Summary
The park covers an area of 211,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife and geological formations. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including the opportunity to see some of the world's best preserved dinosaur fossils, explore the scenic river canyons, and enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
One of the main points of interest in the park is the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, which displays hundreds of dinosaur fossils that were discovered in the area. Visitors can see fully assembled skeletons of several different species of dinosaurs, as well as fossils of ancient plant life. Other notable attractions in the park include the Yampa and Green Rivers, which offer opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
Interesting facts about the park include the fact that it was established in 1915 as a national monument to protect the dinosaur fossils found in the area, and that it is home to several Native American rock art sites. The park also contains several hiking trails, including the Harpers Corner Trail and the Box Canyon Trail, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The best time of year to visit Dinosaur National Monument varies depending on the visitor's interests. Summer is the peak season for outdoor activities, but can also be crowded. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It is important to check weather and road conditions before visiting, as some areas of the park may be inaccessible during certain times of the year.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Green River Campground
Green River - Dinosaur National Monument
Split Mountain Campground
Split Mountain - Dinosaur National Monument
Split Mountain Gorge Campground
Point of Pines Campsite 5