UTAH — A recent parking lot construction project at Dinosaur National Monument revealed previously uncovered dinosaur fossils near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, marking the first fossil excavations at this location since 1924.
The new fossils were identified by park staff last September after asphalt removal exposed a portion of the dinosaur-bearing sandstone. Following the discovery, the construction project was paused and paleontologists were brought in to assess and excavate the fossils. The fossils belong to a large, long-necked dinosaur, most likely Diplodocus, which is common in this bonebed. Park staff, a Utah Conservation Corps crew, volunteers and on-site construction crews assisted in the fossil removal.
This location had not been excavated for fossils since the original excavations at the site ended in 1924. Historic excavations were led by the Carnegie Museum from 1909 to 1922, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1923 and the University of Utah in 1924. Dinosaur National Monument was established in 1915.
Approximately 3,000 pounds of fossils and rock were removed during the recent excavation between mid-September to mid-October. The intricate work of cleaning and studying the remains is now underway at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal, Utah. The work can be viewed in the museum’s fossil preparation lab. Fossils from the excavation are also on display at the Quarry Exhibit Hall and the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum.
The Quarry Exhibit Hall, also known as the “Wall of Bones” is the most popular area to visit in Dinosaur National Monument. The building sits over a preserved section of the historic Carnegie dinosaur fossil quarry where visitors can see approximately 1,500 dinosaur fossils still encased in the rock.
The parking lot and road improvement project were delayed but ultimately completed following the excavation. The project included extensive concrete and asphalt work and accessibility improvements around the Quarry Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
