Last-Minute Spring Trip to Vernal, Utah
Looking for a last-minute spring getaway that’s packed with adventure, history, and stunning landscapes? Vernal, Utah, is the perfect destination. This small town, known as “Dinosaur Land,” sits near Dinosaur National Monument and is home to incredible petroglyphs, hiking trails, and fossil sites—making it a must-visit for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
With 2 to 3 days, you can explore museums, hike among dinosaur tracks, fish in a red rock landscape, and discover ancient rock art.
Red Fleet Trackway Trail
Getting There
Vernal is approximately 173 miles east of Salt Lake City, about a 3-hour drive. Here’s the best route:
• Take I-15 S toward Las Vegas/Cheyenne.
• Merge onto I-80 E (Exit 304) toward Cheyenne.
• Take US-40 E (Exit 146) toward Heber/Vernal.
• Stay on US-40/US-191 until you reach Vernal.
Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs
Best Time to Visit
My family visited in April, and the weather was perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Spring offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal exploring season. However, summer and fall are also great times to visit, with warm weather and longer daylight hours.
Red Fleet Trackway
Where to Stay
If you’re visiting in spring or fall, I recommend staying in a local hotel for comfort and convenience. We had a great experience at the Holiday Inn Express, but there are several options in town with good reviews.
For those visiting in summer, camping at Red Fleet State Park or Dinosaur National Monument is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty.
9 Must-Do Activities in Vernal
1. Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway
Hike a well-marked, 3-mile round-trip trail leading to real dinosaur tracks preserved in the sandstone. This is one of my favorite family-friendly hikes, perfect for kids who love dinosaurs!
2. Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
This 22,000-square-foot museum is a must-visit for dinosaur lovers. It features life-sized dinosaur replicas, interactive exhibits, and fossils that bring Utah’s prehistoric past to life.
3. Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Exhibit Hall
Stand in awe of a wall filled with 1,500 dinosaur bones, and even touch real fossils embedded in the rock. This is one of the most exciting stops in Vernal!
4. Tour of the Tilted Rocks
A 10-mile self-guided driving tour inside Dinosaur National Monument, featuring petroglyphs, stunning geology, and historic sites, including Josie Morris’s homestead cabin.
5. McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs
This world-famous rock art site, located on private property just outside Vernal, showcases incredible petroglyphs created by the Fremont people. The short but steep hike is well worth it!
6. Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs
A quick stop near the Dinosaur Quarry, this site features ancient petroglyphs just a short walk from the road.
7. Red Fleet State Park Reservoir
Bring your fishing gear, paddleboard, or kayak and enjoy the scenic lake surrounded by striking red sandstone formations.
8. Moonshine Arch Trail
A short but scenic hike leads to Moonshine Arch, a stunning natural sandstone arch. Best visited in spring or fall to avoid the summer heat.
9. Fantasy Canyon
Located 45 minutes outside Vernal, this otherworldly landscape features delicate and bizarre rock formations. No climbing is allowed, as these formations are extremely fragile!
Final Thoughts
Vernal is a perfect last-minute spring break trip filled with adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re hiking among dinosaur tracks, discovering ancient rock art, or exploring Dinosaur National Monument, there’s something here for everyone. Pack your bags and head east—your prehistoric adventure awaits!