[mbeatty]

on a trip between Yellowstone and Rocky Mtn. NP this summer we decided to try something in between them and picked Dinosaur NM. We were only there for a day, but could have spent a couple more in the area. We visited the Utah site with the Dinosaur bone quarry. We also did the auto tour there which hit some very nice petroglyph sites and some nice mountain and rock formations. We didn't have time to visit the Colorado side, but will have to hit that some future trip.

We came through Flaming Gorge NRA on the way there also, and it is also on our list of places to go back and see. The dam there looks like a miniature Hoover Dam that you drive over, and there's a nice lake and surrounding forest. It's only about an hour or two north of Dinosaur, so it could make a good general trip area that's off the beaten path.

 

[dpollock]

We also visited Dinosaur NM during our summer travels this year. It was a last minute stop on our way back east from a Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Craters of the Moon loop. Although it was only to be an overnight stop, once we arrived and set-up at the Green River Campground, we knew immediately that one night was not goint to be enough. Our experience was without a doubt the most beautiful we have ever expereinced camping . This was our site:

http://www.outbackers.com/forums/index.php...y&cmd=si&img=81

As the sun set, the clifts in the background became ablaze with color, reds, orange, yellow. Have a look:

http://www.outbackers.com/forums/index.php...&cmd=si&img=122

At the rear of our site, our rear bunk slide hung over the bank so that from inside, the view out the back window was just the Green River and the rock formations beyond.

Don't go if you're looking for hook-ups, hot shower restrooms (you own an Outback, remember), playgrounds, game rooms or shopping. If you are looking for amazing surroundings, wildlife (coyote calls) and quiet almost to the point of complete silence, this definately is the place to expereince. (Definately try a desert hike, fantastic, but be sure to bring LOTS of water) After the crowds of Yellowstone/GTNP, Dinosaur was truly what vacationing is all about. Made us wish we had skipped Yellostone and stayed at Dinosaur the whole trip!

 

[summergames84]

Your descriptions make me want to pack up and go. We will have to add that one to our list of national parks to visit. Thanks!!

 

[BigBadBrain]

Wow, don't get too many reviews better than that. We are in the midst of planning a loop through Montana/Wyoming/Idaho, we'll put this one on the list.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[salman]

Amazing Photos. I wish I would have gotten some half as good on my trip over the 4th of July.

Blistering hot, wouldn't have wanted to camp without AC that weekend. Luckily, we stayed in nearby Vernal, UT KOA campground with full hookups.

We did a one day tour, including the quarry and had a great time. The boys especially loved the quarry.

For us, this was a great two night adventure and I'm not sure we'd do more. Maybe when I get more brave and try some dry camping it'll enhance the experience.

I can see how an October trip would be perfect there. The temperature must've been great.

Sal

 

[cookie9933]

David,

Great photos. I had seen them a few months back in the gallery, but they are worth a second look. I agree with your idea of what camping is all about. Peace and quiet and no crowds.

I hope to go to Dinosaur NM and have the good experience you did. It's on our list. Just hope that it doesn't get too popular before we go.

Bill

 

[dpollock]

Thanks for the kind comments about the pictures. I actually feel very lucky to have been at Green River when that amazing sunset displayed itself. I am certain it does not look that way every evening.

Just to clarify a couple of points; we were at Green River at the end of June 2004. After we left, the temperatures rose considerably. If you were to visit in hottest part of summer, the days would be blazing hot in the sun; shade does offer a great deal of relief. Even on the hottest days, the evenings are very pleasant so dry camping should not be a problem.

ALWAYS have plenty of water for any activity. A short two mile hike ended up taking nearly two hours. We used all of the two liters of water that we brought with us and should have had more.

The site we selected was great, as I said. But it was a challenge getting our 21RS into it; it was really made for a popup (like that should really stop me!). If you have a larger unit, you will most likely be away from the river a little.

The pictures. Well, that was completely by luck that we should have that kind of opportunity. The day was very warm. But toward evening when the sun dropped, the temperatures dropped and the colors came. It was something to see as it was about dinner time. It was as if the entire camp stopped what they were doing and out came everyone’s cameras. It only lasted about, oh, maybe fifteen or twenty minutes and then it was gone. Later in the evening, the sky was so clear and the moon so bright, you could almost read by moonlight. I was even able to take night shots by turning off the flash. That was really cool. sunny

Anyway, it is still a great place to visit; we will likely stay longer next time.