If you are looking to get away from it all...
If you are…read morelooking to really go under the radar...
If you are looking to explore a National Monument that barely gets attention, then I recommend you make the trip here....to Dinosaur, Colorado!
Yes, here at Dinosaur, CO, I was transported away from my worries and stresses in life, and discovered a much more simple and quiet existence.
Well...the real reason anyone comes to Dinosaur is because it's known as the "Gateway to Dinosaur National Monument"! And, for all you outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts, I believe Dinosaur NM is a place you need to check off your To-Do List.
The Town of Dinosaur is located in the northwest corner of Colorado, right on the border with Utah. In fact, if you explore the National Monument, you will step foot in both Colorado and Utah within minutes of each other.
Also, just to be a little more exact, this section of Dinosaur NM is host to the scenic Canyon Area, whereas the 2nd part to Dinosaur NM is situated 20 miles northwest of here in the town of Jensen, Utah.
And, over in Jensen, Utah, it features the Fossil Bone Quarry area of Dinosaur, NM.
Overall, I much more appreciated being in this part of Dinosaur NM, while Jensen was a touristy and populated town.
Here in this Colorado part, it was so remote, primitive and off the beaten path, I was in awe of the seclusion. It's my ideal setting.
Let me get to the details about this, Town of Dinosaur!
First off....the surroundings. It's very desert-like and barren here. There's nothing but flat land, kind of a mix of discolored shrubbery and wilted grass. I think that's what gives this place its personality. It's not exactly the "old west" like you'd find maybe deep in the heart of Texas, but, you have to respect the environment and embrace the simplicity for the way of life.
Now...it is just 2.5 miles distance between town and the entrance to Dinosaur NM.
The town consists of a 4-corner intersection. That's it!
In one direction you have Highway 40 traveling east and west. Or...there's Stegosaurus Freeway 64 taking you south down to Rangely, Colorado. What a great name, Stegosaurus!
There's a Colorado Welcome Center here, along with a Post Office and 2 primary gas stations...a Loaf 'N Jug (where I grabbed my meals from) and a Conoco.
Interestingly, and I guess because it's legal here in Colorado, there's a Rocky Mountain Cannabis Dispensary as well.
I pulled up the app - Campendium - on my phone and found a terrific campsite for spending 2 evenings. It's called Long's Hideout RV Park and Services, located 7/10th's of a mile from the Intersection.
You just show up and check-in with the owner. He's friendly and they have full AMP power hookups including restrooms and showers. They are open year round. It's only $28 per night or they offer a week stay at $165.
Almost forgot...there is fine cell phone reception, so you can have access to the outside world, lol.
Getting back to the heart of downtown Dinosaur, there could have been a restaurant to eat at, but I simply went into the Loaf N Jug Gas Station every day and purchased my meals. I don't need anything fancy, just the basic necessities, lol.
In the mornings I bought a breakfast sandwich, hot chocolate and some snacks and drinks for my explorations inside Dinosaur NM.
When I returned at the end of the day, they had slices of pizza and chicken tenders in the warmer. Or, they had pre-made cold-cut sandwiches and grocery items. You could purchase hamburgers and hotdogs for grilling. I just repeated my routine at Loaf 'N Jug for 2 consecutive days.
Lastly, I'd like to mention the sunsets. They were memorable. With the sun going down around 6pm each evening, and without disruptions...the sky colorfully opened up and made for quality moments to appreciate being in the great outdoors.
The Town of Dinosaur, Colorado brings you back to the olden days. There's nothing fancy whatsoever about it. Best of all, it helps you realize that getting off the grid (which is hard to do these days) can turn into a rewarding experience.
