Location: Vernal
Top Things to do in Vernal
Countries
The 7 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Vernal, Utah (UT)
Vernal, the county seat and largest city in Uintah County is in northeastern Utah, United States, about 175 miles (280 km) east of Salt Lake City and 20 miles (32 km) west of the Colorado border. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,089. The population has since grown to 10,844 as of the 2014 population estimate.
Restaurants in Vernal
1. OARS Dinosaur
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Join OARS Dinosaur (formerly Don Hatch River Expeditions) for a 1- to 5-day whitewater rafting adventure. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of whitewater rafting on the Yampa River or Green River in Dinosaur National Monument - some of the best river rafting in the West – or on the Green River through Flaming Gorge.
2. Holiday River Expeditions - Utah River Rafting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 118 reviews
Holiday River Expeditions offers several Utah River Rafting vacations. The Green River rafting trip is a 5 or 6 day trip that features exciting whitewater rapids for all ages. This trip usually includes some hiking to explore ancient Indian ruins and petroglyphs. The San Juan River rafting trip is a 3-day adventure down the exquisite San Juan River where you’ll experience the phenomenon of "sand waves". The Yampa River is the last undammed river in the Colorado River system and this is a 4 or 5 day trip for the intermediate river rafting enthusiast. The Desolation Canyon river rafting vacation is rated "easy" and is available for children as young as five years old. This is a 5 or 6 day river rafting trip through Canyonlands National Park where the scenery is always breathtaking. Adventure seekers will enjoy an abundance of wildlife sightings such as elk, moose and black bear and some great trout fishing. Transportation to and from the river is included in the cost, as well as delicious campfire meals prepared fresh each day.
3. Dinosaur River Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 225 reviews
Dinosaur River Expeditions has been a leader in white water rafting trips since 1979. We are proud to be the only locally owned and operated outfitter in Vernal, Utah. We offer RIVER RAFTING adventures on premier COLORADO RIVERS and UTAH RIVERS.The trips we offer are on the GREEN RIVER through the Gates of Lodore Canyon and the YAMPA RIVER. The one day river rafting trip is in the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area. Our WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING trips are all inclusive, we provide the necessary safety gear, guides, transportation do all of the cooking and give you an all around excellent trip. If you are looking for an incredible raft trip in Dinosaur National Monument we are your outfitter.
4. Red Fleet State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Hike to 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, boat and fish on Red Fleet Reservoir, and camp or picnic in a campground overlooking a sandstone and desert landscape. In the heart of Dinosaurland, Red Fleet is a destination in itself and great location for discovery of the area.
Reviewed By ThisFamilyTravels - Oro Valley, United States
Our family LOVED our visit to Red Fleet State Park - Dinosaur Trackway. We were in a large motorhome and found plenty of parking at the trailhead. Hike was moderate - lots of boulders, with slot canyons. Really nice hike for our kids (aged 7-18). The BEST part was the dinosaur fossils at the end (follow the painted fossils on the hike to avoid getting lost). Never knew a place like this existed - where we could actually find fossils "in nature." Best part was our swim at the end of the hike - cliff jumping (60' per a boater) and sunning on the rocks. Bring life vests for small children. No restrooms, so go before you trek. Would absolutely recommend this - highlight of any hike we've been on. SO COOL.
5. McConkie Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By brittni105 - Layton, United States
We did both hikes with a baby in a carrier. The main trail was a bit harder and required some assistance to get over rocks safely with a baby. Three kings trail was much easier carrying a baby. Both had amazing Petroglyphs. Each hike took about 30 minutes round trip. There are covered picnic tables at the parking lot as well. It's just amazing that this family had opened up their property for so many visitors. Make sure to sign in and leave a donation. They ask for $5 per group, but it is worth so much more.
6. Fantasy Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By L_Shrewsbury - Natchitoches, United States
Worth the drive down. One of the most interesting geological areas I have seen. We enjoyed the dirt road driving in the middle of nowhere. Very quiet and peaceful.
7. Moonshine Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Wander454593
For quite a while we weren't sure our hike was going in the correct direction as we were the only ones and just as we about to give up there was an offical sign. Totally worth the huffing and puffing of these two FL flat landers.
