Vernal

Located in the western USA, the city of Vernal serves as the main gateway to the famous Dinosaur National Monument and the picturesque natural landscapes of Utah. You can reach Vernal in various ways: by using the local airport or taking an exciting journey by car through canyons and desert scenery. This destination attracts both paleontology enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility away from bustling cities.

The fastest way to reach the region is to take a flight to the regional airport of the city of Vernal itself (VEL), which receives regular commercial flights. This eliminates the need for long transfers after landing and allows you to immediately start exploring the attractions.

Alternatively, travelers often choose to fly into neighboring transport hubs, such as Rock Springs (129 km) or Grand Junction (175 km). The airport of the city of Provo can also serve as a convenient arrival point, from where it is easy to continue the journey by rental car.

Direct rail service to the city of Vernal is not available, so a journey by train will require a transfer to a car or bus. The nearest major station receiving passenger trains (for example, the California Zephyr) is Grand Junction in the neighboring state of Colorado.

Another option is to travel by rail to the city of Provo. From both stations, tourists will have to traverse the remaining distance via scenic highways, which will take from two and a half to three hours.

Direct bus service to the city of Vernal is limited and often depends on the seasonal schedule of regional carriers. Typically, tourists have to use a combination of intercity buses to major transport hubs, such as Provo or Salt Lake City, followed by a transfer to local shuttles.

It is recommended to check in advance for the availability of trips by private transport companies serving this region, for example, Salt Lake Express. A bus trip can be a budget-friendly option but will require careful planning of connections.

Traveling by car is one of the most popular ways to get to Vernal, allowing you to enjoy the views of the American West. The shortest route runs from the city of Rock Springs: the distance is about 175 km, which will take approximately 2.1 hours of driving.

Scenic roads also lead from Grand Junction (226 km) and Provo (248 km). Travel time in these directions will be from 2.5 to 3 hours, making the trip comfortable and pleasant.

To ensure your journey to Vernal is as comfortable as possible, we have prepared a list of important recommendations considering the region's specifics.

1. Clothing and Climate: The climate here is semi-arid, so dress according to the "layering" principle. It can be hot during the day, while evenings are often cool. Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory.
2. Transport: Public transport is not well developed. For a full exploration of the surroundings, car rental is highly recommended.
3. Finance: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted everywhere, but keeping some cash for small expenses is always useful.
4. Health and Safety: The air in Utah is very dry. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen even in cloudy weather to avoid dehydration and sunburn.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is English. Locals are known for their hospitality and readiness to assist tourists.
6. Local Etiquette: In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20% of the bill amount if service is not included in the check.
7. What to Avoid: Do not embark on long trips through remote areas without a full tank of petrol and a supply of drinking water.
8. Additional Tip: Be sure to visit the famous dinosaur bone quarry at the National Monument — this is a unique spectacle available in only a few places on the planet.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on the amazing nature and history of this region.