Love the Grand Canyon? Try This Similar Spot in Utah

An alternative for the Grand Canyon? Is that even possible? Let’s be real: the Arizona treasure is one of the world's seven natural wonders, so it’s hard for me to think of a destination that comes close. However, with my sense of adventure mixed with my incredible imagination, surely I can find an attraction in Utah that is equally spectacular. And I’ve got the perfect place! If you’ve never visited the Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, let me give you a few reasons to visit. Here, you’ll find deep canyons, picturesque views, rafting opportunities, multiple rivers, ancient petroglyphs, and dinosaur fossils, so this underrated park in Utah rivals the Grand Canyon—well, at least in my opinion. Let’s spend the day exploring the best parts of this hidden gem in Utah.

Unless you live in southern Utah, you could spend all day driving to the Grand Canyon. Don’t get me wrong, the mighty park is worth crossing the border for. But so is Dinosaur National Monument, which spans the borders of Utah and Colorado. This lookalike natural wonder is a great replacement if you can’t make it to Arizona this year. 

The 210,000-acre park is a vast playground for outdoor adventurers. And though it’s not as expansive as the Grand Canyon, they share several similarities. For instance, both parks are managed by the National Park Service and offer endless outdoor recreational activities. Stargazing is popular inside the parks, and both are certified as International Dark Sky Parks. So, they're a haven for folks who enjoy watching the celestial heavens.

Their rugged terrain and geological features were created by the erosion of rivers millions of years ago. The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon, and the Green and Yampa Rivers eroded the landscapes at Dinosaur. The result is breathtaking canyons that stretch as far as the eyes can see. 

Both parks allow exploration of the deep gorges on land or by water. At Dinosaur, there are over 20 named trails throughout the park (split between Colorado and Utah), and unlike the Grand Canyon, unrestricted off-trail hikes are highly encouraged here. So, explorers will have unlimited chances to venture into the backcountry areas inside the park.

If you want to trek to the remote sections, being prepared is a good idea. Pack all your hiking and camping gear, bring lots of water, and download AllTrails+. Don’t expect cell phone service in the secluded areas; trust me, there will be none. And most importantly, leave no trace behind after your excursion. 

For extra adventure at the monument, plan a whitewater rafting trip to gaze at the canyons from the rivers. Guided and unguided tours are available; you can choose a day trip or a five-day excursion. Expert rafters with their own equipment must apply for a permit before tackling the rapids. 

From the water, you’ll witness the jaw-dropping views of the Unita Mountains and Split Mountain Canyon. Just like paddling the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon, Dinosaur's vast and rugged landscapes will take your breath away, too. 

Other similarities between the parks include historical sites, ancient petroglyphs, and pictographs left behind by the first settlers. But Dinosaur has a secret weapon that is absent from the Grand Canyon. Do you know what it is? Dinosaur fossils, of course! Obviously, the name of the park gave it away.

Future paleontologists and lovers of these prehistoric creatures stop by the Quarry Exhibit Hall to marvel at the wall of bones featuring 1,500 fossils. Moreover, there are several areas where you can touch real fossilized bones and learn about them, too. How cool is that?  

Don’t leave the park without checking out the visitor center and the Dino Store. You’ll want to take something home to remember your trip here.  

While Dinosaur National Monument is just as spectacular as the Grand Canyon, the less crowded, off-the-beaten-path park doesn’t see nearly as many yearly visitors. In fact, on average, almost five million people travel to the Grand Canyon and just over 300,000 to Dinosaur. This only means you could potentially have the gorgeous park to yourself. If you like skipping the crowds, that’s more than enough reason to visit. 

Have you been to Dinosaur National Monument before? How about the Grand Canyon? Do you think they have similar features? Tell us on our nomination page your favorite things about the parks. 

If you plan on visiting multiple national parks this year, pick up the America the Beautiful pass. Having the pass works out better than paying the daily admission fees for every park. Map out your adventure with Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.