Getting the Lowdown on Vernal
By Julie Trevelyan
Wagon Wheel hike on the Yampa River
Vernal, Utah, is the place to be for river rafting vacations, dinosaur viewing, and overall fun outdoor recreation. Two Holiday Expeditions trips launch out of Vernal: our Yampa River trip and our Lodore Canyon trip. Come play in our Utah whitewater, then check out how big the T-Rex really was. (Hint: its teeth alone were six inches long. Yikes!)
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum (better known as the Dinosaur Museum)
Why you want to visit: their Dinosaur Garden, of course. They have full-size replicas of dinosaurs. Trust us—very big creatures. (435) 789-3799
Long ago, those mighty dinosaurs wandered around Utah. Okay, it wasn’t called Utah back then, but they were definitely here, and they left plenty of remnants to look at in the form of their fossils and tracks. Bonus: the Quarry Exhibit Hall over the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry has reopened after five years of being closed. (435) 781-7700
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Ancient Fremont Indian petroglyphs, hiking trails, swimming, houseboating, and record trout possibly available for fishing are all draws at this very popular area. You can camp or stay at area motels. With 300 miles of shoreline, you’ll probably find just the right spot to play or relax. (435) 784-3445
Jones Hole Creek
KJ fishing at Jones Hole
Fancy some fishing? If so, Jones Hole is the place to be. Get your fishing license from the state agency then cast your line. Aahh… What a great way to end your Utah river rafting trip. (435) 781-7700
Written by Julie Trevelyan.
Julie is a freelance writer and wilderness guide in southern Utah. She especially enjoys books, coffee, yoga, wild country, horses, and dark chocolate.
See more of her work at www.wildgirlwriting.com
Tags: Dinoland, Dinosaur National Monument, Dinosaurs, Flaming Gorge, Fly Fishing, Jone's Hole, Museums, Northeastern Utah, Recreation