A small town in Ashley Valley known for dinosaur fossils
Nicknamed “Dinosaurland,” Vernal’s iconic sign is held by Dinah, a 40-foot-tall pink dinosaur statue. The city’s claim to fame dates back to 150 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed across eastern Utah. Many fossils are displayed at the nearby Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah Field House of Natural History. In the high desert of the Colorado Plateau, the town has an Old West atmosphere emphasized by rodeos and Main Street retail. “Vernal has lots of shopping and a small-town feel. I think it’s more of a rural area,” says Realtor Janice Sharp, who works with Realty ONE Group Signature and has about two decades of experience in the area. The city of approximately 11,000 is the largest in Uintah County, secluded from any metropolitan areas.
Dinah the pink dinosaur welcomes visitors and residents alike into Vernal.
Vernal's downtown offers a plethora of shopping options.
1/2
Dinosaur National Monument, Steinaker State Park and more recreation
Dinosaur National Monument, about 20 miles east of Vernal, features petroglyphs and hiking trails through the mountains. “A lot of people go there. It has the bones display, so you can walk through and see where the dinosaurs have been and where they uncovered the bones,” Sharp says. On the northern outskirts of Vernal, Steinaker State Park is centered around a reservoir, where visitors can go boating and swimming at a beach. “It's a nice reservoir; you can paddleboard, kayak and go fishing. The scenery is pretty, and it's really accessible,” Sharp says. In northern Vernal, Ashley Valley Community Park is the city’s most popular municipal park, offering picnic pavilions, playgrounds and walking paths.
Petroglyphs of ancient life can be seen at the Dinosaur National Monument outside of Vernal.
Vernal locals can fish at the nearby Steinaker State Park.
1/2
Attractions, including the Utah Field House of Natural History
The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, located in the heart of Vernal, is the city’s biggest attraction. It has dinosaur fossils from the region, plus an outdoor garden with dino models. Just down the street, the Uintah County Heritage Museum displays local history exhibits, complete with artifacts from cowboys and Native Americans. At the Uintah County Western Park, centrally located in the community, there are rodeos, car derbies and plays performed by the Outlaw Trail Theater.
Many local events are held at the Uintah County Western Park in Vernal.
The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal is popular for families.
1/2
Bungalows, ranch-style homes and new construction in Vernal
Central Vernal is composed of grid-style blocks of bungalows and farmhouses dating back to the 1920s. Vernal then expands into loose blocks of midcentury ranch-style homes and split-levels, while the edges of the city have subdivisions of contemporary architecture, including new construction. The median sales price in Vernal is $320,000. Homes in the area stay on the market for 132 days on average, compared to the national average of 45 days.
Ranch-style homes in Vernal tend to share the streets with split-levels.
New, larger homes sit in contemporary subdivisions in Vernal.
1/2
Local retail and entertainment on Main Street
Main Street runs through the center of the city, offering a handful of walkable blocks lined with local businesses. The shops include galleries, gift shops and a game store. The restaurants range widely, with everything from American diners to Thai food. “A lot of them are favorites. There are some really good Mexican homecooked meals there,” Sharp says. Some businesses lean into the Old West theme, including Ashley Trading Post and Gateway Saloon & Cafe. Main Street even has entertainment options, from bowling at Dinoland Bowl to watching musicals at Vernal Theatre: LIVE. There are a few strip malls along U.S. Highway 40, including Vernal Towne Center, which offers grocery shopping, fast-food chains and big box stores.
Gateway Saloon and Cafe brings bar bites and recurring themed events to Vernal.
Vernal's colorful downtown is dotted with dinosaur imagery.
1/2
Uintah School District
On Niche, the Uintah School District has a B-minus rating. The district also has B-plus ratings for clubs and diversity. With approximately 7,000 students, the district has a student-teacher ratio of 26-to-1. For higher education, Utah State University Uintah Basin has a campus in Vernal.
Uintah High School is rated C+ on Niche.
Utah State University Uintah Basin's Vernal campus operates within the city.
1/2
A 170-mile drive to Salt Lake City and more logistics
Vernal, the biggest city in the county, provides work opportunities for its residents. “We have lots of oil, so there are a lot of jobs here,” Sharp says. Some local oil companies include Andeavor Logisitics and Extreme Wireline, Inc. Via U.S. Highway 40, the city is about 170 miles from Salt Lake City. For a nearby hospital, there’s the Ashley Regional Medical Center located in Vernal. The also town has the Vernal Regional Airport for farther travels. However, the Salt Lake City International Airport has more destinations and is about 180 miles away.
The Vernal Police Department and the city's climate
Currently, there is no crime rate data for Vernal, Utah. The city is served by the Vernal Police Department.
The city experiences all four seasons, from warm summers to cold and snowy winters. It has major wildfire risk because it’s next to undeveloped wilderness areas, but Vernal’s Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan has ways to mitigate the risks.
