Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge
From dinosaur country in Vernal, up US-191 through the Uinta Mountains to the red canyons of Flaming Gorge and on into Wyoming.
- Distance
- 202 km (125 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 14 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- States
- UT, WY
- Updated
- May 30, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 202 km (125 mi) with 7 stops, from Vernal to Green River. About 2 h 14 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Utah, Wyoming
Route description
Vernal, in Utah’s Uinta Basin, is dinosaur country, with a natural history museum in town. Drive east to Dinosaur National Monument, where the Quarry Exhibit Hall shows a wall of about 1,500 bones still in the rock.
Back in Vernal, US-191 climbs north in switchbacks, with roadside signs dating the rock layers as you pass through them. At the top, forest and meadows lead to Flaming Gorge Dam, which holds back the Green River in a deep red canyon.
West of the dam, UT-44 passes Red Canyon Overlook, where the reservoir lies far below the rim, and the Sheep Creek geological loop, with folded rock and bighorn sheep. There are many campgrounds in the national recreation area; the Sheep Creek loop is not suitable for large RVs.
From Manila, WY-530 runs north along the west shore through open sagebrush to Green River, Wyoming, where John Wesley Powell launched his 1869 expedition down the river. Summer is the season; the high roads can see snow from October.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Vernal
UT - 223 km
Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall
HistoryJensen, UTA glass hall built over a rock wall holding about 1,500 dinosaur bones, still in place. In busy months a shuttle runs from the visitor center.
- 364 km
Flaming Gorge Dam
ViewsDutch John, UTA 500-foot concrete dam in a red-walled gorge of the Green River. Walk across the top; the river below is famous for trout.
- 414 km
Red Canyon Overlook
ViewsDutch John, UTPine-fringed viewpoints about 1,700 feet above the green water of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, next to a small visitor center. The rim trail is easy and fenced in places.
- 514 km
Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area
NatureManila, UTA loop road through tilted, twisted rock layers along a creek, with bighorn sheep on the slopes. Not suitable for large RVs.
- 69 km
Manila
UT - 777 km
Green River
WY
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Vernal → Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall · 14 mi · 0 h 15 minOvernight nearby, for example: Split Mountain Campground (3 mi); Green River Campground (3 mi).
- Day 2: Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall → Red Canyon Overlook · 49 mi · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Flaming Gorge Dam.Overnight nearby, for example: Dutch John Resort (9 mi); Deer Run Campground (6 mi).
- Day 3: Red Canyon Overlook → Manila · 14 mi · 0 h 15 minOn the way: Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area.Overnight nearby, for example: Dutch John Resort (17 mi); Deer Run Campground (16 mi).
- Day 4: Manila → Green River · 48 mi · 0 h 51 minOvernight nearby, for example: Koa Rock Springs (9 mi); KOA Rock Springs WY (9 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge?
4-day road trip of about 202 km (125 mi) with 7 stops, from Vernal to Green River. About 2 h 14 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 14 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge start and end?
It starts in Vernal and ends in Green River.
Which states does Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge pass through?
Utah and Wyoming.
Where can you camp along Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge?
OpenStreetMap lists 64 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Dutch John Resort, Deer Run Campground and Cedar Springs Campground.
When is the best time for Dinosaurs and Flaming Gorge?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
