Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 2
207 mi0.1 mi
Discover Dinosaur Fossils and Enjoy Flaming Gorge Views
On your second day, you will start your visit the Dinosaur National Monument to discover dinosaur fossils. You'll also cross through Flaming Gorge, while stopping to enjoy the overlooks.
19.2 mi
25 min
Quarry Exhibit Hall at Dinosaur National Monument
History Museum
Open Details
Today you will discover dinosaur fossils at the Dinosaur National Monument's Quarry Exhibit Hall. This site features a wall with approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones ranging from Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus, and many others.
They'll even let you touch some of the actual dinosaur fossils! You can also explore the exhibits that explain how the dinosaurs lived in the local environment more than 149 million years ago.
They'll even let you touch some of the actual dinosaur fossils! You can also explore the exhibits that explain how the dinosaurs lived in the local environment more than 149 million years ago.
0.1 mi
5 min
Fossil Discovery Trail
Hiking Trail
Open Details
Just outside the quarry is the Fossil Discovery Trail where you can see numerous dinosaur fossils and bone fragments in the rock layers. This moderate trail is 1.2 miles, one way, from the Quarry Exhibit Hall. The trail goes through several rock layers and features three fossil areas. There is no shade on this trail, so be sure to take a hat, sunscreen, and water.
1.5 mi
5 min
Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
After your hike, take a short drive to the Swelter Shelter petroglyphs and pictographs of the Fremont culture. To view the petroglyphs, it is an easy 60 meters from the parking area. Do not touch the ancient art as petroglyphs and pictographs are fragile and sacred.
19.7 mi
25 min
Plaza Mexicana
Mexican Restaurant
Open Details
Your visit to Dinosaur National Monument is now complete! Head back into Vernal to grab lunch before you begin your drive back to Salt Lake City. Try out the festive Mexican food at the Plaza Mexicana.
41 mi
1 hr
Flaming Gorge Dam
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
The next two stops will test your fear of heights. The Flaming Gorge Dam stands 502 feet above the Green River. It was built in 1964 for water storage and hydroelectric power. At the visitor center, you can see a 3D model of the dam and interactive displays. You will also be able to stroll outside along a portion of the walkway to enjoy the scenic views.
12.2 mi
20 min
Red Canyon Visitor Center
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
The views from above continue! Often noted as the most scenic view of Flaming Gorge, the Red Canyon Overlook towers above 1,400 feet from the water. The overlook is open year-round with an interpretive trail and possible sightings of bighorn sheep and mule deer. When you go inside the Red Canyon Visitor Center, you'll find that it was built on the cliff edge and that a portion of the viewing room hangs over the cliff.
113.5 mi
2 hrs 15 min
Bon Rico
Steakhouse
Open Details
You will continue to enjoy the scenic drive as you head to Evanston for dinner. Stop by Bon Rico for traditional American dishes, including steaks, seafood, pasta and sandwiches. This establishment has served patrons in Evanston for over 25 years.