Photography Contributed By
GL Moses
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Tarma-Arrascue,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Well-maintained single-level home located in the desirable Mayfair Meadows subdivision. Built in 2014, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath rambler offers an open-concept layout with a spacious living area, upgraded pantry, and comfortable flow for everyday living. Situated on a generous 0.28-acre lot, the property features a fully fenced backyard, mature landscaping, and a 2-car attached garage with
Unlock the potential of this 20-acre parcel located at the gateway to Vernal's rapidly growing West Corridor. Boasting exceptional visibility, this location is ideal for developers and investors seeking the perfect site for high-density residential housing or a mixed-use community. Exceptionally located on a major arterial route into Vernal easy access & strong exposure. This site is perfectly
This stunning home is filled with too many upgrades to list and features a magnificent open layout perfect for modern living. The primary bedroom is conveniently located on the main floor and includes all the amenities you could wish for. Enjoy the spacious bonus rooms above the garage, complete with its own A/C and furnace for year-round comfort. Step outside to a fully fenced and landscaped
Charming 2-story townhouse offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of Vernal. Boasting 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home is designed with a functional layout that maximizes its 1,538 square feet. Stress-free living!
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
Excellent building lot with plenty of land for home, livestock, outbuildings, shops, etc. Culinary water connection available through Ashley Valley Water. Land is currently on Greenbelt. Additional land available. Information provided as a courtesy. Buyers to complete their Due Diligence.
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
With plenty of room for family, hobbies, and projects, this home is full of possibilities for those ready to create a space that truly fits their lifestyle. Inside, you'll find generously sized bedrooms and functional living areas that provide flexibility for whatever your needs may be. The large lot gives you space for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or future expansions, making this a property
Excellent building lot with plenty of land for home, livestock, outbuildings, shops, etc. Culinary water connection available through Ashley Valley Water. Land is currently on Greenbelt. Additional land available. Information provided as a courtesy. Buyers to complete their Due Diligence.
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
We're thrilled to share this amazing opportunity with you! 1.1 Acres of prime land with water and sewer available at the road, mountain, and valley views! Allow your dream homes to come seamlessly to life by using these approximate measurements for a sizeable 60x40 home. To ensure everything aligns with your vision for your custom home, we encourage the buyer to verify all information. Make your
Excellent building lot with plenty of land for home, livestock, outbuildings, shops, etc. Culinary water connection available through Ashley Valley Water. Land is currently on Greenbelt. Information provided as a courtesy. Buyers to complete their Due Diligence.
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
Excellent building lot with plenty of land for home, livestock, outbuildings, shops, etc. Culinary water connection available through Ashley Valley Water. Land is currently on Greenbelt. Additional land available. Information provided as a courtesy. Buyers to complete their Due Diligence.
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
Unlock the potential of this highly desirable commercial land offering outstanding highway frontage and unmatched visibility. Strategically positioned in a high-traffic corridor, this property sees a steady and growing daily traffic count, making it an ideal location for a wide range of commercial developments. Whether you're looking to build a retail center, office complex, restaurant, service
Excellent building lot with plenty of land for home, livestock, outbuildings, shops, etc. Culinary water connection available through Ashley Valley Water. Land is currently on Greenbelt. Additional acreage available. Information provided as a courtesy. Buyers to complete their Due Diligence.
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
Unlock the potential of this expansive 38-acre parcel ideally located on the highly visible west end of Vernal. Zoned for potential R2 housing, this property offers an incredible investment and development opportunity in one of the area's most sought-after locations. With excellent visibility and convenient access to major routes, this land is perfectly positioned for a residential development,
Beautiful new-construction DUPLEX .located in Vernal, Utah. Each unit is a 3-bed, 2-bath, 2-story home with 3160 sq.ft. of space, featuring a main-level primary suite, 9' ceilings, granite countertops, LVP flooring, and custom cabinets and trim. Modern Whirlpool Appliances. Open architecture with Kitchen Living and DiningThe open layout brings in great natural light and modern finishes
Duplex for Rent in Vernal, Utah This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit is part of a duplex. Property Features: Recently updated interior Carpeted bedrooms for comfort Laminate flooring in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and hallway Washer and electric dryer hookups (appliances not included) Parking: dedicated spaces on the side plus additional off-street parking Pet-friendly (with pet
Property Id: 2362362Townhouse for rent available February 5th . Minimum 1 Year Lease . Every tenant 17 and older must successfully pass a background check. First Month Rent and Deposit to move in .
Beautiful new-construction DUPLEX .located in Vernal, Utah. Each unit is a 3-bed, 2-bath, 2-story home with 3160 sq.ft. of space, featuring a main-level primary suite, 9' ceilings, granite countertops, LVP flooring, and custom cabinets and trim. Modern Whirlpool Appliances. Open architecture with Kitchen Living and DiningThe open layout brings in great natural light and modern finishes
Only trust correspondence from Tanner Hone3 Beds 2 Baths - House2066 S 150 W, Vernal, UT 84078-4781, United StatesThis property has an open floor plan, making the home feel very comfortable. Oversized living room, kitchen, and master bath make this property even more attractive. This is a corner lot property making for more frontage than most properties. The front yard is
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
