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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.

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Top 5 Reasons To Raft The Yampa and Green Rivers

The Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore are two of the most popular white water rafting destinations in the United States. Both rivers offer stunning scenery, challenging rapids, and a variety of wildlife. But what are the best reasons to take a guided rafting trip on these rivers through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument?

Here are five of the best reasons to take a guided rafting trip on the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore:

  1. Safety: A guided trip is one of the safest ways to enjoy white water rafting. The guides will have all the necessary safety equipment, training and will know how to handle any unexpected situations.
  2. Experience: A guided trip is the best way to experience white water rafting. The guide will be able to point out the different landmarks along the river and tell you about the history and geology of the area.. 
  3. Education: A guided trip is the best way to learn about the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore. The guide will be able to answer all your questions and help you understand the natural wonders of the area. Interpretation is a key component of a guided trip whether it is rafting or some other guided experience
  4. Memories: A guided trip is the best way to create lasting memories with your family and friends. You’ll share an experience that you’ll all cherish for years to come. Whether you look back at the exciting rapids, beautiful hikes or just laughing around the campfire at night you will have long lasting memories for years to come. 
  5. Fun: A guided trip is simply a lot of fun. You’ll get to enjoy the thrill of white water rafting, the beauty of the scenery, and the company of your friends and family.

If you’re looking for a safe, fun, and educational experience, then a guided rafting trip on the Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore is the perfect choice for you.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a guided rafting trip:

  • Choose a reputable company.** There are many companies that offer guided rafting trips on the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore. Do some research to make sure you choose a company that has a good reputation and a proven track record of safety. Dinosaur River Expeditions is Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated river rafting outfitter. 
  • Pack appropriately, the outfitter will provide a suggested pack list for your trip. A reputable outfitter who has a long history of guiding on the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore will have a suggested pack list according to the time of year and water flows to help you be prepared. They will also have a pre trip meeting to help you with any last minute questions prior to your trip’s departure. 
  • Find out what is included in the trip.** Not all guided rafting trips are created equal. Make sure you find out what is included in the trip, such as transportation, meals, and equipment. Many outfitters have equipment rental options such as sleep kits and tents if you do not own this equipment or do not want to travel with it. 
  • Get a sense of the atmosphere of the trip.** Some guided rafting trips are more relaxed and family-friendly, while others are more adventurous and challenging. Get a sense of the atmosphere of the trip so you can choose the one that is right for you. This can be dependent on the time of year, early season will have faster water with runoff and later season the river will slow down as run off as subsided. 

Taking a guided rafting trip on the Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore is a great way to experience the beauty and excitement of these rivers. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip that you’ll never forget.

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