the spring and early summer, you will be able to follow the creek as it flows with winter run off. Eventually the runoff gets low enough that Dry Fork’s water seeps into the ground and does not flow along the creek’s streambed. Along the trail you will be interspersed with aspen and pine trees with the opportunity to see mule deer, if your lucky a moose and tons of sweet bird life. The canyon itself is a narrow, steep walled canyon with some incredible sandstone cliffs.

Flume Trail (Dry Canyon)

Little Hole Trail – We love taking a one-day raft trip along Utah’s world-famous Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam, but did you know there is an excellent hiking trail that follows the river? The first 7 miles of the Green River or Section A as it is most commonly known has a well-maintained hiking trail. This trail is most commonly used by fly fisherman looking to get into a little dry fly action from shore. You can park at either end of the trail and choose your adventure. There is parking available at the Flaming Gorge Dam River entrance or at the Little Hole Recreation Area. Take a camera, water, and snacks, it is easy to make a full day out of this hiking trail. The scenery is beautiful, plenty of wildlife to view and lots of great locations to sit back in the shade and enjoy watching the Green River flow by. There is a ton of great things to do in the Flaming Gorge area, taking a hike along the river is a must see and do if you are in the region.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Little Hole Trail

Jones Hole Creek Trail – Located about an hour and a half from downtown Vernal, Jones Hole Creek is an oasis. This trail follows Jones Creek, a perennial spring fed stream originating from the limestone formations underneath Diamond Mountain. The head of the stream is the United States Fish and Wildlife trout hatchery. Here the biologists raise Colorado Cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon and Rainbow trout for Flaming Gorge Reservoir and other local streams and rivers. Once the creek leaves the hatchery it flows through a geological wonderland of incredible cliff formations leading to the Green River approximately 4 miles downstream from the trail head. This trail is gentle with little elevation gain or drop. It can be very hot in the summer months so plan your hike accordingly, carrying plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. A popular side stop is Ely Creek to butt dam falls. This little side stream to Jones Creek has a small waterfall half mile from the main trail that is a refreshing spot to cool off. Watch for Native American rock art sites (remember do not touch the art), wildlife and fish in the stream. This is a popular hike with rafting groups who are coming down the Green River Gates of Lodore or Yampa River. You may encounter other folks who have been out for 4 or 5 days on Colorado whitewater rafting adventure.

Hiking Jones Hole and Ely Creek Falls | by Kim Zuch | Gardening, Birding, and Outdoor Adventure | Medium

Looking for other great hiking options in the area? Check with Uintah County Travel and Tourism, Dinosaur National Monument, United States Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management for trails in the region.

Outdoor Recreation Classes Through Schools

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Why Schools Should Include Adventure Sports Activities In Their Curriculum

Sir John Lubbock once stated, “Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” This statement is more true now than ever.  Today’s society has lost this form of education through time and often only relies on a curriculum based in a classroom setting. The lack of these learning adventures is limiting the growth and knowledge that is only experienced through experiences in nature. Many educators are unaware of the numerous benefits that can be attained  through adventure sports activities. Students often are unable to see how the classroom lessons of biology, chemistry and many other topics have to do with the real life outside world. There is no better way to understand a lesson or a topic than using a hands on experience. Outdoor adventures will not only be fun and exciting but will allow an excess of both worlds to come together. The classroom will forever be changed as soon as students are able to see the science come to life. 

Our local high school Uintah High, offers an incredible outdoor recreation program taught by Mr. Hoffart. Hoffart has designed a unique curriculum based on his experiences and time as a student at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) as a student. Through these prior experiences Mr. Hoffart teaches his students a multitude of skills that will help them pursue their own outdoor adventure sports. Some of the students favorite subjects taught are backpacking, fishing, mountain biking and white water rafting. The white water rafting trip is sponsored by Vernal, Utah’s locally owned and operated Dinosaur River Expeditions. Dinosaur River takes the students and staff on their one day Green River rafting trip. Dinosaur’s philosophy is we need to foster and provide recreational options for the community’s youth, these students need to know and see what is in their backyard. Not only does the course teach specific skills but provides an introduction to preserving open space and leave no trace ethics while exploring the great outdoors. The outdoor recreation class at Uintah High School is only one example of the many opportunities that are available for youth to get outside classroom and learn new and valuable skills.  

