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Want an Exciting Family Vacation? Visit a Dinosaur!

Okay, so last year’s vacation was to Disney World. The year before that it was Disneyland. And the year before that it was … Disney World. Ready for a change? How about visiting a dinosaur this time?

The state of Utah is home to the biggest concentration of dinosaur exhibits in the United States, so no matter where in Utah you visit, you’re probably a day trip away from walking in the path of a prehistoric dinosaur.

Vernal, in northeastern Utah, is known as “Dinosaurland,” and is home to the largest quarry of prehistoric Jurassic dinosaur bones. Although currently closed for repairs, the Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument has on display over 2,000 dinosaur fossils embedded and exposed in sandstone. The Quarry boasts that they provide more complete skeletons, skulls, and bones of dinosaurs than any other quarry in the world. Visitors to The Dinosaur National Monument have over 200,000 acres of land on which to hike, fish, camp and river raft.

If you want to see life-size replicas of dinosaurs, the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum near Vernal has a dinosaur garden with 17 life-size replicas of dinosaurs, including a 20-foot tall Tyrannosaurus. You can also view displays of ancient fossil skeletal reproductions, archaeological and geological exhibits, fluorescent minerals and other aspects of the nearby Uinta Mountains and Uinta Basin.

While Dinosaurland near Vernal is thought of as ‘the” dinosaur vacation spot, there are other areas in Utah where you can view dinosaur fossils. Also located in Northeastern Utah is the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, one of the world’s best fossil sites. Formed about 147 million years ago, the quarry is open daily during the summer and on a shorter schedule during the spring and fall.

Some of the other more noteworthy dinosaur spots around Utah are:

Ogden, Utah

Ogden is located thirty-five miles north of Salt Lake City on the banks of the Weber River, and is home to a many dinosaur exhibits, including Ogden’s Historic Union Station’s Gem and Mineral Museum at 2501 Wall Ave. Here you’ll find one of the world’s oldest dinosaur eggs, estimated to be around 120 million years old. That’s right, this egg’s not for scrambling. The egg, however, was not discovered in the Utah area, but, rather, in China and later donated to the museum. There are several dinosaur bones, eggs and tracks from North America on display.

Another good dinosaur exhibit near Ogden is the North American Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. Here you’ll find more than near Ogden is home to the world’s largest dinosaur museum, the North American Museum of Ancient Life. With more than 60 mounted dinosaur skeletons and thousands of ancient fossils. You’ll also find a six-story movie screen and theater, which features 3-D movies and specialty films.

Moab, Utah

If your travels take you to Moab, you have a few wonderful opportunities to view dinosaur fossils up close. Just 13 miles north of Moab you can walk The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, a self-guided trail where you can walk among dinosaur fossils and actual dinosaur tracks left in the sedimentary rocks.

Moab has two exhibits with displays on archaeology, paleontology and dinosaur bones. These are the visitor center at Dead Horse Point State Park north of Moab on SR 313, and the Dan O’Laurie Museum, 118 East Center Street.

For a truly unforgettable family vacation, dinosaur trekking through Utah is a must-do. Remember, however, that fossils are protected, which means you cannot remove them from the environment. The only thing you should be removing from your hikes through Utah is your own trash. Be sure to leave all fossils ad plant life undisturbed.

About the Author

Diane McCalley is an accountant and avid traveler. You can visit her family travel website, where you can learn about such things as Costa Rica family vacation destinations.

Hiking off the trail

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Salt Lake City: Including Ogden, Provo, and the Uintas $10.25 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Salt Lake City is the only guidebook that pinpoints the most exceptional hikes in the area. It contains meticulous trail descriptions that range from comfortable strolls for families to difficult treks for those looking for a challenging workout. Extensive key-at-a-glance information makes it easier to choose a hike based on length, difficulty, or scenery. A helpful list…

A hike into Paradise Valley: Being an account of the wanderings of the Chimes Hiking Club, February 22, 1921 …

Hiking Utah’s High Uintas $13.48 Hiking Utah’s High Uintas : 99 Day and Overnight Hikes (Regional Hiking Series) by Jeffrey Probst 1st Published in 2006 by Falcon

Falcon Guide Hiking Utah $9.71 ISBN-13: 9780762725663 ISBN-10: 0762725664 Title: Falcon Guide Hiking Utah . Author: Bill Schneider. Edition: 3rd.

