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VERNAL — If you are looking for a close-to-home getaway for fall break, there are several hidden gems near the world-famous Dinosaurland near Vernal that you may not be aware of.
Most people who visit the Dinosaur National Monument have seen the Wall of Bones or have gone to the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. However, there are a variety of other family-friendly destinations and activities in the area.
Here are five of Dinosaurland’s best kept secrets.
McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs
If you want to get an up-close look at some Native American petroglyphs, locals recommend visiting the McConkie Ranch. The trail leads to a large number of world-renowned rock art that is grouped together located along a 200-foot-high sandstone cliff. The petroglyphs are surprisingly clear and vibrant.
The rock art is found along the trail, and the trail also leads to some nice overlooks. It is accessible year-round. The ranch is privately owned, but is open to the public.
The McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs are located about 10 miles north of Vernal in Dry Fork Canyon. From Vernal’s Main Street, travel north on 500 West (Highway 121) and follow Highway 121 to Maeser. Turn right (north) on 3500 West and then follow the road into Dry Fork Canyon.
Sheep Creek Geological Loop
Fall is the perfect time of year to visit this area for a family drive to see all the beautiful fall colors. This well-maintained gravel road follows along Sheep Creek west of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and continues along the visually dramatic Uinta Fault.
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10 Utah destinations for dinosaur lovers
Utah is one of the best places in the U.S. to find, see and learn about dinosaurs. The state is home to a number of good, family-friendly natural history museums filled with fossils from dinosaurs large and small. Many of the dinosaurs on display were found in the state of Utah.“You can tour earth's history from your vehicle,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture website. “You will pass 20 interpretive signs indicating rock formations and fossils they contain. Rocks date Precambrian to Cretaceous in age, representing millions of years of time and transformation.”
The loop also passes several scenic overlooks, nature trails and visitor centers along the drive. Overlooks, scenic pullouts, visitor centers and nature trails abound along the way. You can begin the drive in Manila City at the U.S. Forest Service Office & Manila Orientation Center on state Road 44, which later connects with the Uinta National Scenic Byway (Highway 44.)
Fantasy Canyon
Located about 27 miles south of Vernal, Fantasy Canyon is a little difficult to get to, but worth the trip. Dubbed the “Devil’s Playground,” the cool geologic features twist into crazy and unusual rock shapes. The canyon is quite small, at just a few acres, but visitors can hike along the unique formations on a short .6-mile loop. Not many know about this unique spot.
John Jarvie Historic Ranch
The ranch is a great place to visit for some late-1800's American Western history. John Jarvie, known as "the sage of the Uintahs,” moved from Scotland to the banks of the Green River in 1880, near the modern-day town of Vernal. Jarvie established a successful ranch with his wife Nellie; the two lived initially in a stone house dugout of the side of a hill and later owned and operated a general store.
Visitors can walk through the ranch during an interactive tour through the general store, a dugout, the stone house, the blacksmith shop, the waterwheel and a cemetery, according to the Bureau of Land Management website.
The ranch will be open for Jarvie Fest 2016 on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Click here for a map to the ranch.
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
If you want the chance to view a lot of wildlife in their element, this is the place to visit. The Ouray National Wildlife Refuge was established as a sanctuary for migratory birds in May 1960 and is home to more than 350 fish and wildlife species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. The Green River provides cover and food for many wildlife species including, porcupines, Canada geese, grebes, owls, rabbits, prairie dogs, cranes, muskrats, mule deer and more. The refuge is a natural zoo adventure.
Visitors can drive or walk along the Green River to view many of the animals; however, a portion of the Auto Tour Road is currently closed, due to erosion.
