VERNAL, Utah — In (pre)historic Vernal, Utah, just three hours east of Salt Lake City, visitors walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, hike, bike, and raft amidst geological wonders, and gaze into the unknown under a starry Dark Sky. Adventure awaits for guests seeking day trips, long weekends, and extended stays this summer.

“There is so much to discover in Vernal’s rugged landscape steeped in rich history,” said Uintah County Tourism & Events Director Lesha Coltharp. “We are proud to share our beloved destination with outdoor lovers, stargazers, paranomal aficionados, geology enthusiasts, and anyone in search of their next adventure.”

Featured summer must-sees, must-dos, and upcoming events near Vernal include:

Signature Sites

Dinosaur National Monument

Discover fragments of a long-ago world where the largest land creatures of all time once roamed and died. Experience the “Wall of Bones” fossil quarry, the only place in the world where visitors can view over 1,500 bones all located in one mountain side.

International Dark Sky Park

Astrophiles flock to Steinaker State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park located just seven miles north of Vernal. This premier stargazing destination is also an outdoor playground for camping, boating, fishing, and more.

Red Fleet State Park

Newly opened after a multi-million dollar renovation, Red Flled sets under the large red sandstond cliffs that make it known as Little Lake Powell. Guests will enjoy camping, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, cliff jumping, and mountain biking. Hiking under 200 million year old dinosaur tracks is just an added bonus.

Skinwalker Ranch

Recognized as the most scientifically studied paranormal hotspot on the planet, Skinwalker Ranch is a 512-acre secure site that has been monitored for decades with armed security and 24-hour surveillance. Located 35 minutes from Vernal and not open to the public, this remote location was involved with a Pentagon-funded black budget project studying UFO activity and is known for studying other intelligences and possible interdimensional phenomena.

UFO Valley Campground

This homestead features elevated views of what some consider to be the most paranormally-active spot in the country, if not the world. The property includes a 10-site campground and trail system permitting limited access atop ‘the mesa,’ which legend says was cursed by the Navajo tribe and has since seen countless strange encounters and unexplained anomalies.

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking

Dinoland Trails curates individual trail experiences across Vernal’s expansive landscape. With hundreds of miles of trails winding through breathtaking scenery, paths of all lengths and difficulty levels cater to beginners, families, and experienced hikers year-round.

Biking

Thrill-seekers and casual riders can find their bliss on a mountain bike trail. Enjoy everything from challenging terrains to leisurely single-track trail, including 35 miles of intermediate riding at McCoy Flats.

Rafting

Forty-four miles of the Green River and 71 miles of the Yampa River meander through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument, offering Class I to Class III rapids and an opportunity to explore the area’s rich geological history and formations.

Off-Roading

Jeep, ATV, and OHV tours and excursions abound for exploring Vernal’s diverse, rugged landscapes from breathtaking desert expanses to lush, forested trails.

Upcoming Events: Save the Date

June 5 – 7: Vernal Rock Rally

June 14: Dirty Dino Gravel Race

July 4: Freedom Fest

Aug. 22 – 24: Dinah SOAR Days

Sept. 3 – 6: PhenomeCon

For an up-close-and-personal look into the Vernal experience, the Small Town Comeback YouTube docuseries reveals the local personality and driven entrepreneurial spirit of the Dinosaurland community.

Planning the perfect visit to Vernal, UT, from where to eat, sleep, and explore, begins at dinoland.com.

For more information about Utah’s Dinosaurland, visit dinoland.com or contact Christa Graff, of Graff Public Relations, at christa@graffpr.com or 435-640-7921.

About Dinosaurland

Utah’s “Dinosaurland” is an exciting destination for outdoor recreation and taking a step back into prehistory. Visitors can enjoy a variety of museums and historical sites, outdoor activities, exploring, and relaxation in rugged nature. Vernal and the rest of Uintah County, Utah, has always been a land of adventure, for millions of years. For more information, visit dinoland.com.