Vernal is the closest full-service city to Dinosaur National Monument. Staying here means easy access to the monument's Utah entrance, restaurants and grocery stores nearby, and a comfortable hotel room to come back to after a long day outdoors.
Camping inside the monument is an option — but if you want a real bed, hot shower, and reliable Wi-Fi after a day of exploring, Vernal is your spot.
Dinosaur National Monument spans Utah and Colorado and offers far more than fossils alone. Most visitors wish they had planned at least two full days.
Pro tip: Arrive at the Quarry Exhibit Hall early — it gets busy by mid-morning in summer. Check the National Park Service website at nps.gov/dino for current hours and entry fees before you go.
Vernal packs a surprising amount into a small area. Don't miss these while you're in town:
Right in downtown Vernal — dinosaur exhibits and fossils, great for families.
Stunning red rock reservoir with actual dinosaur tracks on the shoreline.
Fishing, boating, and camping just north of Vernal.
Explore the Vernal backcountry on guided UTV tours — a local favorite.
Summer fills up fast — lock in your dates now.
The hotel is located in Vernal, Utah — approximately 20 minutes from the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center at the monument's Utah entrance.
Yes. Vernal is the primary gateway city and the closest full-service town to the monument's Utah entrance.
Hours vary by season. Check the official National Park Service website at nps.gov/dino for current hours before your visit.
Yes. Check nps.gov/dino for current pricing. America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted.
Spring and fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest season but all facilities are open. Winter access can be limited in some areas.
Yes. The Quarry Exhibit Hall contains over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in the original rock face — one of the most remarkable fossil sites in the world.
Yes. The monument has trails ranging from short easy walks to longer backcountry routes. Check nps.gov/dino for current trail conditions and maps.
Yes. We are a pet friendly hotel. Contact us when booking to let us know you'll be traveling with a pet.
Cell service is limited inside the monument and in canyon areas. Download offline maps before you head out from Vernal.
Water, sunscreen, snacks, layers, and comfortable walking shoes. A hat is strongly recommended in summer. Bring more water than you think you'll need.