Hiking Utah’s High Uintas A Guide to Hiking in Utah’s Uinta Mountains $9.4 ISBN-13: 9780762739110 ISBN-10: 0762739118 Title: Hiking Utah’s High Uintas A Guide to Hiking in Utah’s Uinta Mountains. Author: Jeffrey Probst. Edition: 1st.

Foghorn Outdoors Utah Hiking $14.48 Covering every worthwhile destination in Utah, this is the hiker’s guide to finding the best spots around. With a new section on hiking tips relevant specifically to Utah’s climate and landscape, families, day-trippers, and seasoned hikers looking for a change of pace will all find the perfect trail among the options selected by hiker and outdoor expert Buck Tilton. Complete with photographs and illustrations, updated driving directions and more detailed maps, Foghorn Outdoors Utah Hiking has the details on the best Utah hiking available.

Utah $34.98 Utah is the third in the series of newly re-designed coffee table books featuring breathtaking views of the state’s most beloved trademarks, such as Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Hirschman traveled to every corner of the state to capture Utah’s terrain with all its variety and extremes. Emphasis is placed on the "spectacular" and images that will appeal to the great numbers of visitors who are drawn to Utah for its world-renowned ski resorts, hiking opportunities, and natural beauty.

Hiking The Escalante $13.48 Hiking The Escalante by Rudi Lambrechts Published in 1999 by University of Utah Press

Hiking the Wasatch $14.48 Hiking the Wasatch by John Veranth Published in 1999 by University of Utah Press

Hiking from Here to Wow: Utah Canyon Country $24.88 ISBN-13: 9780899974521 ISBN-10: 089997452x Title: Hiking from Here to Wow: Utah Canyon Country. Author: Kathy Copeland, Craig Copeland.

Hiking New Hampshire, 2nd (State Hiking Series) $14.48 Most comprehensive resource on hiking the finest trails in the Granite State with details on 100 hikes including maps, photos and elevation graphs.

Hiking Wisconsin (State Hiking Series) $7.98 Profiles 64 of the best hikes in the state. Detailed maps and directions and a superb selection of day hikes and overnight trips make this book accessible to all hiking enthusiasts, from families to outdoor fanatics. AHS

Arizona Hiking $14.48 Arizona Hiking describes hikes in five categories: urban backyard hikes; family hikes that range from easy to moderate; tougher day hikes that range from moderate to advanced; Grand Canyon hikes ranging from easy to advanced; and overnight hikes. Each description gives specific driving directions, elevations, recommended maps, safety suggestions, and official contacts for details on fees, regulations, etc. Hiking chapters start with two to four feature hikes, followed by at-a-glance descriptions of several additional hikes. Other chapters give general hiking preparation and safety guidelines and list additional resources. Includes seven chapters, total, with index and color map of Arizona.

Hiking Ohio $14.48 Hiking Ohio is a comprehensive guide to more than 40 of the most scenic foot trails in the Buckeye State. From the Lake Erie islands to the foothills of the Appalachians, from virgin forests to native grasslands, from small creeks to the Ohio River, this book serves as a tour guide to the diverse natural and human history of Ohio only as seen by foot. Hiking Ohio includes descriptive photographs for each hike; digitally designed maps detailing each hike; in-depth trail descriptions with difficulty ratings; detailed route directions; schedules, local attractions, eateries, and more.

