Dinosaur National Monument, located on the border of Utah and Colorado, is a renowned paleontological site that boasts a rich history dating back to its discovery in the early 20th century. The monument's origins can be traced to 1909 when paleontologist Earl Douglass, working for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, stumbled upon a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils in the rugged canyons of the area. The site quickly garnered attention from the scientific community and the public, leading to the establishment of Dinosaur National Monument in 1915. This designation aimed to protect the remarkable fossil beds and the diverse range of dinosaur specimens found in the region.

Over the years, Dinosaur National Monument has become a hub for scientific research, allowing researchers to uncover a wide variety of dinosaur species, including Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. The monument also features a visitor center and numerous hiking trails, providing visitors with a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Yampa and Green River canyons, and to gain insight into the prehistoric past.

My recommendation for a great introduction to Dinosaur National Monument is to visit the visitor center and quarry, then do this route, the Tour of the Tilted Rocks. This route is a mix of roadside stops and short hikes that visit many remarkable sights, all with only a few hours to a day's worth of time needed.