175 miles E of Salt Lake City
A perfect base for exploring Dinosaur National Monument -- just 20 miles from town -- and Ashley National Forest, Vernal (at 5,280 ft. in elevation) is the largest community in the region. You'll find all the services you might need, as well as a few attractions that serve as a good introduction to the compelling geologic and natural history of the area. It's also emerging as a mountain-biking destination for those who have ridden southern Utah's slickrock and are looking for new terrain to pedal.