Vernal Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah, Vernal is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural wonders, rich history, and outdoor adventures. Known as the "Gateway to Dinosaur National Monument," this charming city is a haven for paleontologists, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

One of the main attractions in Vernal is the Dinosaur National Monument, a vast area that spans across Utah and Colorado. This prehistoric treasure trove houses an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including the iconic Wall of Bones. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved remains of these ancient giants and even witness ongoing excavations. The Quarry Visitor Center provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of dinosaurs through interactive exhibits and informative displays.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, Vernal offers breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, located just a short drive away, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and towering red cliffs, it is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, kayaking, and even scuba diving. Hiking and camping opportunities abound in the Ashley National Forest, where scenic trails lead to hidden lakes, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas.

Vernal is not only about dinosaurs and outdoor activities; it also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The Uintah County Heritage Museum showcases the history and heritage of the region, with exhibits ranging from pioneer artifacts to Native American artifacts. The Western Heritage Museum and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum provide further insights into the area's past.

After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind and indulge in the local cuisine. Vernal offers a range of dining options, from charming cafes to family-owned restaurants serving up mouthwatering Western fare. For a taste of the Old West, head to one of the authentic cowboy cookouts, where you can savor hearty meals and experience cowboy entertainment under the starry sky.

Alternative names: Settled: 1876Population: 11.2 thous.Area: 4.62 mi²Elevation: 5351 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°27'18"N, 109°32'13"W

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UtahUnited States

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Vernal Top Attractions

Vernal Attractions - What to See and Explore

Vernal offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Vernal Utah Temple, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Uintah County Heritage Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Natural history museum
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum is a museum in Vernal, Utah, United States.
Temple • Vernacular architecture
Vernal Utah Temple
The Vernal Utah Temple is the fifty-first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Vernal it is the tenth LDS temple built in the state of Utah.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Lodge are a pair of historic church buildings at 226 W. Main Street in Vernal, Utah. Built in 1901, the church is the second oldest religious structure still standing in the Uintah Basin. St.

40°27'21"N • 109°31'34"W
Uintah County Heritage Museum
History museum • Museum
Greek Revival architecture
Vernal Tithing Office
The Vernal Tithing Office is a historic building in Vernal, Utah. It was built in 1887 by Harley Mowery as a tithing building for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a gable-front building with some elements of Greek Revival architectural style.
40°27'28"N • 109°31'41"W
Manfred and Ethel Martin House
The Manfred and Ethel Martin House, at 163 N. Vernal Ave. in Vernal, Utah, was built in 1912. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is a vernacular Shingle Style house. It was deemed "significant as an early health care facility in Vernal.

Day trips

Vernal – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Vernal, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Quarry Visitor Center (Dinosaur National Monument), Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Flaming Gorge Dam (Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area).

12 milesE
Museum
Quarry Visitor Center, Dinosaur National Monument
Quarry Visitor Center, in Dinosaur National Monument in Utah was built as part of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program of modern architectural design in the US national parks. This visitor center exemplifies the philosophy of locating visitor facilities immediately at the resource being interpreted.
39 milesNE
National park
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is a 13,450-acre U.S. National Wildlife Refuge located in northwestern Colorado. It is located in Moffat County in the extreme northwestern corner of the state, in an isolated mountain valley of Browns Park on both sides of the Green River, approximately 25 miles below Flaming Gorge Dam.
32 milesN
Dam, Vernacular architecture
Flaming Gorge Dam, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge Dam is a concrete thin-arch dam on the Green River, a major tributary of the Colorado River, in northern Utah in the United States.
38 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon
Gates of Lodore, Dinosaur National Monument
The Gates of Lodore is the scenic entrance to the Canyon of Lodore, a canyon on the Green River in northwestern Colorado, United States. The name Gates of Lodore has become synonymous with the canyon itself and the two names are used interchangeably.
10 milesNE
National park
Red Fleet State Park
One of the park's main attractions is the dinosaur trackway, where visitors can see over 200 dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. This unique and fascinating site provides a glimpse into the prehistoric world and offers an educational experience for both...