Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Maturin-DiDomizio.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After graduating Penn State with a degree in Meteorology, my career led me to live in multiple states across the country. Having little to no knowledge about these new places ignited an interest to explore what was unknown to me. From the mountains and dense forests of New York and New Jersey, to the beach cliffs and towering redwoods of California, hiking started to become a true hobby.
Being transferred to Utah about a decade ago was the best outcome of my young career. I spent 1000s of hours hiking across every crevice of the state. It has now gone from a hobby to an obsession.
Due to the absurd beauty of Utah, Meteorology was starting to become one part of this educational and liberating journey. Over the last few years, I began to dig a hole into the world of geology and ecology, especially once I called Vernal my home. I spent countless hours studying the unique geological phenomena outside this quaint town. Since Meteorologists have very odd work schedules, I had no choice but to continue solo hiking into my mid-30s.
Fast forward to March 2026 and a spark ignited. What if I started a tour guide business to uncover the mysteries of Northeastern Utah to others?
This is when Dinoland Discovery Tours, LLC was born. After obtaining all legal documentation and permits, I officially opened my business this past August 2026.
At this time, guided tours are provided at three trails; Moonshine Arch, Battleship Loop and Dinosaur Trackways.
These interactive and educational guided tours are meant to be family and dog friendly, with snacks and waters provided! The purpose of this business is to teach trail etiquette, survival skills and the most important fact, having fun.
My goal in 2027 is to expand the offered trail systems, with hopes to receive grants to purchase a passenger vehicle that can allow pick-up and drop-off services. This is most important to me because I would love to do scenic tours too! That would also allow those with disabilities to experience nature that may not be able to hike.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has not been as easy as I assumed it would be. To become a legal guide, you need CPR certification. Living in a small town, they did not have the availability to provide this unless I wait 4 weeks. I had to drive 3hrs to Salt Lake City in a spring snow storm, take the course, then drive back the 3hrs. It was a scary and dangerous drive that day.
Other obstacles that were rough was obtaining permits for commerical services on federal land. This process took more than 8 weeks to officially obtain, which resulted in missing spring and first half of summer tourism spikes. Once I was able to get all legal documentation to launch, it was now full-blown summer with 100F temps. This isn’t ideal for customers in the desert. This became a slow start to the business so I focused mostly on operational planning and marketing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Dinoland Discovery Tours, LLC is the only hiking tour guide service in Northeast Utah.
As of 2026, we provide 3 stellar tour guide services just 10 minutes outside Vernal. These are not just hikes, but interactive and educational. As we time travel through geologic time, I pull the hikers into a reality of what the climate and landscape looked like as we move through different rock layers. I show you how arches are made in real time using the same sand from 200+ million years ago. One of the trails has real dinosaur track fossils! I lead the hikers to the area and let them discover the tracks.
As a perk, I provide waters and snacks plus a goodie bag to take home at the end.
I’m most proud of the branding of Dinoland as this is what makes the Vernal community proud. We are the Dinosaur Capitol of the world!
I’d love those reading this to take the time and come experience a rare phenomenon. All three hikes currently provided are unqiue in their own way.
How do you define success?
Success to me is doing something you absolutely love, where happiness comes first and money comes second.
Pricing:
- Moonshine Arch – From $100
- Dinosaur Trackways – From $120
- Battleship Loop – From $140
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dinolandtours.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dinolandtours
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Py2TSRrgM/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dinolandtours?si=T73nDACR2dX9E9KS
