Jurassic National Monument, Paleontological site in Emery County, United States.
Jurassic National Monument protects the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in the San Rafael Swell, a mudstone basin within the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation. The quarry holds disarticulated bones of Allosaurus, Camarasaurus, Stegosaurus and other dinosaurs mixed in sticky clay. A seasonal visitor center displays an adult Allosaurus skeleton reconstruction and other exhibits.
The site was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965 and received national monument status in 2019. This recognition followed decades of research activities that demonstrated its scientific importance for understanding prehistoric ecosystems.
The site takes its name from the geological period of its fossils and draws visitors interested in prehistoric life. Today, guests can observe excavation sites and see how paleontologists work to uncover and study the preserved remains.
The site is accessible only from April through October, so visitors should plan their trip within this window. It is important to bring plenty of water, as no drinking water sources are available on the grounds, especially during warmer months.
The grounds preserve an unusually high concentration of carnivore fossils, particularly Allosaurus, which raises questions about how these animals lived and died. This peculiarity makes it a place of great scientific interest for researchers worldwide.
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