Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument

DangerJun 26, 2026

No Wood or Charcoal Fires Allowed - Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect

View →
the fossilized skull of camarasaurus dinosaur

Over 1500 fossilized bones of various dinosaurs are still embedded in the cliff face including a skull and several neck vertebrae of a camarasaurus

Photo: NPS Photo / Dan Johnson

About

150 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed here. Their fossils are still embedded in the rocks. Today, mountains, desert, and rivers flowing in canyons support a variety of life. Petroglyphs reveal the lives and connections of Indigenous people to this land. Homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history, or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore.

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingFishingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Paddling
Canoeing
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Whitewater Rafting
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

Dinosaur National Monument is located on the Colorado and Utah border with parts of the monument in both states. Dinosaur fossils are only visible in the Utah portion of the monument, not on the Colorado side. The Quarry Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall (where you see the dinosaur fossils) are located approximately 7 miles north of Jensen, Utah. The Canyon Visitor Center is located in Dinosaur, Colorado.

Get directions →

Weather

Dinosaur's climate is semiarid with temperatures averaging between 0°F to 30°F in January and 50°F to 100°F in July. Extreme winter low temperatures may reach -40°F and summer highs can top 110°F. Elevations within the park vary between 4,700 and 9,000 feet. Winter snow may be heavy at higher elevations while only light to moderate snow is found at lower elevations. Summer thunderstorms may cause heavy downpours and localized flooding, but fail to dampen parched soils less than a mile away.

News

Dinosaur National Monument Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Jun 23, 2026

Dinosaur National Monument Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Superintendent Phil Akers announced today that restrictions on open fires will go into effect on Friday June 26, 2026, at 12:01 am.

New Dinosaur Fossils Excavated at Dinosaur National Monument
Jan 16, 2026

New Dinosaur Fossils Excavated at Dinosaur National Monument

Recent parking lot construction work in Dinosaur National Monument revealed previously uncovered dinosaur fossils near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, marking the first fossil excavations at this location since 1924.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Van$50.00