Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is a great destination to visit with your kids on the way to Steamboat Springs. The monument was designated in 1915 to preserve a few hundred acres of a dinosaur fossil quarry. Twenty years later the designation was expanded to cover the canyons and plateaus as well.
In and around the Dinosaur National Monument you will find black bears, mountain lions, antelope, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and beaver. Also, don't forget to look for examples of Native American rock art dispersed throughout the monument. It's clear that the area has been a draw for people since ancient times.The amazing canyons surrounding the Green and Yampa Rivers also make this area popular for rafting.
Many people look for peace and calm when they come here as well. Don't worry! There is plenty of hiking, camping, and backpacking to enjoy the quiet of nature. In 1978, the National Park Service designated over 200,000 acres of the monument as wilderness to further protect the area.
The Gates of Lodore is a special canyon you should visit, located near the Green River in the northern part of the monument. Here you can enjoy unparalleled river rafting if you obtain a permit, or have fun at the one-mile nature trail and campground.
Dinosaur National Monument, CO Weather
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