Wildlife Watching
It's easy to 'get wild' in Dinosaurland. Set against a backdrop of dramatic scenery, no other area in Utah offers the diversity and opportunity to watch wildlife like Northeastern Utah. Just taking a drive from town to town, you can expect to see deer, antelope, and of course, a plethora of prairie dogs. However, if you're in the mood for some serious wildlife viewing, just watch what happens when you take the path less traveled:

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge - Located 50 miles northeast of Vernal, this 13,455-acre national refuge lies along both sides of the Green River. The primary purpose of the Refuge is to provide nesting and migratory habitat for the Great Basin Canada Goose, ducks, and other migratory birds. Over 200 species of birds can be found on the Refuge. The Refuge is also home to deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, river otter, moose, and bighorn sheep. A graveled, 11-mile auto tour with interpretive exhibits provides opportunities to view and study wildlife and wildlife habitat. www.brownspark.fws.gov

Dinosaur National Monument - Rocky Mountain sheep, mule deer, and many species of birds, including sandhill cranes, are seen throughout Dinosaur National Monument. Sightings are particularly common during float trips on the Green and Yampa Rivers. http://www.nps.gov/dino

Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway - Themed "Wildlife Through the Ages," this byway offers drive-by viewing of pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer, moose, and wild horses. Nature trails and interpretive portals provide information and access to various wildlife communities along the byway. Take the Sheep Creek Geological Loop for glimpses of Utah's Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. http://www.byways.org/travel/byway.html?CX_BYWAY=2008

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge - Located 30 miles southwest of Vernal, the primary objective of this refuge is to provide food and cover for 14 species of nesting ducks. However, over 200 species of birds have been documented at the refuge. Interpretive information and viewing facilities are located on site. Expect to see bald and golden eagles and several species of hawks. http://ouray.fws.gov/

Pariette Wetlands - This complex of wetlands and marshes is located near the Green River, approximately 20 miles south of Fort Duchesne. The BLM's largest waterfowl management area in Utah, the wetlands are home to more than 105 species of birds and mammals. Interpretive information and viewing facilities are located on site. http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/pariette_wetlands.htm