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Dinosaur Bones, Outlaws and Moonshine – Three Places to Visit Outside of Vernal, Utah
Dinosaur National Monument, the Outlaw Country scenic drive, and the Moonshine Arch are three places to try to visit just outside of Vernal, Utah. The Dinosaur National Monument is a national park located on the border of Utah and Colorado and covers 210,000 acres. The Quarry Visitor Center is located in Jensen, which is southeast of Vernal, Utah. Shuttle buses will take visitors to the Quarry Exhibit Hall where you will see a wall of nearly 1,500 dinosaur bones. A few of the 149 million year old fossils are identified permitting you to touch them, while others can be viewed from several feet away. The National Park offers scenic drives, and walking trails. If you are traveling with pets, be sure to be familiar where pets are permitted. Pets at Dinosaur National Monument
Outlaw Country scenic drive is an approximately 85 miles loop that travels through some of the most picturesque parts of the country. Be sure to have a full tank of gas and carry plenty of water. You will be traveling through Crouse Canyon, Brown’s Park, Jarvie Historic Ranch, and Jessie Ewing Canyon. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch and other noted outlaws were known to stay in this remote area. The Jarvie Ranch has been historically reconstructed. Crouse Canyon with its red-rock walls is a beautiful drive, but you will need a high clearance vehicle to get by sections of deep ruts in the road. Driving Directions for Outlaw Country
Just eight miles outside of Vernal, and a short distance from the road is an opportunity for a short hike to an incredible natural sandstone arch that is 85 feet long and stands 40 feet above ground. The hike to Moonshine Arch is approximately 1 mile, with an elevation gain of 290 feet. Read my previous post on Moonshine Arch for directions and additional information.
Baby Shower Benefit for Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Arya, Barn Owl Ambassador for Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (WRCNU) is holding their 8th annual baby shower hoping to get much needed supplies for the animals they rescue each year. When the center receives a new animal, there is a need for an abundance of food, as well as cleaning and medical supplies. The WRCNU opened in 2009, and have treated over 18,570 sick, injured or abandoned animal patients.
The WRCNU is opening their doors on April 27, 28 and 29th to the public. It is located at 1490 Park Boulevard Ogden, Utah. The baby shower is a child friendly event with crafts, bird presentations, refreshments and the opportunity to meet the bird ambassadors. Silent Auction Gift Baskets fill up a room and a hallway, with gifts for a wide range of interests. There is no charge for the event, but participants are encouraged to bring gifts. Check here to see a list of requested donations, as well as additional ways to support the WRCNU including AmazonSmile and Smiths Rewards card.
Not all young animals need to be rescued. To help you to determine how to respond appropriately when you find a bird, they have created a flowchart. Call the WRCNU (801-814-7888) or your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator, if you find an injured or orphaned wild animal, to determine if the animal needs help.
Approximately 2/3rds of the animals are able to be successfully reintroduced back into the wild. The animals that are not able to survive in the wild are found homes at aviaries, zoos, nature centers, or other licensed organizations.
George S Eccles Dinosaur Park
While you are in the area, you may want to visit the Dinosaur Park and Stewart Paleontology Museum next door. The Stewart Paleontology Museum features dinosaur skeletons. The park includes 8 acres of outdoor trails with 100 dinosaur sculptures and a playground area. Outside food is permitted (no glass containers allowed) with picnic areas available. Pets are not permitted. Admission is $7 for adults (18+), $6 for seniors (62+), $6 for students (13-17), $5 for children (2-12), and free for children/babies under 2 years old.
The Birdsong Trail
As you are exiting Park Boulevard onto Valley Drive, you may opt to park at the parking lot on the South Side of Rainbow Gardens to hike the Birdsong Trail. This trail passes by springs and a pond, and offers shade along the trail. Dogs are permitted on a leash. Expect to share the trail with mountain bikers. It is a 2.4 mile loop trail.
John Hamilton, Associate Broker of Windermere Real Estate, has nearly five decades of experience working with Buyers, Sellers, and other real estate professionals, and has sold more than 1,400 Utah properties. He has the experience to provide you an edge in negotiating your real estate transaction.
