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?
The small but convenient town of Vernal is the best place to stay near Dinosaur National Monument. Here, you’ll find beautiful hotels and appreciated facilities just a short drive from the fascinating monument.
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- Vernal – Optimal location
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Vernal, UT
There are no places to stay within Dinousar National Monument. But Vernal, 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) and 25 minutes by car to Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center, where you’ll find the famous dinosaur quarry packed with dinosaur fossils.
The tiny nearby towns of Jensen, Utah, and Dinosaur, Colorado, also offer great park access. However, the lodging options and amenities in those towns are extremely limited.
While Vernal by any means isn’t a large city, it has all the accommodations and restaurants you need for a comfy time in the desert. Choose from a mix of big hotel chains and smaller local hotels.
In addition to the main attraction, Dinosaur National Monument, you in Vernal can visit the educational Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum — a must if you’re interested in learning about dinosaurs.
- Distance: 16 mi / 26 km
- Driving time: ≈ 25 min
- Pick Vernal for: Best access.
Best hotels near Dinosaur National Monument
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
After a long day exploring dinosaurs, check in at SpringHill Suites to enjoy a modern room and top amenities, including an indoor pool and hot tub.
Dinosaur Inn
This location in downtown Vernal is extremely convenient, just steps from restaurants and Utah Field House of Natural History State Museum. As a bonus, classic Dinosaur Inn also provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool for its guests to use.
If you prefer something else than the big hotel chains, you have found your place to stay near Dinosaur National Monument.
You might wonder…
Vernal is the closest town that has a good selection of hotels near Dinosaur National Monument. The tiny towns of Jensen and Dinosaur are other options in the area, but they offer a very limited selection of lodging and other facilities.
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 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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Great suggestions! I’m planning a trip to Dinosaur National Monument soon, and your recommendations for nearby hotels are super helpful. I can’t wait to explore the area and see the dinosaur fossils in person!
Great list of options! I didn’t realize there were so many unique places to stay near Dinosaur National Monument. The tips on nearby towns and their accommodations are super helpful for planning my trip. Thanks for sharing!