Harvest Season in Dinoland: 10 Family Friendly Activities to Do This Fall

Harvest Season in Dinoland: 10 Family-Friendly Activities to Do This Fall

Vernal, Utah, is known worldwide as "Dinoland," and for good reason! This area is bursting with prehistoric wonders, from the massive fossil quarry at Dinosaur National Monument to ancient tracks preserved in stone. But when autumn arrives, something truly magical happens. The crisp air and golden light transform the landscape, and a whole new side of Vernal comes to life. Beyond the bones and fossils, you'll find a community that loves to celebrate the fall harvest season. So, if you're looking for family fun that goes beyond the usual museum visit, grab your cozy sweaters and let's explore over ten fantastic activities to do in Vernal this fall!

1. Get Lost in a Corn Maze and Pick the Perfect Pumpkin 
   Nothing says "fall" quite like a corn maze and a pumpkin patch! Just a short drive from Vernal, you'll find local farms that embrace the harvest season with a spirit of adventure. This is a fantastic way to spend a cool autumn afternoon or evening.
    
2. Get into the Spooky Season Spirit 
   Fall in Vernal is packed with local, family-friendly events perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Get a head start on the festivities at the Annual Pumpkin Palooza, which often has pumpkin-themed activities and tasty treats. Another charming, small-town tradition you won't want to miss is the Great Jensen Pumpkin Festival. This popular event, often held on a single night in late October, features magnificent pumpkin displays, a bonfire, and live music, making for a perfect family outing. Later in the month, a popular favorite is the Frightful Family Film Fest at the Western Park Indoor Arena. It's a fun way to enjoy some spooky films and snacks with the community. Then, get your costumes ready for Trick-or-Treat Street, a fantastic local event where downtown Vernal comes alive with kids in costumes visiting businesses for candy. This safe, fun, and memorable event is the perfect way to cap off the spooky season. For dates and times for these and other local happenings, check out the Vernal Community Calendar!
    
3. Hit the Trails for a Scenic Hike 
   Autumn is a magical time to explore the trails around Vernal, as the landscape transforms with a dazzling display of fall colors. While many people associate the area with its desert terrain, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red that emerge, especially in the higher elevations. Look for the golden shimmer of aspen groves and the fiery shades of maple and oak trees as they pop against the deep green of pines and the striking red rock of the canyons. The best time to experience this natural art show is typically in late September and early October. Consider a hike on a trail like the Dry Fork Flume or Jones Hole, where the fall foliage creates a beautiful contrast and a perfect backdrop for your autumn adventure.
    
4. Take a Ride on an ATV
   For a different kind of adventure, explore the Uinta Basin from behind the handlebars of an ATV. The Outlaw Range Ride OHV Trail offers a fantastic ride through a portion of the picturesque Uinta Mountains. This is an easy-to-moderate 26-mile loop that runs through grassy meadows and towering trees. In the autumn, the trail becomes even more scenic with the changing colors of the leaves, offering a great contrast to the deep green pines. You may even spot some local wildlife, from deer to elk, enjoying the crisp autumn air. It’s a thrilling way to experience the area’s rugged natural beauty.
    
5. Visit the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway Step back in time at Red Fleet State Park. 
   The Dinosaur Trackway Trail is a must-do for any visitor. Don't let the name fool you—this isn't a motorized track, but a fun hiking trail that leads to genuine dinosaur footprints! This journey takes you on a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike to a sloping sandstone slab that holds hundreds of three-toed footprints left by ancient dinosaurs over 200 million years ago. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike, giving you a chance to walk in the footsteps of giants.
    

6. Drive the Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway 
   For a classic "leaf-peeping" experience, get in the car and take a scenic drive. The Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway follows Highway 191 north from Vernal, climbing through the high mountains of the Ashley National Forest. It's an ideal way to see a wide range of Utah's fall colors without leaving the comfort of your car.

   

7. Go for a Fall Mountain Bike Ride
   The Vernal area is a mountain biking paradise, with trails for every skill level. The McCoy Flats Trail System is a perfect spot for families, offering up to 35 miles of interconnecting loops with a mix of flowing singletrack and fun, rocky sections. It’s a great way to explore the very same landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed!
    
8. Explore the Otherworldly and Spooky Landscape of Fantasy Canyon 
   Just a short drive from Vernal lies a truly unique geological wonder. Fantasy Canyon is a remote and whimsical landscape filled with bizarre sandstone formations carved by millions of years of wind and water. Perfect for getting into the spooky season spirit, the eerie shapes resemble everything from a flying witch to a screaming man, making it a fun place to seek out some natural thrills. The short, 0.6-mile loop trail is easy and perfect for families, allowing you to get up close to these otherworldly rock features.
    

9. Shop for Local Goods at the Farmers Market 
   What's a harvest season without a farmers market? The Ashley Valley Farmers Market is a wonderful way to experience the local bounty. Typically running every Saturday from July through September and sometimes into early October, it's the perfect place to find fresh, locally grown produce, delicious baked goods, and unique artisan crafts. It's a great spot to grab ingredients for a fall feast or simply enjoy a morning of community spirit.

   

    

10. Go Stargazing in the Clear Night Sky 
    Both Dinosaur National Monument and Steinaker State Park are certified International Dark Sky Parks, making this region one of the darkest and most breathtaking places for stargazing in the United States. Fall brings crisp, clear nights—perfect for looking up. After a day of prehistoric discovery, head to either park after dark, far from city lights, and take in the brilliance of the night sky. Imagine the dinosaurs once gazing at these same stars—it's a humbling and unforgettable way to end your adventure.

Beyond its world-renowned prehistoric history Vernal Utah comes alive in the autumn with a vibrant harvest season that offers a wide array of family-friendly activities. From getting lost in a local corn maze and picking the perfect pumpkin to celebrating spooky season with the community, the area provides a perfect blend of festive fun and natural adventure. Whether you're hunting for genuine dinosaur tracks at Red Fleet, exploring the otherworldly landscape of Fantasy Canyon, or shopping for fresh produce at the local farmers market, Vernal proves to be a destination where the magic of fall harvest and the wonder of Dinoland beautifully converge for an unforgettable family getaway. Check out the local event calendar and plan your adventure today!