Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Utah and Colorado border. In a distant time dinosaurs used to roam the area, and the monument is one of the most unique American places to visit. But where to stay near Dinosaur National Monument for the best experience?
Vernal is the best place to stay near Dinosaur National Monument. The Dinosaur National Monument hotels in the Utah town are located just a short drive from the fascinating monument.
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Table of contents
- Vernal – Optimal quarry location
- Recommended hotels
Vernal, UT – The best place to stay near Dinosaur National Monument
There are no places to stay within Dinousar National Monument. But Vernal in Utah offers Dinosaur National Monument lodging just a short drive from the dinosaur experience.
Vernal is conveniently located to the west of Dinosaur National Monument. From Vernal it’s only 16 miles (26 km) to Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center within the park. That’s where you find the dinosaur quarry packed with dinosaur fossils.
So from the hotels near Dinosaur National Monument in Vernal you easily get to the dinosaur experience. Compared to visitors who stay further away from the park, you get a head start if you make Vernal your base.
The tiny towns Jensen in Utah and Dinosaur in Colorado also offer good park access. But the Dinosaur Monument lodging options in those towns are very limited.
Vernal is not by any means a large city, but it has all the Dinosaur National Monument hotels and restaurants that you need for a comfortable time in the Utah and Colorado desert. In the city you find a mix of both big hotel chains and smaller local Dinosaur hotels.
In addition to the area’s Dinosaur National Monument you in Vernal also find Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. The museum is very educational and a must if you’re interested in dinosaurs.
To sum up, the town Vernal is the best place to stay near Dinosaur National Monument. In the well serviced gateway town you find Dinosaur National Monument lodging and everything else that you might need just a short drive from the dinosaur adventure.
- Distance: 16 mi / 26 km
- Driving time: ≈ 25 min
- Pick Vernal for: Closest Dinosaur National Monument lodging.
Favorite location. Vernal is the ultimate option for where to stay at Dinosaur National Monument. In a remote US region the town offers both convenient Dinosaur lodging and everything else that you need for a comfy time.
Recommended hotels near Dinosaur National Monument
Springhill Suites by Marriott
Springhill Suites by Marriott in Vernal ticks every box for a pleasant stay near Dinosaur National Monument. Within 30 minutes, you get from the Dinosaur lodging to the park. The Utah hotel also has modern rooms and great amenities, including indoor pool and hot tub, securing its position as one of the best places to stay near Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaur Inn
Dinosaur Inn is a classic place to stay when visiting Dinosaur National Monument. Its location in Downtown Vernal is extremely convenient, just steps from restaurants and Utah Field House of Natural History State Museum. As a bonus, Dinosaur Inn also provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool for its guests to use. If you prefer something else than the big hotel chains, the inn near Dinosaur National Monument is an excellent choice.
Where to stay near Dinosaur National Monument FAQ
Here you find the answers to some frequently asked questions about where to stay near Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado/Utah.
Vernal is the closest town that has a good selection of hotels near Dinosaur National Monument. The tiny towns Jensen and Dinosaur are other options in the area, but they offer a very limited selection of Dinosaur Monument lodging.
Vernal and the tiny Jensen are the towns nearest Dinosaur National Monument on the Utah side of the park. Further east on the Colorado side the also tiny Dinosaur is the town closest to Dinosaur National Monument.
There are no hotels or other accommodation options within Dinosaur National Monument. However, the gateway town Vernal provides Dinosaur National Monument lodging just a short drive from the park.
In just a few hours you can explore the famous dinosaur fossils at Quarry Exhibit Hall. But Dinosaur National Monument covers a vast area with much more to explore. Make sure that you add time for hiking, exploring petroglyph sites and other park activities.
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