1-Day Jensen Itinerary

When is your trip?

–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025

Jensen in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Jensen, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.

Jensen is the Utah gateway to Dinosaur National Monument, where you can see hundreds of exposed dinosaur fossils at the Quarry Exhibit Hall and explore dramatic canyons carved by the Green and Yampa rivers. The area offers hiking, scenic drives, and river rafting amid colorful sandstone cliffs and wide-open high-desert landscapes. Nearby Vernal adds museums, lodging, and dining, making Jensen a convenient base for exploring this fossil-rich and geologically striking corner of northeastern Utah.

With favorites like Box Canyon, Dinosaur National Monument, and Desert Voices Trail, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees.0 To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.

Visiting Jensen? See our Jensen Trip Planner.

Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more

What users say about the app

Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.

Julie G.

Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!

Jen S.

Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!

Brad C.

This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!

Amanda W.

Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.

Garrett V.

This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.

Chris C.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Jensen in 1 day
1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary

With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Dinosaur National Monument and Josie Morris Cabin with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Jensen without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 11 hours of your day.

Dinosaur National Monument

4.8

(3756)

•

4.6

(987)

National reserve

Nature & Parks

Park

National Parks

Dinosaur National Monument, straddling the Utah-Colorado state line, is a vast park known for its dinosaur fossils and outdoor activities. The park features one of North America's largest dinosaur fossil beds, with over 1600 bones protruding from an enclosed rock wall at the Quarry Exhibit. Visitors can enjoy rafting, hiking trails, campsites, and sweeping vistas that span two states and offer a mix of historical and geographic sites.

Unbelievable! The Dinosaur Wall at the Quarry was one of the most awe-inspiring monuments I’ve ever seen. The trail to the quarry was mediocre at best. It’s great if you don’t want to wait for the shuttle but don’t expect to see too much. Both the Colorado side and Utah side are worth visiting!

Karson W — Google review

What an unexpected surprise! We went to both visitor centers and met very nice and helpful rangers. On the second day we decided to drive the Echo park rd and Yampa Bench rd. (The drive is over 40 miles) We have a jeep wrangler which is well suited for this drive. The overlooks are outstanding! I mean WOW! Don't overlook this National Monument!

Carolyn C — Google review

Pretty amazing place to visit and view all the fossils in the hillside. You are able to touch and learn. To see the detail of the bones are pretty amazing. We visited on a Sunday in early April and had the place to ourselves. Well worth the visit.

Ron N — Google review

Well is a Nice Park but the Quarry Hall is Close in High Season. The Walk is very long to see only mountains and 2 or 3 fossils pieces in the Morrison Formation. The Visitor Center is Very nice.

MSGT R — Google review

Great exhibit about dinosaurs, excavation, and preservation of the bones. The hike back from the Dinosaur Quarry to the Visitor Center was well worth it. We saw the rock formations up close. The sun beats down on you so bring a hat, sunglasses, and water. Beautiful park with camping and boat access.

Cheryl E — Google review

Very fun place. The Colorado side and Utah side are both destinations of their own. At only 30 or so miles apart visit both if you can.

Michael S — Google review

What an amazing park! We loved bringing our family here for a long weekend. The kids did the Junior Ranger program and loved looking out for stuff and doing the assignments in the booklet. We took the free tram from the Visitor Center to the Quarry Wall, which was the coolest thing to see. The rangers everywhere so helpful and attentive. We also went to Split Mountain and the pull off of the petroglyphs/pictographs. Both were so neat to see. We found a place to have lunch in one of the converted picnic areas.

Winter R — Google review

I had no idea how massive this area is spanning Utah and Colorado! We started at the quarry on the Utah side where there’s a massive wall of fossils still embedded in the rock! After we drove around to some petroglyph sites and then over to the Colorado side where we enjoyed the scenery and did a fun hike!

Texy R — Google review

Utah, USA•https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm•(435) 781-7700•Tips and more reviews for Dinosaur National Monument

2 hr · 29.9 mi

Josie Morris Cabin

4.8

(361)

•

4.2

(63)

Historical place

Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

Josie Morris Cabin is a well-preserved historic site located in a beautiful grove of trees. Visitors can enjoy the stunning warm shades of golden yellow leaves during the Fall season, making it the best time to visit. The cabin itself offers a glimpse into history, and there are lovely walks around the area, including a walk up Box Canyon that shouldn't be missed. The drive up to the cabin provides fantastic views and an opportunity to see petroglyphs along the way.