Not only are there academic benefits to these adventures, but emotional and social benefits increase tremendously as well. Being able to connect with the outdoor world allows an abundance of stress to be taken away. Studies have shown that most students develop high levels of stress very early in life. With these high levels of stress there are minimal healthy outlets to help relieve themselves. Providing a class in an outdoor setting will teach the students a coping method that can be used not only during school but throughout their lives. The students emotional health increases as stress is taken away as well their self esteem grows throughout the process. Being able to attend these classes allows the student to learn new skills, become more confident in their own abilities, and increase their emotional health and wellbeing as well. The social aspect built upon in these adventures can become life long friendships. Throughout adventuring, there comes times when the answer is not as easy as 2+2 but takes problem solving. Trying new things and working together as a team with their peers starts to help their social abilities flourish. This learned attribute can be used in the workforce later in life as they start working with different coworkers, providing customer service, working through challenging situations that are experienced in the workplace.

One of the most important factors that these adventure sports activity classes will teach students is the importance of the environment. The lack of education on the environment is what causes the problems that the world faces today, such as waste, the lack of preservation, and minimal conservation. Teaching students the magnificence that the world has for them starts with taking care of the environment around them. The list of positives goes on and on for these classes to be added to a regular curriculum. The change needs to be made for future generations to understand the importance of our wild spaces and the need to protect and preserve open space.  

If your child’s school offers an outdoor recreation program take advantage of the incredible doors it will open through a classroom based in nature. If not take a look at programs in your area that may provide the skills to help your child grow in ways the classroom cannot provide. 

Conquering Your White Water Fears

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White Water River Rafting 

Brush Those Fears Away With a Few Great Tips

 

Preparing to go down the river for the very first time brings forth a range of emotions. Fear of the rapids, confusion of what to bring or wear, anxiety of a new experience, or just terrifying in general. Almost every person feels this way at the beginning, but their feelings quickly alter after being out on the water for just a day. What once was a fear becomes a craving for more of that thrill and excitement. Don’t let the fears behind white water rafting stop you from an amazing experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help wash those fears away.

  • Schedule that river trip!

Taking the chance to go out on that white water river trip is the first step. If you are hesitant about how you are going to go, don’t worry, no extra skills are needed for rafting. All you need to do is enjoy the ride. Day trips are a great start as well to get your feet a little wet. We have a spectacular one day Utah rafting trip on the Green River perfect for a first timer. Not so hesitant, check out our our phenomenal 4 and 5 day trips through Dinosaur National Monument. 

  • Just Breathe

Seeing a rapid coming your way could be quite the frightening view. Taking deep breaths and going to a “happy place” gets the nerves out quickly. Inhale the calming river vibes and exhaling the anxiety. After that first rapid gets you wet you will be ready and anticipating more.

  • Trust your guide.

Your river guide will do their best to navigate the swift river currents as safely as possible. These women and men are trained in both guiding, first aid and different swift water rescue procedures. The river can be unpredictable, your guides are ready for whatever the white water has to throw at them. You are in good hands.

  • Have some fun!

Have a water fight, make a joke, or sing a song. Getting into a good mood and having some fun will get your mind off of the negative thoughts. If you are planning on not getting wet, well that is inevitable, so get ready for some waves coming your way. Getting a little splashed only makes for a better ride and a lot more fun!

Conquering Your White Water Fears

  • Do some research.

The internet is full of great advice on all aspects of white water rafting. There are a lot of great blogs and websites that will help guide you in the right direction. Calling a rafting company and asking questions is also a great way to get good information. Try the locally owned outfitters first for the area you are thinking about trying out a river trip. They will have the best up to date first hand knowledge of the regions river and conditions. Dinosaur River Expeditions is Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated rafting outfitter. Looking for a trip in this region we are the ones to call.

Getting several different perspectives helps ease some of the worries that are brought to new rafters. Feeling more prepared physically and mentally is a great way to make the fears go away. Before each trip a safety talk is also provided for the customers and crew. Listening and paying attention to that talk as well as any other instructions will keep you ready at all times. 

Conquer your white water rafting fears and go on that river rafting trip! The experience is beyond words and addicting. Once you get past those fears and negative thoughts, the beautiful canyon and river will become a sanctuary. It provides an outlet from the busy world and daily life stresses. Being disconnected from phones and electronics creates time to self reflect and grow closer to nature. Don’t let fear stop you from the experiences that white water rafting gives. It brings peace and happiness to all that come into contact go rafting and splash those fears away!

