Dinosaurs, Fossils, & Petroglyphs
Oh My! Actually camping at a KOA on the Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, California, and Pony Express Trails!
During our 4 days in Vernal, Utah, we took 4 day trips to Dinosaur National Monument (#178), where we saw lots of Dinosaurs, Fossils, Petroglyphs, and Spectacular Geology. We also saw some old Homesteads on the Green River, far from anywhere, even now. And did I mention the Mormon Crickets??? According to Wikipedia, “When a large band crosses a road, it can create a safety hazard by causing distracted revulsion on the part of the driver, and by causing the road surface to become slick with crushed crickets.” We have now been there, done that, driving the Harper Corner Road! Gail did a LOT of driving on 1 lane dirt roads, even one 2,500′ drop (and return) in 2 miles, on Echo Park Road!
SMALL section of Quarry Wall at Quarry Exhibit Hall 
Dinosaur Fossil on display at Quarry Exhibit Hall 
Josie Morris Cabin, where she lived 50 years (40-90 years old) 
Remnants of the Chew Homestead 
Mormon Crickets on Harper Corner Road in Dinosaur NM 
Petroglyphs at McKee Spring in Dinosaur NM 
Steamboat Rock on the Green River at Echo Park in Dinosaur 
View from the end of Harper Corner Trail 
Looking down at Island Park View of the Green River for lunch at Rainbow Park 
View of the Green River for lunch at Rainbow Park
We then made it to Lyman, Wyoming, two days ago (through a sleet storm!) and spent yesterday at Fossil Butte National Monument (#179), also full of Fossils and Spectacular Geology. Where as, Dinosaur has LOTS of BIG Dinosaur Fossils, Fossil Butte is most famous for its Fish Fossils! Both had great scenic drives and hikes.
Off to visit Historic Fort Bridger, which became a vital resupply point for wagon trains on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails…then on to Salt Lake City!
For more pictures, see Adventure Album: Rockies/High Plains.
1 Comment
mary · July 2, 2022 at 8:22 am
Very interesting trip. Liked the Mormon Cricket facts.
Take care