Ready to plan your next trip outdoors? Want to make sure you get away from all the overcrowded popular tourist traps? Come take a refreshing trip at one of the country’s most underrated and unknown outdoors destinations – Dinosaur National Monument. Whether you’re planning a leisurely family vacation or you’re an avid outdoorsman Northeastern Utah’s 200,000 acre Dinosaur National Monument is a perfect choice. Located on the borders of Utah and Colorado and famous for numerous dinosaur fossils the Dinosaur National Monument and surrounding area is secluded and ripe for adventure.
1. See More Than 1,500 Real Dinosaur Fossils
The National Monument holds over 1,500 dinosaur fossils and footprints along with ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. Visitors to Dinosourland are not only able to see fossils but also touch dinosaur bones in their original resting place! Some of the dinosaur bones include that of the Allosaurus and Stegosaurus among many others. If you grew up amazed by the idea of these giant creatures roaming the earth this is a can’t miss. When you’ve had your fill of fossils there’s tons of outdoor activities to do and nature to explore.
2. Take in the Epic Landscapes
With three state parks nearby there are numerous valleys, gorges and lookout points that hold breathtaking views of untouched mother nature. The Flaming Gorge is home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring views in all of Utah. Head to the Red Canyon Overlook for one of the most unforgettable sunrises you’ll ever see. The Flaming Gorge NRA water reservoir below is home to three marinas and all the fun water-sports you can imagine. It’s also home to some of Utah’s best fishing including lake trout.
3. Enjoy the Milky Way while Camping
With plenty of campgrounds to choose from you can pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars. Far from the country’s large metropolises you can will witness some of the country’s darkest skies during the night; giving jaw-dropping views of the Milky Way and countless stars. Photography enthusiasts will also find that Utah’s desert is a great place to practice capturing the stars.
4. Go White Water Rafting
Set out with Adrift Adventures and go white water rafting down the Green River. One-day or multi-day wilderness rafting tours will take you on an adventure through 2,000 foot deep canyons. Row your way through class III white water rapids and camp in the wild. With small groups and experienced guides anyone can enjoy rafting down the Green River.
5. Have a Hiking or Mountain Biking Adventure
With endless miles of trails available in the area there’s no excuse not to get out and get some exercise while enjoying nature. Trails range from short to long and anyone from the beginner to expert hiker or biker will have a variety of trails to keep busy for a single day or an extended stay.
What More Could You Want!?
Combine any or all of these activities together for an awesome outdoors trip to one of the least visited areas of the United States.
