Vernal

Vernal is a town in northeastern Utah situated at roughly 1,600 meters elevation in Ashley Valley. The landscape features the Uinta Mountains to the west and the Tavaputs Plateau to the east, creating an open valley setting with dramatic geographic boundaries.

Settlement began in 1873 when Captain Pardon Dodds built the first cabin in the area. The town developed gradually as more people arrived seeking opportunities in the valley.

The Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo brings people together each year as one of the largest rodeo events in the country. This tradition reflects the local identity and how residents celebrate their heritage through horsemanship and western culture.

The regional airport offers scheduled flights to larger cities, providing visitors with alternatives to driving. Being located in a remote valley means planning ahead helps when exploring the wider region.

The local bank building required approximately 80,000 bricks shipped through the postal system in 1917. This unusual delivery was so large it led to changes in federal postal regulations, showing how a local construction need sparked a national policy shift.

Location: Uintah County

Inception: 1873

Elevation above the sea: 1,624 m

Shares border with: Manila, Moab, Castle Valley

Website: http://vernalcity.org

GPS coordinates: 40.45470,-109.53600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:13