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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Exceptional commercial land located adjacent to the Naples City Fire Department with paved road access and outstanding visibility in one of the area's most strategic growth corridors. Conveniently positioned just minutes from Hwy 40, this property offers easy access for customers, employees, and future development opportunities. This versatile parcel presents endless potential for commercial,
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)
This beautifully updated tri-level home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and functionality. Situated on a fully usable 1-acre lot, the property features a finished 3-car garage, ample RV parking with electrical hookup, and plenty of room for all your toys and outdoor activities. Enjoy lower-cost landscape irrigation with your own private water well dedicated to outdoor watering. The
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)
A Split Entry Home where quality and value meet. This stunning 5-bedroom home offers 2592 sq.ft. of comfort and space, perfect for growing families or those who need extra room. Two dens can easily serve as bedrooms or offices, providing flexibility and versatility. The beautifully landscaped lot is fenced and features mature trees, raised gardens, an outdoor shed for storage, and plenty of space
Investor Opportunity! This well-maintained townhome comes with a lease already in place through February 2027, providing immediate rental income from day one. With no HOA, this property offers greater flexibility and lower ownership costs, making it an excellent addition to any investment portfolio. The home was refreshed with new paint and flooring prior to the current tenant's occupancy and has
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)
Completely remodeled home featuring two brand-new kitchens, including a fully equipped mother-in-law suite/ADU apartment in the basement. Ideal for multi-generational living, guests, or potential rental income. Square footage figures are provided as a courtesy estimate only and were obtained from Uintah County . Buyer is advised to obtain an independent measurement.
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)
Charming Brick Rambler with Extra Acreage! Nestled at the end of a quiet dead-end street, this well-maintained brick home offers privacy, comfort, and room to grow. Featuring a rambler-style floor plan with a walkout basement, the home provides ample living space both inside and out. The beautifully landscaped yard is equipped with a sprinkler system connected to a private water well, helping
Price Reduced! You may enjoy peace of mind in this 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring a low-maintenance brick exterior. This property has a brand-new roof and furnace for ultimate efficiency and comfort. Inside, you'll find fresh paint throughout many of the rooms, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Also enjoy a large backyard complete with custom stone pavers, perfect for summer BBQs and
Evelyn Grammer
Coldwell Banker Farm and Home Realty, Inc (Vernal Branch)
FULLY FURNISED, RENT BY THE WEEK! $825/wk - $3300/mo or $2400/mo for yearly lease.Newly remodeled 3 bedroom 1 bath fully furnished or unfurnished apartments. Amenities include central air, washer/ dryer, full kitchen, Queen bed in each bedroom. All utilities are included including WIFI with weekly furnished or monthly furnished. Yearly, you pay electric, gas and internet.Or if
Property Id: 23697This 3,500 square foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is located on two irrigated acres, featuring a greenhouse, fruit orchard, horse stalls, pasture, chicken coop, and goat pen. Nestled in the back of the Esquires Estates subdivision, it offers privacy with no neighbors behind and stunning afternoon views of the greenhouse and orchard. The home boasts two gas
Real Property Management Uintah welcomes our cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located in the charming city of Vernal. Situated in a convenient location. With a laundry room facility on-site, you can say goodbye to those tedious trips to the laundromat. The shared fenced-in backyard is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the sunshine. This apartment is MOVE IN READY, allowing you
Welcome home! Don't miss out on this cute 2 bed 2 Bath in Vernal! Fully remodeled This end unit townhome offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.Attached garage. New LVP flooring, Carpet, Stainless Steel appliance package Monthly Fees:$1,400 Rent$13.50 Liability to Landlord InsuranceOne Time Fees:$50 Application Fee Per Person 18+$250 One Time Lease Fee$1,400
Real Property Management Uintah is introducing our spacious 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom Home located in Vernal, UT. This home features a 2-car garage, perfect for keeping your vehicles safe and secure. Enjoy the convenience of a sprinkler system to keep your lawn looking lush and green. With washer & dryer hookups included, laundry day will be a breeze. Stay comfortable year-round with central heat &
Real Property Management Uintah Welcome to the Cute 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartment, located in Vernal, UT. This apartment offers a cozy and comfortable living space, perfect for those seeking a simple yet fulfilling lifestyle. The apartment features one spacious bedroom and a full bathroom, providing ample space for your personal comfort. The apartment is also small pet-friendly, making it an ideal
2 Bed 2 Bath Apartment in the centrally located city of Vernal, UT. This freshly remodeled apartment offers new LPV flooring with stainless steel fridge, & stainless-steel microwave, a laundry room closet with washer and dryer hook ups. One of the highlights of this apartment is the balcony and it provides a great view. Please contact us today to schedule a tour and see for yourself the endless
Real Property Management Uintah welcomes our cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located in the charming city of Vernal. Situated in a convenient location. With a laundry room facility on-site, you can say goodbye to those tedious trips to the laundromat. The shared fenced-in backyard is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the sunshine. This apartment is almost move-in ready,
2 Bed 2 Bath Apartment in the centrally located city of Vernal, UT. This freshly remodeled apartment offers new LPV flooring with stainless steel fridge, a laundry room closet with washer and dryer hook ups. One of the highlights of this apartment is the balcony and it provides a great view. Please contact us today to schedule a tour and see for yourself the endless possibilities this apartment
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