Attractions and Places To See around Jensen - Top 12

The main draw around Jensen is its role as the gateway to Dinosaur National Monument. Key attractions include the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where you can see approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in a rock wall, and the Quarry Visitor Center, which provides essential information and shuttle services.

Absolutely! The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a fantastic family destination where children can marvel at real dinosaur bones and even touch some. The River Trail, which follows the Green River, is also noted as family-friendly and offers beautiful views.

Jensen is rich in natural features. You can explore the stunning river canyons of the Green River, which flows through Dinosaur National Monument. The River Trail offers beautiful views of Split Mountain. Additionally, the Musket Shot Springs Overlook, located near Jensen, provides universally-accessible views of the Blue Mountain Plateau.

The area is steeped in natural history, particularly related to dinosaurs. The Quarry Exhibit Hall and Morrison Formation are significant paleontological sites. For broader regional history, the Regional History Center and the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in nearby Vernal offer insights into Native American history, local heritage, and eastern Utah's natural history.

The Jensen area, particularly within Dinosaur National Monument, offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the Fossil Discovery Trail, which leads to the Quarry Exhibit, or the Sound of Silence Trail. For a scenic drive, consider the Dinosaur National Monument Scenic Drive. Many easy hikes are also available, such as the River Trail.

Spring or fall are generally suggested for visits to Dinosaur National Monument due to more pleasant weather conditions. These seasons are ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoor attractions without the extreme heat of summer or the colder temperatures of winter.

Yes, the Quarry Exhibit Hall and the Quarry Visitor Center are both wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Musket Shot Springs Overlook offers a universally-accessible short loop trail with views of the Blue Mountain Plateau.

The Morrison Formation is a highly significant natural monument and part of the Fossil Discovery Trail. Here, you can examine petrified dinosaur bones embedded directly in cliff walls, some estimated to be 151 million years old. More than ten species of dinosaurs have been discovered within this formation.

Visitors are often captivated by the sheer number of dinosaur bones visible at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, with many appreciating the unique opportunity to touch 150-million-year-old fossils. The informative exhibits and the scenic beauty of the trails, like the River Trail, are also highly praised.

Yes, the Quarry Visitor Center is your primary resource. It offers information, exhibits, a souvenir shop, and the opportunity to speak with rangers about trails and current conditions. You can also get maps and take a shuttle from here to the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Yes, several easy hiking trails are available. The Fossil Discovery Trail (when hiking downhill from the Quarry Exhibit to the Visitor Center), the Sound of Silence Trail, and the River Trail are all considered easy and offer enjoyable experiences.

The Green River is a major natural feature that flows through the Jensen area and Dinosaur National Monument. It offers opportunities for water-based activities like rafting and provides stunning scenic views, particularly along trails such as the River Trail.