The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is one of the world's foremost dinosaur fossil sources. More than 12,000 bones from at least 70 different prehistoric animals have come from this prolific fossil bed, and it is likely that numerous full skeletons have been excavated at this site. The bones from the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry are displayed at museums around the world, and it is the densest concentration of Jurassic-era dinosaur bones ever found. Located near Cleveland, UT, the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is part of the Morrison Formation. The Morrison Formation is a distinctive section of Upper Jurassic sedimentary rock located in the western part of the United States. More than 15,000 total bones from the Jurassic period have been excavated here, and it is estimated that thousands more are waiting to be found. There are no campsites located at the quarry itself, but there are plenty of RV and primitive camping sites in the area.
Cleveland Rock Walk is a popular, kid-friendly trail that is great for birding, hiking, and walking. The primary reason to hike this trail, however, is because it is a part of the Jurassic National Monument and the home of an excavation site full of Jurassic-period dinosaur bones. This trail loops around numerous points of interest as it goes right by the quarry and past some of the places where dinosaur bones were embedded. Length: 1.6 miles Intensity: Intermediate
You can either combine Raptor Point and Rim Walk into one 2.9-mile hike, or you can just hike Raptor Point for a shorter experience. Raptor Point leads to a spot overlooking the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, and the view is amazing. You get a Birdseye view of the entire compound below, which gives you a different perspective of the size and scope of the park. Length: 1.25 miles Intensity: Moderate
Rim Walk takes you a little farther than Raptor Point as you walk around the rim of the quarry overlook. From the rim, you get great views of the colorful geology for which the area is known. You can really see the "Jurassic Morrison Formation," which is a geologic phenomenon leftover from the Jurassic Period. It is in these formations where dinosaur hunters have found numerous fossils, the remnants of which can still be seen during your Rim Walk hike. Length: 2.9 miles Intensity: Moderate
While the majority of people visit the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry for the dinosaurs, there is some wildlife viewing to do there as well. Bird watching in the desert environment allows visitors to see species of birds that are less common outside of the desert.
No food is sold at the site, and there is no potable water available, so make sure to bring what you need, especially if you visit in the heat of summer in Utah. There are numerous picnic tables throughout the area that allow you to sit and eat a meal in the middle of an area rich in geologic wonders and history.
If you are a dinosaur lover, the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is an incredible place to visit. Not only can you be in the center of one of the best excavation sites for dinosaur bones in the world, but you can also see some of the remnants of those bones embedded in the areas surrounding the visitor center. The visitor center itself, renovated in 2006, is a great place to visit as well as to learn more about the site's history. When you visit the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, you will find more than 2,000 square feet of displays and exhibits that teach you about the discoveries made and the data collected at the site. There are also replica skulls of fossils found at the site, an interactive fossil preparation table, and an allosaur skeleton mount.
While there are no RV camping sites at this location, there are two within 20 miles of the site and many more within an hour's drive. One is Blue Cut RV Park, about 20 miles away in Helper, UT, with 30 full hookup RV sites and other historical sites close by.
Because the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is still an active dig site, there is also no free camping in this BLM park. While there are RV parks within 20 miles of the site, there are multiple primitive and free camping sites within 10 miles and numerous campsites that are within easy driving distance from the quarry.
The Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is located in dry, desert land in Utah and rests about 6,000 feet above sea level. Because of this, it is important to bring water, sunscreen, a sun-shielding hat, hiking boots, and other desert apparel to ensure you are comfortable and cool while exploring the quarry. In the summer, you can expect temperatures from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This area of Utah is fairly remote, so it is also important to remember that access to gas stations, restaurants, hospitals, and mechanics may be limited. Animals are not allowed in the quarry either. Camping on BLM land can be an exciting adventure as long as you're prepared. If you're looking for more information before you jump in your RV, check out our blog for more insider knowledge about BLM camping.
The Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is still an active dig site, and many believe there to be thousands of dinosaur bones and artifacts just waiting to be uncovered. It is vital for guests to clean up after themselves when visiting a site like this one. Thousands of people visit every year, and part of the allure of this site is its cleanliness, so visitors are asked to pack up their trash and dispose of their waste properly while "Leaving No Trace" of their visit.
The quarry is located about 30 miles south of Price, UT. You will find a turnoff for Cleveland about 12 miles south of Price on UT 10, and there are numerous signs to follow along the way, many containing a picture of an allosaur. Once you turn off UT 10 onto West Cleveland Road, you will travel approximately 13 miles on gravel roads. Address: 125 S. 600 W. Price, UT, 84501 Ready to visit Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
