Things To Do
Fantasy Canyon
Explore this geological wonder - bonus points for going at night to stargaze! You’ll often be the only visitors there, making it a perfect retreat from a stressful life.
Dinosaur National Monument
Forget the Big 5, come explore this hidden gem! Enjoy some beautiful rafting on the Green River, take in the stars in a certified dark sky park, or explore any of the many hikes scattered across this dramatic landscape. We can’t stress enough how much there is to do here!
Josie Morris Cabin
Take a tour through outlaw country and get to know Wild West Josie. Explore the cabin where Butch Cassidy hid out with icon Josie Bassett Morris, a rancher (and bootlegger) who spent 50 years building a beautiful homestead east of Vernal.
Quarry Visitor Center
Check out the highlight of Dinosaur National Monument, a hall featuring 1,500 dinosaur bones. Explore the surrounding paths to find some fossils on your own!
Local Petroglyphs
There are tens of thousands of petroglyphs in Vernal and the surrounding area, primarily made by the Fremont People. Some of the best preserved, called the Dry Fork Canyon petroglyphs, can be found at McConkie Ranch, just north of town. These panels cover 200 feet of cliff face and are some of the most accessible in the area. Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes on the ranch as well! Dinosaur National Monument has various hikes leading to petroglyphs, some suitable for families and some only accessible to seasoned hikers. Some of the most famous panels include Swelter Shelter, McKee Spring, and Deluge Shelter.
Uintah County Heritage Museum
Uintah County Heritage Museum features the history of the Uintah Basin, highlighting the John Wesley Powell expedition, Native Americans, miners, and outlaws. Don’t miss the First Lady Doll Exhibit upstairs!
Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt
Weather permitting, take a stroll down Vernal’s Main Street and count how many dinosaurs you can find! They show up in sculptures, murals, and signage along the full stretch of highway - make sure not to miss Dinah the Pink Dino!
Moonshine Arch Trail
Hidden deep in the slickrock country, this is one of Vernal’s best-kept secrets. Take in views of Steinaker State Park on the way to this grand sandstone natural arch hidden in the cliffs just north of Vernal. Moonshine Arch reaches a magnificent 40 feet tall and 85 feet long!
Ashley National Forest
Just northwest of Vernal lies Ashley National Forest, 276,175 acres of the High Uintas Wilderness Area offering quiet solitude, as well as access to Kings Peak—the highest peak in Utah. Camping, boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and wildlife watching provide a great getaway for those seeking outdoor adventure.
Red Fleet State Park
Red Fleet State Park is located in the heart of Dinosaurland, 10 miles north of Vernal on Utah Highway 191. The park name was inspired by three large Navajo sandstone outcrops jutting up from the landscape as if a fleet of ships. At an elevation of 5,600 feet, Red Fleet offers camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating. Red Fleet State Park is also known for the Dinosaur Trackway.
Scenic Drives
Not so much interested in the outdoor recreation? No problem! The area surrounding Vernal is full of beautiful scenic byways. Drive in any direction and you’ll experience geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and hundreds of years of human history.