2015 Visitation at Dinosaur National Monument Increases 16%

Date: January 11, 2016
Contact: Dan Johnson, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services, [phone]

Jensen, UT & Dinosaur, CO – December visitation numbers for Dinosaur National Monument showed an 18.6% decrease for the month over the 2014 figures, but the year ended in positive territory with an overall increase over 2014. As of December 31, recreational visits for the year tallied a total of 291,798 – a 16.4% increase over the 2014 annual visitation.

Month	Recreational Visits 2015	Recreational Visits 2014	Change
January	3,868	2,354	+64.32%
February	4,354	2,788	+56.17%
March	10,001	6,387	+56.58
April	17,996	16,618	+8.29%
May	28,446	30,977	-8.17%
June	55,878	47,855	+16.8%
July	62,506	51,907	+20.4%
August	49,448	42,811	+15.5%
September	33,266	25,519	+30.4%
October	17,986	15,809	+13.8%
November	5,417	4,366	+24.0%
December	2,633	3,234	-18.6%
Total Year-to-Date	291,798	250,624	+16.4%

Visitation statistics are calculated by using a combination of visitor center numbers, trail counters plus the actual number of wheeled vehicles entering the park gates and using a person-per-vehicle multiplier to calculate the number of monthly recreational visitors. Detailed park visitation information and additional information on how these statistics are calculated is available online at https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/Reports/Park/DINO. 

Though overall monument visitation numbers were down for December, the Quarry Visitor Center actually saw a slight rise for the month. "Many people often stop by the Dinosaur Quarry on their way to visit family over the holidays," stated Monument Superintendent Mark Foust, "but with the arrival of winter, snow and colder temperatures, less people were out recreating." While many might not think of Dinosaur as a place for winter recreation, the road to the Josie Morris Cabin and the Harpers Corner Road can be used for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Winter travelers should watch the forecast and be prepared for conditions. 

For more information, call [phone] or follow DinosaurNPS on social media.