Discover Vernal: Dinosaurs, Culture and Landscapes

Vernal combines unusual dinosaur experiences with regional history, seasonal events and a landscape ranging from fossil-rich desert badlands to high-elevation alpine trails. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for culture, nature, outdoor activities and shared discoveries.

Dinosaurs, Fossils and Wide-Open Landscapes

The Uintah Basin, also known as Dinoland, features trails through fossil-rich desert badlands as well as high-elevation alpine trails in Ashley National Forest. These contrasting landscapes give trip planning two clearly defined directions: You can focus on the region's geological character or include the higher-elevation trails.

The Dinosaurland Dino Hunt leads to dinosaur statues and sculptures distributed throughout Vernal. The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum also has an active fossil preparation lab. The Dinosaur Country Cruise cycling route is 48 miles long and begins at Vernal City Park. This gives you a choice between short discoveries around town and longer activities centered on a defined route.

Events with Their Own Distinctive Character

Every August, the Dinah SOAR Days return to Vernal. The program features live entertainment and hot-air balloon launches. During the Dinah SOAR Days, hot-air balloons launch every morning from Vernal Middle School, weather permitting. Anyone wishing to include this experience should take the event dates and its weather-dependent operation into account when planning their trip.

Other dates also shape the annual calendar. Holly Days is a community festival held in Vernal every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Vernal Excitement is a free community event showcasing local talent. From July through September, the Ashley Valley Farmers Market is also held every Saturday at 250 East Main Street in Vernal. Depending on when you travel, you can combine your stay with a market visit, a festival or a cultural program.

History in Vernal and the Surrounding Area

The McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs are located nearby. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are situated on private land kept open for public viewing by the McConkie family. This makes the site one of the places to visit for travelers interested in historical traces in the landscape.

The Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum is located in Uintah County's first tithing office, a stone building constructed in 1887. The museum displays historical artifacts from early settlers as well as the Fremont and Ute Indians. Seasonal opening hours run from June through August, Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This information helps you plan a museum visit to fit your travel dates and preferred daily schedule.

The Right Vacation Rental for Your Trip Planning

When searching for a vacation rental in Vernal, you can first consider which experiences should shape your stay. Events, the farmers market and the museum favor planning that incorporates the town and its cultural offerings. Those more interested in dinosaur statues, fossils, the 48-mile cycling route or the landscapes of the Uintah Basin can use these priorities when choosing their travel dates and daily activities.

When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these themes you actually want to experience and during which season the relevant offerings take place.

For the overarching travel overview: Uintah County.