So neat the park honored this cool story of Josie. The homesteaders had to be tough as diamonds out here. Lovely spot for a picnic!

B H — Google review

At the end of the road - 10 miles from visitor center. Restored cabin from a woman who lived in this remote area from around 1915 through age 90 in 1964. Can go inside. There are 2 short canyon hikes nearby. The shorter one is about 0.6 miles round trip - Box Canyon. Hog Canyon is over twice the length. Can picnic here.

Dave C — Google review

In July 2025, we visited the Josie Morris Cabin, which is part of the Dinosaur National Monument, near Vernal, Utah. This was an amazing cabin, as Josie Morris lived in solitude for about 50 years until her death in 1964. It is understandable why Josie Morris lived here for so long in solitude, as the surrounding mountain scenery is rugged and beautiful. We enjoyed the splendid mountain scenery while driving to and from the Josie Morris Cabin. Likewise, we also enjoyed hiking on the nearby trail to the Jossie Morris Cabin. Visiting the Josie Morris Cabin and Dinosaur National Monument were both highly memorable and enjoyable experiences. We highly recommend visiting both places.

John C — Google review

This place is filled with empowerment. It is absolutely inspiring to see how Josie started a life by herself at age 40 in this incredible canyon. Her ingenuity and fortitude can be seen everywhere on the property.

Liz T — Google review

It's a cute spot to stop and do a read on some fun history. Also a great stop for a afternoon picnic, they have tables. I wouldnt go out of my way to stop, butnwhile you are in the area it's a fun history spot and the house is well kept so you can walk inside and see the size. Crazy to think someone lived in it less than a 100 years ago.

Sabria G — Google review

Fascinating piece of history. Josie, divorced with 2 grown kids, moved out here, quite far from civilization and lived here for 50 years

Dave B — Google review

There is couple structures one is big main house and other one is looks like for animal on the left in trees. Drive time to Josie Cabin is about 25-20 min, the road is asphalt and other part gravel cabin is locked and any openings to the house is blocked so you can’t enter into the house.

Rolen M — Google review

It's a decent drive but there are restrooms and picnic tables. Loved seeing the cabin and reading the story but we really liked the little hike behind the restrooms

D L — Google review

Jensen, UT 84035, USA•http://www.nps.gov/dino/historyculture/josie-morris-cabin.htm•Tips and more reviews for Josie Morris Cabin

Need a place to stay?

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers

5 min · 0.26 mi

Box Canyon

4.7

(12)

•

5.0

(2)

Hiking area

Box Canyon, located within Dinosaur National Monument, does not permit dogs and requires an entrance fee. This scenic area offers a picturesque 0.5-mile hike to and from the canyon base. A restroom facility is conveniently situated at the trailhead, while the path itself sees frequent usage. Adjacent to another canyon trail, Box Canyon boasts both natural beauty and historical significance. The hike is brief yet enjoyable, with the entire route shrouded in shade and mostly composed of soft sand terrain.

What a fun little walk. Too short for me to feel good calling it a "hike". Our 6 and 3 year old had no problem with this trail. At the beginning, however, be careful and aware of tree roots and "stairs" probably put in by the park to help you. The majority of the trail is soft sand. Take the time to marvel at the beautiful canyon walls. Some that look like swiss cheese, some that resemble arches like you might find more enlarged down at Arches National Park (just a bit further south). Listen to your echo as you realize how smart Josie Morris was to keep her horses back here. Not only for shade, but also for things for them to graze on. When you get to the enlarged opening where you can do a 360 degree circle, you truly feel like you're in a part of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" hiding out from the law for a bit. It is said that Josie could have helped hide Butch a time or two, but I don't remember seeing anything definitive about that.

Karen D — Google review

Nice short trail - about 0.6 miles round trip for those looking to be in a canyon without a strenuous hike. Small parking area at end of 10-mile drive from the visitor center.

Dave C — Google review

Not dog friendly. This is a part of Dinosaur National Monument, so there is a fee to enter the area. Beautiful short (0.5 miles) hike to the base of the canyon and back. A bathroom is available at the start of the trail. The trail is well used. There is another canyon trail right next to this one. Beautiful and historic area!

Stormy C — Google review

Very short hike 0.5 mile round trip. All in the shade. Path is mostly a very soft sand.

C E — Google review

The box canyon trail is "very easy". Anyone can walk even a child. Take this little hike and enjoy the scenery. If you are visiting the cabin, then please take this hike, observe the rocks closely, enjoy the nature, and trees. Its really worth your time.

Tanvir H — Google review

Desert box canyon that ends with a lot of boulders. Easy 0.5 mile and no poison ivy, but not as scenic as hog canyon.

Andrea L — Google review

Such a beautiful and serene place.

Keith T — Google review

Jensen, UT 84035, USA•Tips and more reviews for Box Canyon

17 min · 1.8 mi

Cub Creek Petroglyphs

4.5

(26)

Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Cub Creek Petroglyphs are a collection of ancient rock carvings located in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. These petroglyphs, created by Native American tribes, depict various symbols, animals, and human figures. The site is a significant cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual expressions of the region's early inhabitants. Accessible via hiking trails, the Cub Creek Petroglyphs provide an opportunity for exploration and discovery amidst stunning natural surroundings.

Jensen, UT 84035, USA•Tips and more reviews for Cub Creek Petroglyphs

1 hr 27 min · 30.6 mi

McKee Springs Petroglyphs

4.9

(38)

•

4.7

(31)

Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

There is a spring that runs across the road on the way to this site that can get deep ruts. These petroglyphs are incredible. Do not touch or damage petroglyphs!

Stormy C — Google review

These are very special places that connect us to the ancient past of men that lived here before Christopher Columbus arrived in America.I look at these petroglyphs and who knows how old they are.Some of them maybe only couple of hundred years old or they may be older,it's hard to tell,they surely are very interesting.

Steve K — Google review

This site is east of Vernal, Utah, (another location with two petroglyph sites nearby)on the north side of Dinosaur National Park. If you’re there in the summer, try to go either late or early in the morning. I went during the middle of the day in July. It was pretty hot, so make sure you have your sun protection and water.

Harry E — Google review

Such a cool piece of history to see, worth the detour in our trip. If you scared of heights though this might be a little intense to do alone. Luckily my husband helped me get up there to see them!

Jessie J — Google review

Awesome petroglyphs! It was fun to have a guide describe all the different potential meanings. Even the kids got into it. If you are in the area go early before it gets too hot, and bring water. I don't understand why someone would shoot these icons of history, or try to mark over them. Come on!

Wade B — Google review

Fantastic petroglyphs. The walk up to the cliffs, from the parking & trail head is easy to see and not too far, but it is steep and rocky. The road to get there is long and almost all dirt, much of it washboard. As I was driving out there (in regular 2WD), I started to think it was never going to end. But totally worth it when you get there.

Anna C — Google review

The road to this place is dirt/gravel. My 2x4 truck made it on a dry day. I would not attempt it in a Prius though, unless you feel lucky. About 10 miles from the end of the pavement on the right. Blink and you miss it. Watch for the brown sign.

Alex S — Google review

Very nice petroglyphs and beautiful drive. Some rough dirt roads but all kinds make the trip, we even saw a guy pulling a small camper.

Steven E — Google review

Jensen, UT 84035, USA•https://www.nps.gov/dino/learn/historyculture/viewing-petroglyph…•Tips and more reviews for McKee Springs Petroglyphs

1 hr 22 min · 26.2 mi

Desert Voices Trail

5.0

(5)

•

5.0

(2)

Hiking area

The Desert Voices Trail offers a serene and stunning trek that showcases the geological wonders of Dinosaur National Monument. This captivating hike provides informative signage suitable for both children and adults, as well as gentle inclines that make it accessible to all. The trail's picturesque rock formations add to its allure, creating a peaceful atmosphere throughout.

Amazing hiking loop that goes through this monument. Many signs on this trail. Many photo opportunities. The trail can be difficult for some hikers but it is easy to do it slowly if you have the time. Just a typical desert hike through ups and downs surrounded by cliffs and valleys. Many ways to see the Utah side. I do wish that there were more trails because this area has room for more. Also there is a slick scramble that could be very dangerous for many people. Be careful at this point it can be confusing where the trail is. This trail connects to Sound of Silence trail.

Tucker L — Google review

Peaceful and beautiful hike that highlights the geology of dinosaur national monument

Paul P — Google review

Great signs for kids and adults, modest hill climbing, scenic rock formations.

Megan S — Google review

Desert Voices Nature Trail, Jensen, UT 84035, USA•Tips and more reviews for Desert Voices Trail

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Popular road trips from Jensen

Slide 1 of 1

Jensen to

Moab

What's the weather like in Jensen?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Jensen for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.