Vernal Scenic Drives
Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway
This scenic byway follows Highways 191 and 44 through high mountains in northeastern Utah, from Vernal north to the communities of Dutch John and Manila. Along the way, it passes lakes and streams and National Forest areas that provide the opportunity for outstanding recreational activities.
The byway provides access to the eastern portion of the High Uinta Mountains, in Ashley National Forest. These mountains are dotted by small lakes and cascading streams. They are a favorite area for camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing and hunting.
Farther north, the byway skirts around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, where a large reservoir offers great opportunity to fish for trophy lake trout, rainbows and kokanee salmon. The reservoir is popular for boating and various water sports.
Below the reservoir, the Green River offers blue ribbon fly fishing for trout.
On its southern end, the byway provides access to Steinaker and Red Fleet Utah State Parks. These state parks include reservoirs that are very popular for fishing and water sports.
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway loops between dinosaur-related attractions in eastern Utah and western Colorado. It is actually a route that follows several different highways, which have been grouped together and designated a National Scenic Byway.
The route includes Hwy 40 in the Vernal, Utah area, which provides access to Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum. It follows various highways through Price, Green River and Moab, where you will find additional attractions related to dinosaur fossils, footprints and museum exhibits.
Arching over into Colorado, the route connects Fruita, Grand Junction and the town of Dinosaur. These areas also feature dinosaur-related sites.
Quarries along this route allow you to observe paleontologists as they conduct ongoing research and extract fossils from native rock. Museums showcase dinosaur models and replicas, and allow hands-on learning experiences.
This area also offers great opportunity to see and learn about ancient Native American archaeological sites, including rock art petroglyphs and pictographs. Additionally, a wide range of outdoor recreational activities are offered in this area, including whitewater rafting, off-road jeeping, hiking, backpacking and biking.