Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
United States
A loop through the greatest concentration of dinosaur fossils on Earth, the Dinosaur National Monument's quarry wall (1,500 bones embedded in exposed sandstone), the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Arches National Park's red-rock arches, and the Book Cliffs' 160-million-year-old Morrison Formation strata. Where the Jurassic Period meets the American canyon country.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Dinosaur, Colorado
Gateway to Dinosaur National Monument. Harper's Corner Road leads to sheer canyon overlooks 800m above the confluence of the Yampa and Green rivers.
- Dinosaur Quarry Wall
A 60m sandstone cliff holds 1,500 bones in situ: Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Allosaurus, left exactly where they died 150 million years ago and touchable by visitors.
- Vernal
Utah's dinosaur capital. The Field House Museum displays full skeletons and a Dinosaur Garden of 18 life-size sculptures in the fossil-rich Uinta Basin.
- Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry
Over 12,000 bones from 74 individuals packed into one Jurassic mudhole — the densest Allosaurus site on Earth, still actively excavated from the Morrison Formation.
- Price
The Price museum holds ceratopsian skulls and Utah raptor skeletons pulled from the Book Cliffs that tower above this coal-country crossroads town.
- Green River
The Green River cuts through the San Rafael Swell here, its canyon walls layered with the same Morrison Formation fossil beds that line the Diamond route.
- Arches National Park
Over 2,000 sandstone arches rise from Entrada Sandstone deposited atop Jurassic fossil beds. Landscape Arch spans 88m; Delicate Arch stands alone on a slickrock bowl.
- Fruita, Colorado
The Diamond's western anchor. Dinosaur Journey has a working fossil lab and robotic mounts; Rabbit Valley's Trail Through Time shows bones eroding from open hillsides.
Where to Eat
- Antica FormaItalian
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh ingredients.
- The Tamarisk RestaurantAmerican
Riverside dining offering classic American dishes with scenic views of the Green River.
- Moab BreweryBrewpub
Popular spot featuring house-made beers and a diverse menu in a lively atmosphere.
- Camilla's KaffeCafé
Charming café serving hearty breakfasts and lunches with a focus on local ingredients.
Things to Do
- Utah Field House of Natural History State Park MuseumMuseum
Explore interactive exhibits showcasing fossils and geological wonders of the region.
- John Wesley Powell River History MuseumMuseum
Discover the history of river exploration in the West through engaging displays.
- Dead Horse Point State ParkScenic Viewpoint
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands.
- Museum of Western Colorado: Dinosaur JourneyMuseum
Features robotic dinosaurs and hands-on exhibits about the region's prehistoric past.