Dinosaur Quarry and Visitor Center

Dinosaur Quarry and Visitor Center Review

The monument's astoundingly large collection of fossils was discovered by Earl Douglass in 1909, when he stumbled upon eight enormous dinosaur tailbones exposed on a sandstone ridge. Although most of the park's acreage is in Colorado, its prime attraction is on the Utah side: the Dinosaur Quarry and Visitor Center. Unfortunately, the main visitor center has been closed since 2006, due to structural problems plaguing the building, but it is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2011. Until then, don't despair; a temporary visitor center has a small display of dinosaur fossils, and more are on view a short hike away. Take advantage of the free shuttle offered from the temporary center to the old, closed building. From there an easy ¾ mi trek will lead you back to your starting point—and you'll discover fossils and petroglyphs along the way. Be sure pick up a brochure before you set out, so that you know what you're looking for. Other ways to get your dino fix include taking a river trip or scenic drive through the park.