Quarry Visitor Center
Explore over 1500 dinosaur bones embedded in rock at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, a unique paleontological wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Quarry Visitor Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 1500 dinosaur bones embedded in rock at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, a unique paleontological wonder.
"This is the coolest fossil museum I’ve ever been to. You literally look at a rock formation with the original fossil still embedded."
🚗 America the Beautiful Pass
Your pass covers the entry fee, making it a great value for park enthusiasts! :ticket:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking and hiking to explore the fossils and trails. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quarry Exhibit Hall
Near Quarry Visitor Center
Witness over 1500 dinosaur bones embedded in a massive rock wall. A truly unique paleontological experience!
Dinosaur National Monument Film
Quarry Visitor Center
Learn about the park's history and discoveries in this engaging 14-minute film, shown regularly.
Fossil Hunting Hikes
Surrounding trails
Explore trails to find fossils and ancient petroglyphs. A fun challenge for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Dinosaur Discovery
Accessing the Fossil Wall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 America the Beautiful Pass
Your pass covers the entry fee, making it a great value for park enthusiasts! :ticket:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking and hiking to explore the fossils and trails. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
While some say 2 hours is enough, allow more to truly explore and enjoy. :clock:
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for incredible fossil displays and scenic views. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 America the Beautiful Pass
Your pass covers the entry fee, making it a great value for park enthusiasts! :ticket:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking and hiking to explore the fossils and trails. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
While some say 2 hours is enough, allow more to truly explore and enjoy. :clock:
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for incredible fossil displays and scenic views. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Get Your Passport Stamp
A perfect spot for kids to get their National Parks Passport stamped. :passport_control:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Quarry Exhibit Hall for its incredible display of embedded dinosaur fossils, calling it one of the coolest fossil museums they've ever seen. The shuttle service, abundant wildlife, and scenic landscapes are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors note that while the main fossil wall is a highlight, the surrounding area offers further exploration opportunities.
"In July 2025, we visited the Quarry Visitor Center in Dinosaur National Monument, near Vernal, Utah. The Quarry Visitor Center is a beautiful building with clever displays and abundant natural lighting. They have a 14-minute Dinosaur National Monument movie that shows every 20 minutes throughout the day. There is a shuttle bus that transports patrons up to the Quarry Exhibit. Dinosaur National Monument is a memorable and exciting place to visit."
John Cutler
"Extensive variety of fossils, museum shuttle service, gift store, outdoor paths, abundant wildlife, camping options, and RV sites. Features a 71-mile loop that navigates through the canyon and connects back to the highway, offering numerous hiking trails. Wildlife includes wild horses, owls, deer, and jackrabbits."
Laney Glindmeyer
"You can take the tram to the Quarry exhibit center that the top.
This is where your kids can get a stamp on their National Parks Passport or do some creative drawing.
Very nice souvenir shop."
Xtine Trinidaddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Quarry Visitor Center is located near Vernal, Utah, about a 3.5-hour drive east of Salt Lake City. It's a key access point for Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaur National Monument spans both Utah and Colorado. The Quarry Visitor Center is on the Utah side, while the Canyon Visitor Center is in Colorado and is open seasonally.
While the Quarry Visitor Center is a hub, exploring the monument often involves driving. A 71-mile loop road navigates through the canyon, connecting back to the highway.
Yes, camping is available. The Split Mountain campground offers direct access to the Green River, and other options exist. Reservations are recommended. 
Pets are permitted, but there are restrictions on where they can go, so check park guidelines before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Dinosaur National Monument. However, an America the Beautiful Pass will grant you free entry.
The Quarry Visitor Center is open year-round, providing access to exhibits and information about the monument.
Absolutely! A shuttle bus transports visitors from the Quarry Visitor Center up to the Quarry Exhibit Hall to see the wall of dinosaur bones.
Yes, the Quarry Visitor Center is a great place for kids (and adults!) to get their National Parks Passport stamped.
While it can get busy, it's often described as less crowded than other major national parks, especially in the fall.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the Quarry Exhibit Hall, accessible via shuttle, which showcases over 1500 dinosaur fossils embedded in a rock wall.
The visitor center features clever displays and abundant natural lighting, along with a 14-minute film about the monument.
Yes, the area offers hiking trails where you can search for fossils and ancient petroglyphs. Some are challenging but rewarding.
Visitors have reported seeing abundant wildlife, including wild horses, owls, deer, and jackrabbits.
Yes, the fossil wall and surrounding trails are considered suitable for all ages, offering an engaging experience for everyone.
📸 📸 Photography
The Quarry Exhibit Hall with its embedded fossils is a prime spot. Also, the scenic landscapes and potential wildlife sightings offer great photo ops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall, but always be mindful of any posted signs or ranger instructions.
The trails around the visitor center and exhibit hall offer various vantage points of the fossil wall and the surrounding canyon landscapes.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic experience.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks and Monuments. Check the official Dinosaur National Monument website for current regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for opportunities to get a National Parks Passport stamp at the visitor center, a fun souvenir for kids.
🏞️ Nature & Adventure Seekers
Consider planning a river rafting or float trip on the Green River for an unforgettable perspective of the monument's canyons.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing the Past: The Quarry Exhibit Hall
The hall itself is designed to showcase the fossils without disturbing them, offering a unique perspective on paleontology. You can spend a significant amount of time marveling at the different species and imagining the prehistoric world they inhabited. It's a highlight that consistently receives rave reviews for its educational value and awe-inspiring display.
Beyond the main wall, the area around the exhibit hall offers opportunities for short hikes where you might spot more fossils or even ancient petroglyphs, adding another layer to your exploration of this historic site.
Planning Your Visit: Logistics and Tips
Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks, as it covers the entrance fee for Dinosaur National Monument.
Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll likely be doing some walking and exploring on the trails. For those interested in an extended stay, camping options are available, including the Split Mountain campground, which provides direct access to the Green River. It's advisable to research and book reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
+1Beyond the Fossils: Exploring the Monument
Numerous hiking trails are scattered throughout the monument, ranging in difficulty. These trails not only provide opportunities for exercise but also lead to hidden gems like ancient petroglyphs and more fossil discoveries.
The park is also known for its abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for wild horses, deer, jackrabbits, and various bird species, including owls.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit