Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
There's no denying that Utah's Mighty 5—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—are some of the most breathtaking national parks in the country.
But just beyond their well-worn paths lies another incredible destination that often gets overlooked: Dinosaur National Monument.
Straddling the Utah-Colorado border, Dinosaur National Monument is located just a 3.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, and every bit as awe-inspiring as its more famous national park counterparts.
Despite the monument's proximity to the state's most populated city and major travel hub, Dinosaur National Monument remains far less crowded than Utah's other national park sites.
Instead of competing for parking spots and jostling for viewpoints, those willing to venture just a little off the beaten path are rewarded with 149-million-year-old dinosaur fossils, great hiking, and world-class whitewater rafting.
The best-kept secret: Rafting in Dinosaur National Monument
While the majority of the park's approximately 300,000 visitors per year stick with the main attractions, most miss out on the most immersive way to experience Dinosaur National Monument.
The Green and Yampa Rivers carve through the heart of the park, offering some of the most stunning and remote whitewater rafting opportunities in the country and the best way to explore this national park site.
OARS, an authorized concessioner of Dinosaur National Monument and a trusted Utah rafting outfitter, offers a number of rafting trips ranging from 1 to 5 days.
Multi-day adventures: Gates of Lodore rafting & Yampa River trips
On a Green River rafting trip through the Gates of Lodore paddlers head deep into Dinosaur's remote wilderness with breathtaking red rock walls, secluded sandy beaches, and exciting Class III rapids like Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hells Half Mile.
Along the way on this 44-mile adventure, rafters stop at hidden waterfalls, explore ancient petroglyphs, and camp under star-filled skies. OARS also operates trips in spring and early summer on the free-flowing Yampa, considered by many to be one of the best river trips in the U.S.
One-day thrill: Split Mountain Canyon
For those short on time, a one-day Split Mountain Canyon rafting trip is the best way to experience the park's spectacular geology and scenery and spend a fun day on the water.
This action-packed trip covers nine miles of the Green River, with exciting Class III rapids interspersed with calm stretches where rafters can soak in the towering canyon walls.
This full day trip is an excellent option for families and beginners looking for a taste of whitewater adventure, plus teachers, active duty military, veterans and first responders raft free with OARS in Split Mountain with one or more full-paying guests.
The main attractions: Things to do in Dinosaur National Monument
Step into prehistory at the Quarry Exhibit Hall
Dinosaur National Monument is home to one of the richest fossil beds and significant paleontological sites in the world. Its main attraction, the Quarry Exhibit Hall, showcases a massive rock wall embedded with over 1,500 dinosaur fossils, including bones from long-extinct species such as Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Stegosaurus.
Hike through time and canyons
The Sound of Silence Trail is a lesser-visited loop that winds through the colorful badlands and upturned rock layers that showcase the monument's geologic diversity.
A ¼-mile connector trail allows you to combine this with the Desert Voices Trail for stunning views of Split Mountain. For a shorter option with a decent amount of shade, the Hog Canyon Trail located near the Josie Bassett Cabin—a historic homestead from the early 20th century—provides a glimpse into the rugged lifestyle of Utah's early settlers while showcasing the monument's striking rock formations and wildlife.
Discover ancient stories in rock art
Petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by the Fremont people over 1,000 years ago add another fascinating layer to the monument's rich history.
Visitors can easily access several sites on the Utah side of the monument, including those along Cub Creek Road, where large, well-preserved figures of humans, animals, and abstract shapes were etched and painted into the sandstone cliffs. Another excellent stop on this 10-mile scenic drive is the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs.
Where to stay near Dinosaur National Monument
Vernal, Utah, is the ideal base for those visiting Dinosaur National Monument. Just a short drive from the park's main entrance in Jensen, the town offers a variety of lodging options, dining, grocery stores, and is the meeting place for OARS Dinosaur rafting trips.
Accommodations range from well-known chain hotels to locally owned motels like the Dinosaur Inn, while nearby campgrounds and the Fossil Valley RV Park also provide easy access to the monument and surrounding outdoor attractions.
