• Camarasaurus skull still embedded in the quarry face

    Dinosaur

    National Monument CO,UT

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  • Ely Creek Backcountry Campsites Closed

    The Ely Creek backcountry campsites located along the Jones Hole Trail have been closed until further notice due to bear activity in the area. More »

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Operating Hours & Seasons

The monument is open all year, though certain roads and facilities are closed during the winter months. When monument roads are open, they are open 24 hours a day. Dinosaur fossils can only be seen on the Utah side of the park. Please see dates and hours of operation for the monument visitor centers below.

 

Utah Side of the Monument

 
ranger station symbol

Quarry Visitor Center (Seven miles north of Jensen, Utah)
October 7, 2012 - May 17, 2013, Open daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Except, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas (December 25), and New Year's Day (January 1).
May 18, 2013 - September 22, 2013, Open daily, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Quarry Exhibit Hall (this is where you see Dinosaur fossils)
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (last trip to quarry at 4:00 p.m. - see information below)
Also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas (December 25), and New Year's Day (January 1).
Beginning May 18, 2013, the Quarry Exhibit Hall will be open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - see information below.

 

Late Fall, Winter, and Spring Access to the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall
October 29, 2012 through May 17, 2013
Due to both lower visitation and reduced staffing levels, access to the quarry is by car caravans. Visitors drive their personal vehicle to the quarry, following the ranger. Rangers lead car caravans to the exhibit hall at the following times:

9:30 a.m 10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m
2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. (last trip of the day)


If you arrive after the If you arrive after the previous group has departed, you may have to wait up to 1 hour before the next departure. There is a twelve minute film, exhibits, and a bookstore in the visitor center to occupy your time while you wait. You can also take a scenic drive on the Cub Creek Road. Last caravan goes to the quarry at 4:00 p.m.

 

Summer Access to the Dinosaur Quarry
To access the Quarry Exhibit Hall, visitors must first stop at the Quarry Visitor Center located approximately ¼ mile from the exhibit hall. The visitor center features a staffed information desk, exhibits, sales area for the Intermountain Natural History Association and park film.

Summer access to the Quarry Exhibit Hall is by shuttle bus only from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. If you arrive prior to 9:30 am, you will be allowed to drive your personal vehicle to the quarry. The access road closes to uphill traffic at 9:30 and shuttles depart from the visitor center every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last bus leaving the Quarry Exhibit Hall departs at 5:30 p.m. for the return to the visitor center.

Visitors with accessibility needs should inquire at the information desk at the visitor center for directions on how to access the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

 

Colorado Side of the Monument

 
ranger station symbol

Canyon Visitor Center (Two miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado)
April 12 through May 17, Open Saturdays and Sundays only, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
May 24 through September 8, Open Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Did You Know?

Photo of tilted rock layers at sunrise.

Dinosaur National Monument's geology is a feast for the mind and the eye. The rock layers, which have been tilted by folding, expose a variety of colors and textures.