Embark on a journey through time and nature on the Dinosaur Diamond, a 486-mile scenic and historic byway loop that winds through the fossil-rich Uinta Basin of Utah and Colorado. This captivating route is not just a road trip; it's an expedition through millions of years of history, where ancient giants once roamed and left their indelible marks on the landscape.
Starting in Grand Junction, Colorado, the Dinosaur Diamond takes you on a mesmerizing journey through a variety of terrains and attractions. Grand Junction itself is a hub of natural beauty, surrounded by the White River, Uncompahgre, and Grand Mesa National Forests. As you travel west on I-70, you'll soon reach Fruita, a charming town known for its close proximity to the Colorado National Monument. Here, the scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the Book Cliffs and the unique rock formations like Independence Monument and the Kissing Couple.
As you venture north from Fruita on SH-139, you'll traverse the Douglas Pass and arrive in Rangely, a town steeped in prehistoric significance. The Rangely Outdoor Museum and the Cañon Pintado Historic District offer glimpses into ancient cultures through petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls. These rock carvings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tell stories of the people who lived here long before modern civilization.
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Continuing northwest on SH-64, you'll reach the small town of Dinosaur, home to the Dinosaur National Monument. This is the crown jewel of the Dinosaur Diamond, boasting one of the most productive dinosaur quarries from the Jurassic Period. Visitors can walk along a sandstone wall embedded with over 2,000 dinosaur bones, watching paleontologists at work as they carefully chip away the rock to reveal these ancient treasures. The preparation laboratory offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these fossils are cleaned and preserved, making it a must-visit for any dinosaur enthusiast.
Crossing into Utah, the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway continues to amaze with its rich array of attractions. The small city of Vernal is a gateway to the western end of the Dinosaur National Monument and other natural wonders like Steinaker State Park, Red Fleet State Park, and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Ashley National Forest provides a lush contrast to the arid landscapes, offering outdoor enthusiasts a plethora of activities.
From Vernal, the route takes you west to Roosevelt and Duchesne, skirting the edge of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Duchesne is a stone's throw from Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation and Kings Peak, the highest point in Utah. The Uinta Mountains, which uniquely run east-west, provide stunning vistas and are a haven for hikers and nature lovers.
As you head south on US 191, the Dinosaur Diamond leads you to the city of Price, surrounded by attractions like the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Ninemile Canyon, known for its extensive petroglyphs. The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry nearby claims to have the densest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur fossils in the world, making it a significant stop for paleontology enthusiasts.
Traveling southeast, you'll reach Green River, a city known for the San Rafael Swell, Green River State Park, and Goblin Valley State Park. The Crystal Geyser, a rare cold-water geyser, adds to the unique attractions in this area. From Green River, the Dinosaur Diamond continues to Moab, a city surrounded by some of Utah's most famous natural parks. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park offer awe-inspiring landscapes and endless opportunities for exploration.
The journey completes its loop as you travel north along SR-128, reconnecting with I-70 in Cisco and heading back to Grand Junction, Colorado. This scenic byway not only offers a breathtaking drive but also a deep dive into the rich prehistoric and cultural history of the region.
The Dinosaur Diamond is more than just a scenic byway; it's a time capsule that transports you through millions of years of Earth's history. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, this journey promises a myriad of unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and set off on an epic adventure through the heart of dinosaur country!
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