Vernal

Say "Vernal" to most Utahns and the word that most often comes to mind is "dinosaurs." Vernal is close to Dinosaur National Monument and downtown Vernal offers the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. Not into dinosaurs? No worries. You'll find plenty of territory to hike, bike, and raft all summer long. Vernal is a gateway to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Stretching 90 miles, the reservoir is famous for water sports, trout fishing, and spectacular scenery. Boaters and water skiers shouldn't miss Steinaker State Park, Red Fleet State Park and anglers will want to hit the "Blue Ribbon" Green River, a world-renowned fly-fishing destination. Winter offers miles of some of Utah's best snowmobile terrain. This area is also the southern and eastern gateway to the High Uintas Wilderness Area. To learn more about Vernal, read "Vernal Equinox" below or visit Utah's Dinosaurland.

Family Fun Adventures

Become a Junior Scientist or a Peewee Paleo in the heart of Dinosaurland at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. Children ages eight to 12 can explore the museum, labeling bones and completing hands-on activities. Children ages seven and under can follow a scavenger hunt out into the garden, where 14 life-sized prehistoric models (including a T-Rex and a woolly mammoth) are displayed, (435) 789-3799.

For more detailed information on attractions, accommodations and dining, visit Uintah Country Travel & Tourism www.dinoland.com

Dinosaurland Top 5

by Visit Utah

Vernal, Utah, is an adventure base camp to the best of eastern Utah. Uintah County around Vernal — called Dinosaurland — is home to diverse outdoor recreation and natural history at three state parks, Dinosaur National Monument and countless trailheads to the Ashley National Forest.

Vernal Equinox: A New Season in Vernal, Utah

by Andrew Dash Gillman

It's time to discover Vernal, Utah, a growing adventure outpost in eastern Utah where dinosaurs, ancient rock art, scenic drives, cool reservoirs and world-class fly-fishing come together.