Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway


State: Utah, Colorado
Length: 328 mi / 527.9 km
Time to Allow: 6.5 hours a day for 6 days to fully take in this byway.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t fascinated by dinosaurs. With so little known about these incredible creatures, and so much media surrounding them, it’s not surprising that people of all ages are almost obsessed with these giant creatures. If you’re a fan of dinosaurs or looking to learn more about the ancient history of our planet, this byway is the right choice for you. The Utah portion of this highway covers 328 miles (527.9 kilometers), Ann takes you through some of the best archaeological dig sites known to man. Not only can you see some of the most incredible natural history discoveries made in recent years, but countless fossils are also still being discovered in this history-rich area, making it a must-travel by way.

If seeing a stretch of land populated by incredible scientific discoveries isn’t enough of a draw for you, this highway loops through stretches of Utah and Colorado, and transports travelers through the incredible geological features that hold ancient history within their layers. Those looking to take in the scenery will find themselves traveling through forested mountains, red rock canyons, cliffs, and more. The observant traveler can easily experience the living wildlife found throughout this area, as many locations along the highway are largely untouched by humans, allowing drivers to see the natural flora and fauna like they’ve never seen it before.

For those looking to explore flora and fauna from years long past, Dinosaur National Monument is a must-visit location along the way. The National Monument stands as a testament to the discoveries made in the area starting in 1909, and acts as a way to preserve and experience history, both recent and long past. Not only can visitors see the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, a protected boneyard that allows visitors to see one of the most important archaeological discoveries in modern history, but you can also touch real fossils. If you’re looking to put “touched a part of the fossil record” on your resume, you need to stop at this location. Visitors of all ages will find themselves transported through history in the Dinosaur Garden, which is home to life-size dinosaur replicas that will take your breath away and make a perfect addition to your vacation photos.

No matter if you find yourself driving along the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway to take in the sights, or are looking to make a day trip out of this incredible stretch of highway, there are countless locations to explore and experience along the way. Not only can you appreciate the natural wildlife living with us today, but you can also get a glimpse of how the area looked millions of years ago; a rare and precious opportunity that is hard to pass up. Of course, those who have had their fill of prehistory will find plenty of biking and hiking trails along the way, as well as camping and recreation sites that allow you to stretch your legs and take in the gorgeous views. Whatever your preference, the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is sure to leave you breathless.

More Colorado Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Colorado by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Colorado Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.