Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is a protected area spanning Colorado and Utah that contains fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in sandstone cliffs. The landscape also features deep river canyons and desert rock formations with varied colors.

The area was designated in 1915 to protect fossils after paleontologist Earl Douglass discovered dinosaur skeletons there in 1909. It was one of the first protected areas in the United States created specifically to preserve fossil resources.

Ancient rock art created by the Fremont people appears throughout the monument, showing human figures and animal designs carved directly into stone faces. These images tell us how people lived and what mattered to them in this region centuries ago.

The Quarry Exhibit Hall displays over 1,500 fossils and is a good starting point for your visit. Hiking on various trails, camping at designated sites, and river trips on the Green and Yampa Rivers are all available activities.

The Wall of Bones displays actual dinosaur fossils that remain embedded in their original rock face, showing them exactly as they were found. This arrangement lets visitors study the fossils in their natural position, something rarely seen in museums.

Location: Uintah County

Location: Moffat County

Inception: October 4, 1915

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/dino

GPS coordinates: 40.53333,-108.98333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:56