Where is Vernal, Utah

Vernal is a city in northeastern Utah and the county seat of Uintah County. It is about 170 miles east of Salt Lake City and 20 miles west of Dinosaur National Monument. Known as Utah's gateway to the Uinta Mountains and Dinosaur National Monument, Vernal has deep ties to paleontology, outdoor recreation, and the natural landscapes of the Uinta Basin.

Location Map of Vernal, Uintah County, Utah

About Map: The map shows the location of Vernal in Uintah County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Vernal Map, Utah

Where is Vernal Located?

Vernal is a city located in Uintah County, Utah, the United States. It is in northeastern Utah within the Uinta Basin, about 170 miles east of Salt Lake City and approximately 20 miles west of Dinosaur National Monument. Vernal lies at about 40.455° North latitude and 109.535° West longitude. The city had 10,076 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 4.84 square miles, or 12.54 square kilometers. The surrounding Uinta Mountains and Green River landscape shape the geography of the area. Vernal was established in the late 19th century and became an important agricultural, commercial, and transportation center for northeastern Utah. The city is especially known for its dinosaur fossils and nearby paleontological sites. Dinosaur National Monument is one of the area's most important attractions, with fossil-bearing rock and scenic canyon landscapes. Vernal also provides access to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the Ashley National Forest, making it a regional base for hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing.

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Vernal City Facts

Distance from Vernal, UT to Nearby Cities

• Naples, UT – 3 miles (5 km)
• Maeser, UT – 4 miles (6 km)
• Ballard, UT – 10 miles (16 km)
• Jensen, UT – 12 miles (19 km)
• Roosevelt, UT – 27 miles (43 km)
• Fort Duchesne, UT – 25 miles (40 km)
• Manila, UT – 42 miles (68 km)
• Duchesne, UT – 55 miles (89 km)
• Price, UT – 105 miles (169 km)
• Craig, CO – 110 miles (177 km)
• Grand Junction, CO – 150 miles (241 km)
• Green River, UT – 155 miles (249 km)
• Salt Lake City, UT – 170 miles (274 km)
• Moab, UT – 180 miles (290 km)
• Park City, UT – 185 miles (298 km)
• Ogden, UT – 185 miles (298 km)
• Provo, UT – 190 miles (306 km)
• Rock Springs, WY – 205 miles (330 km)

Top Attractions in Vernal

• Dinosaur National Monument – A major paleontological and scenic site where visitors can see dinosaur fossils preserved in the famous Carnegie Quarry and explore surrounding canyon country.
• Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum – A Vernal museum featuring dinosaur fossils, geological exhibits, and displays about the natural history of the Uinta Basin.
• Steinaker State Park – A nearby reservoir park offering boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and views of the surrounding mountains.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area – A large recreation area known for its deep red-rock canyon, reservoir, boating, fishing, camping, and scenic drives.
• Ashley National Forest – A vast forest area surrounding the Uinta Mountains with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter recreation.
• McConkie Ranch – A nearby site known for prehistoric rock art panels and petroglyphs associated with ancient cultures of the region.
• Red Fleet State Park – A nearby reservoir and recreation area known for dinosaur trackways, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
• Uinta Heritage Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts and stories connected to Vernal and Uintah County history.
• Moonshine Arch – A natural sandstone arch north of Vernal that can be reached by a short hike through scenic desert terrain.
• Green River – The nearby river provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and exploring the canyon landscapes of northeastern Utah.

Airports Near Vernal, UT

• Vernal Regional Airport (VEL) – 3 miles
• Roosevelt Municipal Airport (74V) – 28 miles
• Craig-Moffat Airport (CAG) – 110 miles
• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 150 miles
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 175 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Vernal website and local government records.

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