Dinosaur National Monument Fossil Discovery Trail
The Fossil Discovery Trail puts you face-to-face with over 1,500 dinosaur bones from 11 different species — Allosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus among them. These fossils remain embedded in the tilted Morrison Formation cliff face exactly where they were buried 149 million years ago. The 1.2-mile paved interpretive trail includes hands-on exhibits and viewing shelters protecting the most significant fossil exposures.
Access requires National Park entry ($25 per vehicle, 7 days). The trail starts at the Fossil Discovery Center, 3 miles east of the Utah-Colorado border via Harpers Corner Road. The facility operates seasonally (typically April-October), so verify hours before visiting. Summer heat can be intense on the exposed cliff face — early morning visits are most comfortable.
1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in ancient cliff
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Fossil Discovery Trail, Utah 84035 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 4800 ft |
| Nearest town | Dinosaur, Colorado |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $25.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Shade, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