Hiking Colorado $20.98 The landscape of Colorado sweeps from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains to the uplifted plateaus in the western part of the state. Its ecological zones include desert and alpine tundra. It is a land of great variety and geographic extremes, of panoramic vistas and cold creeks, and of rivers with raging rapids and others that meander across the plains. Some of the state’s most precious sites are protected as national forests, monuments, or parks. Hiking Colorado introduces you to hiking opportunities in every region of the state. Detailed descriptions of 100 routes, written by veteran Colorado hikers, take you to high-country summits, great fishing spots above timberline, the eastern plains, and sandstone canyons on the arid western slope of the Rockies. There are even hikes through Denver and other Front Range cities. These hikes, many recommended by land management agencies, are among the state’s treasures. Along with the descriptions come maps, photographs, information on natural history and archaeology of Colorado, hiking safety, equipment, backcountry ethics, hiking with children, and trails and facilities for hikers with special needs. Whether you’re a veteran hiker or beginner, Hiking Colorado will lead the way to outdoor adventure.

Hiking Virginia $3.48 From the Blue Ridge Mountains to rolling forests and farmlands to coastal beaches and islands, Virginia presents a varied landscape with a multitude of hiking opportunities. Hiking Virginia, formerly The Hiker’s Guide to Virginia, takes you to the highest point in the Old Dominion–Mount Rogers–and along the beaches of the Assateague National Seashore, through the historic Richmond area, into Shenandoah National Park, and to dozens of hiking areas, some well known, others relatively undiscovered. The guide has been updated and includes phone numbers to call for further information, with recently changed area codes. The book can be used to plan leisurely family strolls, urban walks, and overnight backpacking trips. Hiking Virginia, by travel and outdoor writer Randy Johnson, includes 50 hikes-a sampler of the state’s most scenic and historic paths. The book also contains detailed maps for each hike, black-and-white photos that give glimpses of the landscape, and sections of history, geography, and safety. Hiking Virginia is an essential item for all hikers in the Old Dominion.

Hiking Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness (Hiking Guide Series) $12.98 Provides detailed descriptions and maps of the best hiking in the wilderness, with inside tips on camping sites and the best times of year to visit.

Adventures in Hiking $5.98 A book designed expressly for young people to learn the ways of hiking, how to hike and enjoy the out-of-doors, and how to discover the wonders of the Adirondack Park. This book puts young people in charge of learning about the woods, how to protect themselves and be safe in the woods, and how to protect the woods. It also encourages hikers to begin to read maps and to use a compass.

Best of Western Colorado Hiking Trails $7.98 Best of Western Colorado Hiking Trails by Don Lowe Revised Published in 1753 by Outdoor Books and Maps

Hiking Pennsylvania $3.48 Thousands of miles of hiking trails wander through Pennsylvania’s premier parks, sanctuaries, forests, and mountains. Sparkling waterfalls and mazes of rock outcrops stand among old-growth forests, providing scenic backdrops for enjoyable hiking experiences. Walk the same paths followed by Native Americans and Colonial and Civil War soldiers; enjoy a profusion of rhododendron and mountain laurel blooms; and perhaps catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or a broad winged hawk. Hiking Pennsylvania, by veteran outdoor writers Rhonda and George Ostertag, contains first hand descriptions for 75 of the best hikes from Lake Erie and the Allegheny and Pocono mountains to the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia regions. Choose from a variety of easy one-hour strolls along quiet nature trails, moderate day hikes, overnighters, and extended backpack trips. This guide also includes accurate, up-to-date information, detailed maps, interesting photos and helpful tips on preparation and planning. Whether you are a first-time wilderness traveler or a seasoned backpacker, Hiking Pennsylvania will lead the way to outdoor adventure in the Keystone State.

Hats Hats Hats $3.58 ISBN-13: 9780688122744 ISBN-10: 0688122744 Title: Hats Hats Hats . Author: Ann Morris.

