In the northwest corner of the state (and extending across the border into Utah), Dinosaur National Monument is one of the richest collections of dinosaur history in the world. More than 20 full skeletons of 11 different species of dinosaurs have been unearthed in the park.
Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center (near Jenson, Utah) contained brachiosaurus and brontosaurus skeletons as well as the petrified bones of crocodiles and turtles. However, the center closed because of structural hazards and will remain so for the forseable future. The Web site http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/dino/overview.html offers a virtual tour of the Center's exhibitions. There are two self-guided driving tours in the park.
Near the Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center is the Tour of the Tilted Rocks, a 17-mi/27-km round-trip drive. Along the way are prehistoric petroglyph sites, a nature trail and the historic Morris Homestead. Near the Monument Headquarters Visitor Center (near Dinosaur, Colorado) is "Journey Through Time," a 62-mi/100-km self-guided, round-trip auto tour that concludes with a 1-mi/1.6-km nature walk. The walk offers views of the Yampa and Green rivers 2,000 ft/610 m below. 200 mi/320 km northwest of Denver.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.