Planning a Field Trip

Dinosaur National Monument offers a wealth of learning opportunities for your students. The park has designed a range of interactive, hands-on activities that make learning fun and interesting for students. Our programs are keyed to Utah core curriculum standards and Colorado content standards, but the programs are suitable for students from any state. Our programs can be tailored for students in any age range.

We offer activities in the following areas:

  • Dinosaurs and fossils

    The monument's museum exhibits are built around a cliff face containing 1,600 dinosaur bones in their original setting. Students can approach the cliff and touch some of the bones. Your students can also build a life-size dinosaur or they can use a variety of fossils to be fossil detectives and learn about the ancient ecosystem of dinosaurs.

  • Desert shrub ecosystem

    A scavenger hunt will show your students the surprising diversity of the desert.

  • Geology

    A ranger-guided walk highlights the outstanding geology of Dinosaur National Monument. A rainbow of colors, the sculpture of erosion and sinuous sandstones make this activity more than just rocks.

  • River and water issues

    The heart of Dinosaur National Monument is its river canyons. Hands-on activities will teach students about water quality, aquatic insects and the vital role of water in our society.

  • Native American culture

    The monument's petroglyphs provide a multidisciplinary teaching opportunity to contemplate the values of ancient cultures.

  • Homesteading

    Students will visit the restored Josie Morris cabin. A role-playing activity on site will illustrate to students the hardships and rewards for a single woman carving out her own ranch in the Utah wilderness.

There is no charge for ranger-guided programs, but reservations are required. Education groups can apply for a waiver of the park entrance fee. Call 435-781-7759 to request a fee waiver application.

To learn more about these activities or to schedule a ranger-guided program for your students, contact Park Ranger Mike Weinstein at 435-781-7701 or at mike_weinstein@nps.gov or contact Park Ranger Sue Walter at 970-374-3017 or at sue_walter@nps.gov.



Last Updated: December 30, 2004