Hats $28.98 Over 350 color photographs depict a magnificent array of fashion hats from the early 19th century to present day, including the earliest known American straw bonnet. The hats are presented chronologically according to primary materials; straw, felt, horsehair, feathers, silk, velvet, and flowers. Trends in hat designs, Hollywood style, Stetson hats, tips on collecting, and contemporary millinery are also discussed. The captions include specific details about each hat, as well as labels and information about the milliners. This useful reference includes a glossary, a detailed price reference, and index with photographs of designer labels. This beautiful book will be cherished by collectors, dealers, fashion connoisseurs, and everyone who simply loves hats!

Hiking $7 ISBN-13: 9780736809160 ISBN-10: 0736809163 Title: Hiking. Author: Kristin Thoennes Keller.

Hats On! $12.98 Caps are wonderful knitting projects–small and portable, providing just the right mix of challenge and simplicity. From the basic watch cap to fanciful multicoloured and textured creations, knitters will be enticed by the intriguing diversity of style and technique: double-, triple-, and quadruple-thicknesses for warmth and weather resistance; hats with earflaps, ornamental cuffs, and jester’s tassles; and even ornaments to hang from the Christmas tree.

Hiking! $3.48 Distributed by Westcliffe Publishers for the first time, this introspective and intelligently written book explores the "why" of hiking, rather than the "how", underscoring its profound effect on health and well-being. The authors delve beyond the simple physical benefits of hiking to illuminate its philosophical, psychological, interpersonal, creative, and spiritual elements. Geared more for day-hikers than backpackers, it offers new insights to seasoned trailblazers, encourages novices to begin their own journeys into this exciting and popular pastime, and establishes hiking as a means to regain balance in our lives.

Hats! $14.48 When a young boy enters a hat shop and sees there is a sale that day, he carefully chooses the perfect hat. Proudly wearing his new hat, he walks through town. When he reaches the park, a bully tells him, "Dumb hat!" The boy is crushed–is his hat really dumb? But other kids who come along think the hat is pretty cool, and in a surprise twist, the boy and his friends turn the tables on the bully.

Ecco Men’s Quito Mid GTX Hiking Boots $159.95 Ecco Men’s Quito Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? $9.37 ISBN-13: 9780873588287 ISBN-10: 0873588282 Title: Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?. Author: Carmela Lavigna Coyle.

Hiking $7 ISBN-13: 9780736809160 ISBN-10: 0736809163 Title: Hiking. Author: Kristin Thoennes Keller.

Hiking! $3.48 Distributed by Westcliffe Publishers for the first time, this introspective and intelligently written book explores the "why" of hiking, rather than the "how", underscoring its profound effect on health and well-being. The authors delve beyond the simple physical benefits of hiking to illuminate its philosophical, psychological, interpersonal, creative, and spiritual elements. Geared more for day-hikers than backpackers, it offers new insights to seasoned trailblazers, encourages novices to begin their own journeys into this exciting and popular pastime, and establishes hiking as a means to regain balance in our lives.

Merrell Women’s Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Shoe $89.95 When you’re hiking, biking or working under a hot sun, the last article of apparel you want to shed is your boots. Well, almost the last. Fortunately, the Moab Ventilator Mid is like air conditioning for your feet. Mid-height uppers are Dura leather with lots of exposed breathable Ventilator mesh. Breathable mesh linings and bellow tongue. Rubber toe bumper and heel counter, Vibram Multi-Sport Plus sole provide the protection, support and traction you need when the action heats up.

Merrell Men’s Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Shoe $89.95 When you’re hiking, biking or working under a hot sun, the last article of apparel you want to shed is your boots. Well, almost the last. Fortunately, the Moab Ventilator Mid is like air conditioning for your feet. Mid-height uppers are Dura leather with lots of exposed breathable Ventilator mesh. Breathable mesh linings and bellow tongue. Rubber toe bumper and heel counter, Vibram Multi-Sport Plus sole provide the protection, support and traction you need when the action heats up.