Vernal, UT is definitely Dinosaur Country. The proof is all over town.
The reason is nearby Dinosaur National Monument, which contains a huge dinosaur quarry which has been protected. This femur bone from a Diplodocus, one of the few removed from the quarry, is over 6-ft high.
The whole dinosaur was probably 115-ft long.
When I was here years ago, the Visitor's Center, shown here at the top of the photo, showed an incredible wall of half-unearthed bones. Unfortunately, it has been closed due to extreme foundation movement, and is slated for demolition. In a year or two, the wall will again be visible.
In the meantime, you can walk to a ranger-led exhibit where you can see various bones in the side of a hill, such as this leg bone.
Also nearby are these petroglyphs that look like aliens from outer space.
And about a half-mile away are these unusual petroglyphs/pictographs that were both pecked and painted. All the petroglyphs in the area are about a thousand years old.
After Vernal, I headed up to Grand Teton National Park. I've been here before, but never felt that I fully experienced the park. Before I even got to Gros Ventre campground on the southern end of the park, I saw this large herd of buffalo right by the road. Wow!
That was easy! I can't wait to see what else I can find.
Vernal, UT is definitely Dinosaur Country. The proof is all over town.
The reason is nearby Dinosaur National Monument, which contains a huge dinosaur quarry which has been protected. This femur bone from a Diplodocus, one of the few removed from the quarry, is over 6-ft high. 
The whole dinosaur was probably 115-ft long.
When I was here years ago, the Visitor's Center, shown here at the top of the photo, showed an incredible wall of half-unearthed bones. Unfortunately, it has been closed due to extreme foundation movement, and is slated for demolition. In a year or two, the wall will again be visible.
In the meantime, you can walk to a ranger-led exhibit where you can see various bones in the side of a hill, such as this leg bone.
Also nearby are these petroglyphs that look like aliens from outer space. 
And about a half-mile away are these unusual petroglyphs/pictographs that were both pecked and painted. All the petroglyphs in the area are about a thousand years old.
After Vernal, I headed up to Grand Teton National Park. I've been here before, but never felt that I fully experienced the park. Before I even got to Gros Ventre campground on the southern end of the park, I saw this large herd of buffalo right by the road. Wow!
That was easy! I can't wait to see what else I can find.
You could find a Win there. Stacy Reed is working at the employee cafeteria at the Grand Tetons. Say Hi from us if you see her.
ReplyDeleteLoved Gros Ventre Campground, I remember having it almost to ourselves in July (of 2002) and deer walking right through our site.
ReplyDeleteCOWBOY ALERT! One day when we left Gros Ventre Campground, we ended up in the middle of a cattle drive on the local road. I believe it was a Sunday am. Keep your eyes open for those cowboys!
ReplyDeleteBummer about the visitor center - I was amazed by that wall. I hope it's not in danger.
ReplyDeleteWow! You're really moving!
ReplyDeleteI love the Tetons.
ReplyDeleteBeen there, loved it. Great pictures. We saw lot of Bison too.
ReplyDelete