Operating Hours & Seasons

The monument is open 24 hours per day, all year, but some roads and facilities are closed during the winter months.There are no dinosaur fossils visible on the Colorado side of the monument. If you want to see Dinosaur Fossils, you must visit the Utah side of the monument near Jensen, Utah. Because Dinosaur's biggest collection of dinosaur fossils are protected within a secure structure known as the Quarry Exhibit Hall, visits are only allowed during certain hours.

See dates and hours of operation for monument visitor centers below. Transitions from peak to off season hours depend on staffing levels and weather - call with questions.

 

Utah Side of the Monument
This is where you see the dinosaur fossils

 

Quarry Visitor Center Seven miles north of Jensen, Utah
The visitor center features a staffed information desk, exhibits, sales area for the Intermountain Natural History Association, and monument film. It is the departure point for trips to see the Dinosaur Quarry. Phone: [phone]

Peak Season (Summer Hours)
Late May 2018 to mid-September 2018

Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Off Season (Winter Hours)
Mid-September 2018 to late May 2019

Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1) holidays.

Quarry Exhibit Hall 0.25 miles from the visitor center.
This is where you see dinosaur fossils. Please note that access to the Quarry Exhibit Hall varies with the time of year due to visitation and staffing. See information below about shuttles, driving up on your own, or timed caravans.

Peak Season (Summer Hours)
Late May 2018 to mid-September 2018

Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

During the busy season, a shuttle bus takes visitors from the visitor center to the Dinosaur Quarry every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The last shuttle for the day leaves from the Quarry Exhibit Hall at 5:30 p.m. for the return to the visitor center.

Visitors with accessibility needs, or those who are traveling with pets, should inquire at the information desk at the visitor center for directions on how to access the Quarry Exhibit Hall in their personal vehicle.

Off Season (Winter Hours)
Mid-September 2017 to late May 2018

Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Due to lower visitation and reduced staffing in the Fall, Winter and Spring, access to the Quarry Exhibit Hall is by vehicle caravans at set times during the day. Visitors begin at the Quarry Visitor Center and drive their personal vehicle to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, following the ranger. Caravans depart the Quarry Visitor Center 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. and 4:00 p.m.

If you arrive after a group has departed, you may have to wait approximately 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. The last caravan to the quarry is at 4:00 p.m.

Each tour of the quarry lasts approximately 45 minutes. Visitors who wish to spend more time in the quarry must exit the Quarry Exhibit Hall until the ranger brings up the next group.

Occasionally, when staffing allows, a ranger is stationed in the Quarry Exhibit Hall so that visitors may drive up anytime during open hours instead of following the timed caravan schedule. This is usually weekends only and is often determined on a daily basis, so it is best to anticipate the timed caravans if visiting between mid October and early May.

 

Colorado Side of the Monument
Dinosaur fossils are not visible in this part of the monument

 

Canyon Visitor Center Two miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado
The visitor center features a staffed information desk, exhibits, sales area for the Intermountain Natural History Association, and monument film. The Canyon Visitor Center is only open from late Spring through early Fall. Phone: [phone]

Peak Season (Summer Hours)
Late May 2018 - October 13, 2018

Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (The Canyon Visitor Center closes for the season on October 13th and will reopen spring 2019)