Nature Inspires Creativity

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Rhythm of the Wild

There’s a debate among linguists and musicians as to which came first: language or music. Without a time machine, it’s a hard problem to solve. But I side with the musicians. Any given day has a rhythm. To hear the music all you need to do is step outside. It is no wonder then that some of our best creative thinking comes from being outside. Often times this creativity blossoms on rafting trip, backpacking adventure, car camping in the southern Utah desert or a neighborhood evening walk.

The day has multiple rhythms, and the year has its own as well, they’re called seasons. But the rhythm I’m talking about has a decidedly musical quality. Birds call it out in the cool morning of day. Insect cries fill the heady heat of the afternoon. Crickets serenade the evening, and owls add their cry. In some places, the calls of animals are so consistent you can set your watch to them. See what I mean by rhythm?

It makes perfect sense then that before we could communicate a complex thought we could recognize the music of our world and riff on it. Of course this is all conjecture. But what’s more than conjecture is how beneficial getting outside is to creative thinking. Our cognitive ability is boosted in manifold ways when we get outside. In the most general sense, we get away from the noise of cities – the traffic, construction, and technological trappings. Once away from these distractions our minds can relax. As we relax we can notice the patterns around us; the fractal nature of leaves, the murmur of running water, how colors change in the Fall. To take it a step further (literally) taking a hike gets our blood circulating, stimulating our minds as well as our muscles. Indeed, studies have shown the benefits of cognizance that exercise has. It’s no wonder then that skiing, riding, or walking in the backcountry clear the mind. Not only that, but having an activity allows us to focus, on the thing we’re doing specifically, which is an important distinction than the many tasks that vie for our attention at home or in the office. Shedding distractions and focusing on one thing is good brain training, and can carry over to the problem solving practices we use in our everyday lives.

Our friends at the Freeflow Institute organize incredible multi-day rafting trips where like minded writers converge and build off of each other in a magnificent outdoor setting. Freeflow Institute is just one of many organized opportunities to get outside and build upon your artistic processes. It is fun to  seek out friends or a group that shares similar interests for your outdoor creative ventures. 

Looking for a great way to journal your outdoor creative experiences the great folks at REI have shared an excellent video on making your own journal. https://www.rei.com/blog/social/diy-how-to-make-an-adventure-journal

So I encourage you to get outside. And if you can get out for a long day. Are there some trees turning colors earlier than others? Take note of what you see: what kind of plant is growing by the creek? How do you imagine it’s different than others that grow further up the bank? Get out there. See if you can hear the rhythm. 

Vernal, Utah Rock Art Sites

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The Uinta Basin, bordered on the north by the Uinta mountains and on the west by the Wasatch mountains, attracts visitors from all over the country. It’s home to King’s Peak, the tallest mountain in Utah, standing at 13,528 feet. Creeks that flow south out of the Uinta mountains all eventually flow into the Green River. In its upper stretches, the Green River boasts blue ribbon trout fishing. Lower down, through the Gates of Lodore and Desolation canyons, the river houses spectacular white water and relics of human history spanning 2,000 years. In Vernal Utah, the largest community in the Uinta Basin, the relics of ancient peoples and pioneers can be found under nearly every cliff face and next to the clear flowing springs.

Where does one begin if they want to take in all these sights? From the town of Vernal you’re within 30 minutes of any number of petroglyphs and pictograph sites that are easily accessible. A quick note on the difference; a petroglyph is carved into the rock, while a pictograph is painted on. (Petroglyphs are ‘pecked’ and pictographs are ‘pictures’ is a handy way to remember). I suggest starting with McConkie Ranch. Head up Dry Fork north of Vernal. It’s an easy 20 minute drive on paved roads. McConkie ranch provides easy access to a number of large panels of Fremont petroglyphs. They are free to view, though donations are welcome. An easy uphill hike takes you within touching distance of the petroglyphs (but don’t touch!). It’s a one mile round trip hike to view all of them, and is an ideal trail for families with young children.

The Fremont people – named after the Fremont River – were nomadic peoples that lived in the area some 2,000 to 700 years ago. They are classified as archaic peoples and were gone before Europeans ever stepped foot on American soil. For this reason, we don’t know what they called themselves. The petroglyphs at McConkie ranch are emblematic of the Fremont style. Trapezoidal figures, with broad shoulders and narrow hips are adorned with headdresses and necklaces, standing in a line with many other figures done in a similar style.

