Things To Do in Vernal, Utah and Dinosaurland
Located in the northeastern corner of Utah, Vernal is the heart of Dinosaurland, a region covering more than 7,000 square miles of ancient fossil beds, red rock reservoirs, whitewater rivers, and wide-open backcountry. The variety of experiences here is remarkable and there is genuinely more to do than any single trip can hold. We have put together travel guides and itineraries to help you make the most of it, whatever kind of traveler you are.
On the Water
From the tailwaters of Flaming Gorge Dam to the calm coves of Red Fleet State Park, the waterways surrounding Vernal offer some of the most varied and rewarding water recreation in northeastern Utah.
Rafting
Class II to III rapids on the Green River through dramatic canyon scenery. Guided half-day and full-day trips available from outfitters based in Vernal.
Boating
Three state parks and 91 miles of Flaming Gorge Reservoir put some of Utah's finest boating water within easy reach of Vernal.
Fishing
Trophy lake trout and brown trout at Flaming Gorge, trophy Walleye at Starvation, and world-class fly fishing on the Green River tailwaters year-round.
Paddleboarding
The calm, clear waters of Red Fleet and Steinaker State Parks make for some of the most scenic paddleboarding in the region. Rentals available locally.
On the Trails
Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon walk or a multi-day wilderness adventure, the landscape surrounding Vernal offers more trail options than most visitors can cover in a single trip.
Hiking
Over 20 trails inside Dinosaur National Monument alone, plus hundreds more in the High Uintas Wilderness, Flaming Gorge, and the canyons surrounding Vernal.
Biking
Paved scenic routes through canyon country and technical singletrack in the Ashley National Forest. Riding for every level, with views that make the climb worthwhile.
Scenic drives
The Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway and the Cub Creek Auto Tour inside Dinosaur National Monument are two of the finest drives in northeastern Utah.
Explore scenic drives near Vernal
Off-roading
BLM two-tracks and canyon backcountry roads offer some of the most rewarding off-road terrain in the region for every skill level and vehicle type.
Only in Dinosaurland
Some experiences are unique to this corner of Utah. These are the ones visitors tend to talk about long after the trip is over.
Dinosaur discovery
Touch a real fossil still in its original rock face. Hike to 200-million-year-old footprints at the water's edge. Dinosaurland is home to Dinosaur National Monument and some of the most significant paleontological sites on Earth.
Explore dinosaur sites near Vernal
Via Ferrata
Fixed iron rungs and cables let climbers of all experience levels scale canyon walls safely, with sweeping views of the red rock landscape below.
Winter activities
Snowshoeing in the High Uintas, ice fishing on Starvation Reservoir, and uncrowded trails through snow-covered canyon country. Dinosaurland is worth a visit year-round.
Find a Guide or Outfitter
Whether you are planning a whitewater rafting trip, a guided fly fishing day, or a multi-day backcountry adventure, local guides and outfitters make the experience significantly better. Dinosaurland has a strong community of licensed outfitters covering every major activity in the region.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Dinosaurland's history did not start with the dinosaurs and it did not end with them either. The Fremont people inhabited this region for over a thousand years, leaving behind some of the most vivid rock art in North America. Historic ranches, frontier outlaw trails, and a sprawling national wildlife refuge are all within reach of Vernal and well worth building into any itinerary. For the full picture of what is out there, our Explore page covers all of it in detail.
Explore the Region
Dinosaurland extends well beyond the trails and waterways closest to Vernal. These are the wider recreation areas and natural landscapes that define the region and give every activity here its remarkable setting.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area — 91 miles of reservoir, world-class fishing, whitewater rafting, and canyon scenery that has to be seen to be believed.
Ashley National Forest — 1.4 million acres of mountain terrain with hundreds of miles of trails, high-altitude lakes, and backcountry that most visitors never reach.
Fantasy Canyon — an otherworldly landscape of wind-sculpted formations about 27 miles south of Vernal. Free, rarely crowded, and unlike anywhere else in Utah.
High Uintas Wilderness — Utah's largest wilderness area and highest mountain range, with peaks over 13,000 feet including Kings Peak. Remote, pristine, and genuinely unforgettable.