Vernal, Utah ... What a Treat!

My sister Carrie planned our big 2026 Spring Adventure but she did include all of the herd before locking down the details. She told us about Vernal where dinosaurs roamed months before we left. We all agreed we could stop in Vernal for two nights between Moab and Gunnison. Still, we have short memories. When it was time to leave Moab, we started looking at the route to Vernal and noticed it was quite a bit North ... along a curly mountain road ... not exactly on the way to Gunnison. When Daddy and I balked a little, sister said that we were going to Vernal and that part of the trip wasn't up for edits that late in the game. We agreed reluctantly but we were pretty sure we weren't going to have fun. Oh my goodness, were we wrong!

The drive from Moab to Vernal was beautiful! At one point, Daddy yelled out 'please pull over here' and sister whipped the minivan into a pullout. We got out of the car and looked around. It felt like a very special place. Daddy explained that when he and his Daddy use to trek out West, they would pick places just like this to setup their camp. I hope you can sense how special the moment was in the pictures.

Towards the end of our drive, we pulled into a rest area so we could all do our business before arriving at the KOA. A big windy storm blew in and almost knocked sister and I to the ground. Daddy and I were thinking that sister should've listened to us ... this place was windy and dangerous! When we arrived at the KOA, they said the power was out because of a wind storm but it would be back on soon. I saw Something Wicked This Way Comes and I wasn't convinced we should be here. Since the power was off, we decided to go out for dinner which I thought was a great idea until they left me in the car with Waggle watching me and said they would see me soon! I did really enjoy sniffing Daddy's steak when he got back. Not that I would know firsthand; however, I'm told Swain Brothers is a restaurant worth your time and money.

After dinner, we made it back to the KOA which was very nice and clean. Sister and I decided to take a long walk and were surprised with the most beautiful display of colors in the sky!

The next day we got in the minivan and headed to Dinosaur National Monument. I stayed in the car while my people went inside to see a wall of dinosaur bones. I wanted sister to sneak me in there to pose under the big dinosaur for a picture but she, ever the party pooper, said no.

After seeing the wall (or not seeing the wall, in my case), we took the most magnificent drive on a loop in the park. It was quite unexpected and delightful. Here are a few pictures to share with you.

The town of Vernal was so fun. They fully embrace the dinosaurs that once stomped all over this land. Everywhere you look, there are fun dinosaurs all over the city. Mommy was driving, sister was hanging out the window with her camera, Daddy and I were calling out whenever we saw one. Below are a few of my favorites. There are lots more on my Instagram and/or Facebook ... check it out if interested. Some of them buzzed by too fast for sister to get good pictures of; so, you may need to plan a trip to Vernal to see for yourself. Don't worry ... even if the wind is blowing when you get there ... nothing wicked ... just a fun town!

Oh My Little Paw!! I almost forgot. In Moab, Daddy really wanted to see petroglyphs but they were all too far into a hike given the heat and the fact that I couldn't hike in the parks. On the loop I spoke of, we got to see some!!! Daddy was so excited! I was so excited that I too got to see them!

During our last sleep in Vernal, a snow blew into the area! Our curvy, steep mountain drive was going to be sketchy! We figured out a different route to Gunnison, kept close eye on road conditions, did see a bit of snow ... but were fine and made it to Gunnison where we met up with my good friend Sissy and her pawrents! I'll tell you about Gunnison next time. Until then, thanks for going to Vernal with us ... hope you enjoyed it ... have a great week! We appreciate you!