The Fremont roamed around large swaths of present-day Utah leaving numerous petroglyph panels. Another can’t miss spot is Cub Creek north of Jensen, Utah. Again, the petroglyphs here boast trapezoidal figures in decorative garb. There are also pictures of bighorn sheep, lizards, and cryptic symbology whose meaning is anyone’s guess. In fact, no one knows why the Fremont left petroglyphs. They could have been done for religious purposes, or as a message board for other peoples, or even as an attempt to woo a lover.

Another great rock art site accessible by car is McKee Springs located on the Island Park road on the northern face of the iconic Split Mountain. Both Cub Creek and McKee springs are within Dinosaur National Monument, which takes its name from the impressive Dinosaur quarry located at the Jensen entrance to the monument. The monument itself is lousy with petroglyphs, pioneer relics, and fossils. If you find yourself in Vernal, it’s a must see, and has a little something for everyone; whether it be the anthropologist, the archaeologist, or the thrill seeker. Grab a map at the visitor center and take a step back in time for a day.

On our four- and five-day rafting trips through Dinosaur National Monument we encounter multiple rock art sites. Particularly along Colorado’s world-famous Yampa River. This stretch of river canyon was a perfect location for the native peoples to hunt, gather, farm and live a peaceful existence along the incredible canyon walls. A popular stop along this trip is Johnson Canyon where there are several well preserved pictographs tucked up underneath a ledge where they are well protected. Another perfect stop along the river is Jones Hole creek where a four-mile round trip hike leads you to the Deluge Shelter and a wall covered in petroglyphs and pictographs.

Whether you visit Dinosaurland by car or boat there are numerous areas where you will be able to view the beautiful scenery and wonderful rock art.

White Water Rafting Things To Consider Before Your Trip

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Whitewater Rafting Things to Consider Before You Go

Whitewater rafting in Utah and Colorado can be one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable summer activities; natural beauty, thrill, human connection and a quick way to cool off in the summer heat. But river rafting isn’t a carefully constructed Disneyland waterpark, rivers are subjects of nature. Here are some ways to help you prepare for the trip, whether it’s a Utah one-day river rafting trip on the Green River or a four to five-day raft trip through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

First things first. Always, always, always bring a rain coat. Yes, A rain coat. I know what you are thinking, my river trip is in the desert and I checked the forecast. No rain. Well trust me, river canyons tend to take on their own climate. The weather on the river can be vastly different from the nearest town or even 20 miles downstream. The storms in the desert also typically come in quickly and hard, sometimes for hours at time. I know its glamping, but you will still be outside for the duration of the storm so make sure you bring a raincoat that will keep you dry through the storm. Plus, we’re not backpacking, so you don’t have to carry your extra weight.  Just bring it. A good quality rain jacket is also a perfect layer for chilly mornings or evenings around the camp.

Along those lines, you will be outside for the whole time, so, if your trip is for a day or a week make sure you bring a good water bottle that can hook to the boat. Being on the water all day means you are getting double the sun, making it that much more important to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can lead to headaches, nausea, vomiting and general anger. Yep, drinking enough water will keep you happier making your vacation more enjoyable for everyone.

It’s nice to feel the vitamin D sink into your skin for a few hours at a time, but again, you are talking about exposure from sun up to sun down out on the river. Sunscreen and sun protection is very important. Nothing ruins a great vacation like a sunburn. Bring a high-quality sunscreen that you apply often throughout the day. Clothing is also great sun protection. A long-sleeved sun shirt, hat with a brim, sunglasses are all helpful for tackling the summer sun.

Now that you are protected from the elements, remember that people are operating these rafts.  There are no tracks to keep them in exactly the right place in the water, no seatbelts, and no airbags.  While being connected to the earth is part of the beauty of rafting, it also comes with an inherent risk. Don’t worry too much, your guides are trained in not only how to operate the raft, but in wilderness medicine and swift water rescue. The thing you should remember is that they are doing their absolute best and they are trained for an incident if it occurs. Pay close attention to the guides safety speech, listen to their directions and you will have a fabulous trip.

Lastly, remember there might be more to your trip than just the river. Many river trips have beautiful side canyons, archeology, and hiking to explore while you are not on the boats. This can be some of the most memorable experiences and often people leave saying it was their favorite part. Come prepared with good shoes, substantial water bottle, sun protection and be open to your trip evolving into the unexpected. The best trip of your life might not be what you were expecting. Be open to trying new things and connecting with the other passengers.

Now that you’ve got all the details! Let’s go boating!

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