#1 – White Water River Rafting
Dinosaur River Expeditions is the only locally owned and operated outfitter in the area. Vernal, Utah and the Northeastern corner of Utah has several amazing white water river rafting options to choose from. The Green River Begins in central Wyoming and winds its way through Utah and the corner of Colorado until it eventually meets the Colorado river in Southern Utah. Just outside of Vernal there are two really popular rafting options.
The first is a very fun one day river rafting adventure beginning at Flaming Gorge Dam traveling 7 miles to Little Hole. This stretch of the Green is a beautiful scenic river rafting trip. What to expect on a day trip? Great guides, excellent riverside lunch, fun rapids and incredible scenery. This trip is perfect for families with young kids who are not sure about a river adventure.
The most popular option on the Green River is the Gates of Lodore. This is a 4 day river rafting trip that floats for 44 miles through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. Great rapids like Disaster Falls, Moonshine, Triplet Falls will excite you. Delectable meals will savor your palate, incredible scenery will take your breath away and the guides will take impeccable care of your ever need.
The Yampa River also flows through Dinosaur National Monument. This 72 mile river trip is best done over 5 days. You can take it in 4 days but we recommend the 5 day to get the most out of this adventure. The Yampa River is the 3rd hardest river trip to get a seat on in the U.S. You will want to book this adventure well in advance.
#2 – Dinosaur National Monument
With over 200,000 acres to explore you can spend a lifetime visiting this gem of the park service and never see it all. If you can put a river trip into your schedule while visiting the monument you will not regret it.
Definitely make time to see the fossil quarry. You will be able to get up close and personal with the wall of bones. An amazing collection of intact dinosaur fossils and great displays.
#3 – Mountain Biking
Vernal has some world class single track mountain bike trails some within 15 minutes of downtown. McCoy Flats is the most popular riding area with a fabulous selection of trails from beginner to expert. If you are new to riding try the Cookies and Combo loop, it has gently rolling hills, great views and is beginner in fitness and ability. If you want to challenge yourself my favorite is Jackalope to Serendipity. This loop is intermediate to expert with a good climb at the beginning and some really exciting downhill to finish it out. Check with the local bike shop Altitude Cycle to find out the best spot for you to ride.
#4 – Native American Rock Art
Not far out of town you will find McConkie Ranch with an astounding collection of Fremont petroglyphs and pictographs. It is an easy hike along the cliff face where you are able to get up close and personal to 700-year-old rock art drawings. We offer guided daily hikes and McConkie Ranch is just one of the many places we love to show off. Give us a call and ask about our other hiking options.
#5 – Local Lakes
Two beautiful lakes are minutes from downtown. Steinaker and Red Fleet State Parks offer great campsites, sandy beaches, fishing, stand up paddle boarding and more.
