Vernal is located in northeastern Utah on Hwy 40 near the Wyoming and Colorado borders Though the first explorers came through the area around 1776, no real settlement took place until 1876 when Pardon Dodds and his family arrived and built a log cabin in Ashley Valley. If you like dinosaurs, this is dinosaur country with Fossil Bone Quarry and various exhibits. Best Western Vernal Utah.
Things to do in Vernal
Dinosaur National Monument
The largest quarry of Jurassic Period dinosaur bones ever discovered is the source of the 200,000-acre Dinosaur National Monument's name. 350 million tons of fossils, including full skeletons and remains of some dinosaur species have been excavated here. Today a year-round visitor center is built over the quarry to protect the 2,000 dinosaur bones left exposed in the sandstone wall. Call (970) 374-3000 for more information.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Found in the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge Lake stretches for 90 miles. The lake is famous for its trophy trout fishing and for the beautiful red rock mountains rising around it. Below the Flaming Gorge Dam, the Green River is known for trout fishing and rafting. Area passes are required. Call 435-789-1181 for more information.
Red Canyon Overlook
Visit steep cliffs that are 1,350 feet high and offer a spectacular view of the lake. The visitor center is open daily during the summer from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Call 435-889-3713 for more information.
Steinaker and Red Fleet State Parks
Both parks are noted for great boating and water skiing. Steinaker is located 7 miles north of Vernal and Red Fleet is located 13 miles north of Vernal. Call 435-789-4432. for more information.
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park and Museum
View fifteen life-size replicas of pre-historic creatures that line the path of the dinosaur garden. The indoor museum has a large assortment of specimens in anthropology, natural history, geology and paleontology. The collection also features relics of prehistoric and recent Indian residents of the region. Call 435-789-3799 for more information.
235 Main Street, Vernal, UT
Western Heritage Museum
View turn of the century displays including a blacksmith shop, drug store, barbershop, country store, and machinery shop. A historic Indian collection, gift shop and art exhibits can also be found here. Call 435-789-7399 for more information.
300 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT