Coming into Dinosaur National Monument from Vernal offers immediate access to the fossils that make this area famous. Further into the monument, which extends into Colorado, there is excellent white water rafting as well as camping and hiking.
Most of the dinosaur fossils are in the Quarry Exhibit Hall. There are hundreds of fossils from the Jurassic period on display, including some that you can actually touch. Follow hiking trails to see more fossils, petroglyphs from the Fremont people, and views of prominent Split Mountain.
Rafting is a popular way to experience Dinosaur National Monument's remote canyons. Experienced rafters can take on the Yampa and Green Rivers’ Class III and IV rapids on their own, but there are also guide services to plan and lead rafting trips.