Top 9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Vernal, Utah (UT)

January 24, 2022 Agatha Simes

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

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 246 reviews

OARS Dinosaur

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

Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 118 reviews

Holiday River Expeditions - Utah River Rafting

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

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5.0 based on 225 reviews

Dinosaur River Expeditions

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. Utah Field House of Natural History State Park

235 E Main St, Vernal, UT 84078-2605 +1 435-789-3799 http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utah-field-house
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 385 reviews

Utah Field House of Natural History State Park

Exhibits explain the geologic history of the region.

Reviewed By B2917UApatricias - Hartland, United States

Very nice museum with excellent displays of archaeological finds, fossils and bones. There are dinosaur skeletal replicas and an outdoor garden where various types of dinosaur models are displayed. The geologic history of the area is explained in a short film that is available upon entering the museum. The entrance fee is very reasonable with adult, child and senior prices. There is a very nice gift shop available inside the museum as well. Touring this place would take 1-2 hours and the museum is a place that would be enjoyed by young and old alike.

5. Red Fleet State Park

8750 N Highway 191, Vernal, UT 84078-7802 +1 435-789-4432 [email protected] http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/red-fleet/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 73 reviews

Red Fleet State Park

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.

6. McConkie Ranch

6228 McConkie Rd, Vernal, UT 84078-9752 +1 435-999-4528
Excellent
74%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 206 reviews

McConkie Ranch

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.

7. Fantasy Canyon

Vernal, UT http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/vernal/recreation_/fantasy_canyon.html
Excellent
64%
Good
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4.5 based on 106 reviews

Fantasy Canyon

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.

8. Moonshine Arch

170 Sotuh 500 East, Vernal, UT 84078
Excellent
73%
Good
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4.5 based on 37 reviews

Moonshine Arch

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.

9. Pink Brontosaurus

W. Main Street, Vernal, UT 84078-2803
Excellent
46%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.0 based on 80 reviews

Pink Brontosaurus

A roadside legend for 23 years, these two dinosaur models have an interesting history.

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